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About Zev 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.

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Dentistry > Dentistry > Root Canal

Dentistry - Root Canal

Expert: Zev Kaufman, D.D.S. - 11/2/2009

Question
I went to the Dentist because I was having a slight twinge of pain in a tooth on the bottom Right rear when biting on something hard. Had a cleaning, full mouth ex ray's and was told the two last teeth on right bottom side had old fillings that needed to be removed and 2 Crowns to be put on. Took the old fillings out and received temp. crowns the next visit. Had so much pain for 2 weeks. When i went in for the next visit was told the tooth had turned to a hot tooth whatever that means and drilled a hole in the tooth to relieve pressure and antibiotics for a week. Went back and the Dentist says its just a really hot tooth and has infection comming out when he drills the temporary fill out of it. Leaves it open to drain and puts cotton in there and on antibiotic for another 2 weeks.
Next visit he says I need a root canal in the next to last tooth. 2 more weeks Did a partial root canal and put a medicated pellet in there and filled temporarily and antibiotics for 1 week. Still in major pain. The next appt. He finishes the root canal and says lets let it settle down for 2 weeks and then put on permanent crowns. It's been 2 weeks and I still can't chew anything even semi hard on that tooth! What would you recommend? I feel as though this has been drawn out so long and am wondering if he knows what he is doing.

Answer
Dear Crista:
I am sorry to hear that you are in pain, and for so long. I cannot comment on your dentist's level of knowledge and expertise, since I do not have all the facts (I cannot examine you, and/or your X-rays).
However, I would have handled your situation much differently. I do not perform root canal treatment in my office, but I do work with some wonderful endodontists (the specialists in root canal diagnosis and therapy). The extirpation (removal of the pulpal tissues--nerve etc.) should be done right away, and the tooth should be cleaned prior to any medication placement.
I suggest that you go to www.aae.org and look up a qualified endodontist in your area to treat this tooth. The sooner, the better. You will increase your chances of keeping this tooth by acting right away, and with the right specialist.
Best of luck,
Dr. Zev Kaufman

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