Hi, A year ago I had a root c{*filter*}on a molar that apparently was heavily
calcified. My dentist at that time did not inform me that there was only a
70% chance of success. He stated there was a 99% chance.O.K. water under the
bridge. Now I have had two consultations with highly recommended dentists in
my area. One suggests a bridge, and the other a cutting through of the
calcification(may not be describing it well) and another root canal. The
pain is moderate so it doesn't have to be emergeancy work. Thanks for your
time and any info you may have,Patrick G.

    I presume the dentist recommending a bridge thinks the tooth should be
extracted.
    It's difficult to assess the chances for success for a tooth like this.
It's impossible to say without examining you and looking at an x-ray.
    Generally, once a root c{*filter*}fails, if the cause of the failure isn't
obvious, I've found that subsequent re-treatments are less and less likely to
solve the problem.
    Where the canals are blocked or calcified, one must be careful not to "make"
a canal, as opposed to "finding" one.  When severely calcified, often an
apicoectomy is considered.  In an apicoectomy, a cut is made in the gum
overlying the root(s) of the teeth, and the tip(s) are cut off.  Sometimes a
small filling is placed in the root end.
    A qualified endodontist (root c{*filter*}specialist) can discuss your options and
prognosis more fully.

Good luck,
Steve

--
Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS
Brooklyn, NY
718-258-5001
http://www.***.com/

In my opinion, complications with root canals are best handled by
endodontists.

SWF DDS

in the root c{*filter*}are dicey things at best. They leave little tiny tiny
tunnels for thr neural tissue to hide in. Bacteria also. Your symptoms tell
me that this is some thing that came after the root c{*filter*}was done and the
initial healing took place. You said fracture in your title but no mention of
it further. Let's assume that there is no fracture. Truly calcified canals
often have fenestrations(holes)in them. Mabey you have one of these and it's
become inflamed. There could be recuring infection in the calcified area.
 You must know that these tings in the root are three dimentional. They are
not often seen in the two dimentional Xray. The only true way for a dentist
to know is to preform endodontic surgery. Sometimes when you are sucessful in
the beginning there will be complications that arise. It sounds like your GP
did a good job. He got primary healing. He recognises the problem and has
given you referrals to in form you. Now your full of information and starting
to get confused? Don't worry just ask more specific questions. As far as
treatment options go both will work. Ask the one Doc why he want's to pull
it. The other treatment option is pretty anti climactic. For you it's just
like another root c{*filter*}in that tooth except fancier. Less painful I don't
use anesthesia for the ones I do. The only post operative problem for you is
that you may experience acute periodontal inflamation after the procedure.
This is painful but short lived and managed well with high dose NSIDS(ask
about it),and fortunately last only a short while. It is reduced by not
eating on that tooth for a few days after.
 The crown doesn't have to be replaced but a staple rather than a post in
cases of retreatment is recommended.
Clear as Mud, ask away.
Pontic

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