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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Dentistry > Dentistry > Root Canal Voids
Dentistry - Root Canal Voids
Expert: Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD - 11/5/2009
Question
I have asked this question to other doctors on this site but I just found that you are a specialist in this area. I would rather have you answer this question I have.
Let's see if I can make a long dreading and complicated story short.....
I have a lot of work done recently with a surgical extraction/bone graft on tooth #14. I have had nothing but complications. I went in due to excrusiating pain and discomfort and after a sensitivity test (tapping on surrounding teeth) the cosmetic dentist found that the 2 surrounding teeth (in front andback of tooth #14) needed to have root canals done. Only one was to be on the fron tooth but after a misunderstanding the dentist that did the root canal ended up doing both front and back root canals as well as cutting me open and shaving down a bone spur on the side of my jaw where the graft was completed. I went to a well respected oral surgeon for a second opinion on the graft and upon review of a panoramic x-ray he saw that the 2 root canals had major voids in them. I went bak to the dentist that did the root canals and he said he is not concerned with the canals having voids that as long as the "actual root" was covered tht I should not have issues. I will not go into detail and make this too long, but I have had more issues since the surgery than I can speak of. My gumline is receding so badly that the oral surgeon said I may need to have grafting to stretch the gumline down (there is literally a 1/4" or less left on my gumline for tooth #14).
Should I be concerened later that the root canals will need to be re-treated? This is how I ended up in this position in the firstplace with tooth 14 and the severe infection it caused. As I said- LONG, DEPRESSING, PAINFUL and costly treatments due to the re-treat on tooth 14. I am running out of money (I spent $5,000.00 out of pocket since January of this year to fix this problem).
Do I have cause for concern??
Answer
Hi Tiara,
I'm sorry you're going through all this....it sounds like a nightmare!
The real issue with voids is where they are located. If they affect the root canal seal, then you have reason to be concerned. If the void is near the end of the tooth, it could be trouble. If it's high in the root, nearer the top of the tooth, then the chances of it being a problem are minimal. Unfortunately, since I don't have access to your X-rays, it's hard for me to give you a good evaluation. You might want to consider getting an evaluation from an endodontist, if for no other reason than your peace of mind.
Hope this helps.
Gary Backlund DMD, MSD
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