Question:
I had a dentist here in San Diego do a root canal on one of my top
molars. I've been in mild pain since (2 months) and last week awoke
to a blister, swollen lymph node, and ear ache. I knew it was from
this tooth. I went to get a second opinion on it and was told one of
the roots is broken. I got to see the x-ray and sure enough, the root
is broken. Not really bad, but you can see the line across the root.
What are my options at this point? I'd hate to have to get this thing
pulled and a crown put in, but that's what I was told.
Answer:
No way to give you good advice over the net with no photos or x-ray images.
Multi-rooted teeth can sometimes have one root amputated.
Some fractures can be ignored (few).
Some fractures indicate the need for extraction
If break is at the tip of the root, surgical removal of the tip is possible.
These are all hypothetical. Perhaps none of these apply to you.
Did you ever go back to the first dentist and explain your pain to him/her???
Cracked roots are one of the uncommon but true possible failures of any root
canal treated tooth. Especially in thin brittle roots.
