AboutZev Kaufman, D.D.S. Expertise I can answer any question from simple routine dentistry to very complex dentistry with emphasis on reconstructive, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. My expertise is in co-ordination of very complex treatment plans with other dental specialists or as a one-man-team, since I have extensive training in Prosthodontics, Surgical Implantology, and orthodontics.
Experience Over a decade in private practice of Surgical Implantology and Prosthodontics. Founder and owner of Prosthodontics & Implant Surgery of Manhattan, PC.
Clinical Assistant Professor at the Post-Graduate Department of Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry.
Lecture weekly since 1999 on advanced Implant Prosthodontics at New York University College of Dentistry Post-Graduate Program in Periodontics & Implant Dentistry.
Former clinical assistant professor of Dental Radiology at the NYU College of Dentistry.
Former clinical and lecture faculty at Lincoln Hospital, Dental residency program.
Former clinical and lecture faculty at St. Barnabas Hospital (Bronx, NY) dental residency program.
Lecture nationally on Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry.
Organizations Memeber of the American College of Prosthodontics.
Memeber of the Acacdemy of Osseointegration.
Member or the Omikron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Honors Dental Society.
Member of the American Dental Education Association.
Education/Credentials Graduated with Honors from New York University College of Dentistry.
Post-Graduate training and certificate in the specialty of Prosthodontics.
Post-Graduate training and ceritificate in Surgical and Prosthetic Implant Dentistry.
Honors-program in Comprehensive and Applied Practice Management.
Honors-program in Orthodontics.
Awards and Honors NYU Cervice award to the community.
OKU honor society.
National Dean's List.
National Who's Who.
Expert: Zev Kaufman, D.D.S. Date: 5/20/2008 Subject: Restoration of Root Canal in Lower Right Molar
Question I got a root canal treatment done in New Delhi in Feb 2006 in one of my lower right molars. I had a cavity in this tooth for about 20 years and until around 2005 the permanent filling had been working fine. Anyways, the dentist suggested I get a root canal done. Got it done, got the crown as well. There was some discomfort in the tooth 3-4 months after the crown. The dentist attributed this to the impacted wisdom tooth on the same side.
Anyways...moved to the US in June 2007 and went for a regular cleaning to a dentist here in Dec 2007. The dentist mentioned that the impacted tooth looked fine but the root canal molar it seems wasn't done deep enough. I was referred to an endodontist. I was given a 7 day course of antibiotics in last week of Dec and then 5 days before the procedure on Jan 15. Now..its been 4 months and I still have pain in the tooth going upto my ear and also gives me a headache. I have been back to the endodontist 4 times. Each time he tells me that there is a problem with the bite and each time the bite is adjusted. I was also given a 7 day course of Clindamycin 300 mg in feb as I was going to be travelling. On my visit on april 15 when i still had pain, he scarped it some more and gave me a temporary filling. I did not eat for a couple weeks on that side but after i did, its been painful upto my right ear. When I asked him about the pain on one of my visits, he said he had to put a lot of pressure while working on the tooth and this is normal. On each visit he scrapes the tooth. I am worried now and hence given you this long note :)
Is it normal to have tooth pain with earache and headache after 4 months? How long does this restoration process take to heal? i am really scared of complications.
My last visit was May 13. I met his son as my endodontist was away. He checked the bite and took the X-ray. He said both are fine. He asked me to take Clindamycin for 7 days and report back. The first 2 days I felt that it was getting better but today, on the sixth day..its as bad as earlier. PLease advise what could be going on here?
Answer Dear Dana:
No! It is not "normal" to have pain for so long. Remember that even your dentists are human. They may have the best intentions in mind, and will try to do the best they can for you, but they can overlook things just as any other person.
I am a big proponent of second and third opinions. There is not "one person" who knows everything, or has the answer to everything.
Go to www.aae.org and look up another endodontist in your area. Call first and ask if the endodontist routinely uses a microscope (I don't know if your current one does). I deal with several endodontists who are able to diagnose amazing things using their knowledge, experience, and the ability to actually see into the tooth.
You might have an accessory canal (an extra nerve canal inside the root) that might not have been detected and some of the nerve was left behind, or was not sealed properly. In that case, the canal has to be found, negotiated, cleaned up, and sealed.
The other possible scenario is that you have a fracture in the tooth that runs parallel to the X-rays and thus cannot be detected on the X-ray. It can only be seen clinically, and if it is low enough, it can only be seen with a microscope. The endodontists are actually trained in repairing these cracks, and there are new materials that allow them to create a good seal.
Otherwise, the tooth has to be extracted, and a couple of months later should be replaced with an implant.
Do not rush to do anything until you have a correct diagnosis. You can always extract the tooth.
Good Luck and speedy recovery,
Dr. Zev Kaufman
