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Dentistry/does broken Tooth require removal

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Question
I had a root canal on a tooth in March 2008.  In April 2009 I was chewing something and felt the tooth crack.  I went to dentist and verified that it had in fact broken up in the gum line - with the break straight across just below the tip of the tooth.  He recommended surgery to remove the tooth and the tip that had broken off.  He also wanted me to have something put in the hole for bone growth to support an implant.  


Because I didn't have dental insurance till January 2010, I decided to live with the tooth being broken.  I chewed using one side of my mouth and flossed 3x a day on the loose/broken tooth.  It is now at a point that it can be moved easily with my tongue and could probably be removed by hand very easily.

Would it cause any problems to remove the tooth and after insurance kicks in, go to the surgeon to remove the piece still up in the gum and prep for implant?

I can no longer go to the original dentist, as my new insurance will not let me.

Thank you

Answer
Dear Susan:  To answer your question, I don't think that it would cause a problem to remove the loose piece.  It might be more painful than you expect, much like a hangnail.  And it shouldn't affect the surgeon's ability to remove the roots and place the bone material.
And, by the way, your insurance cannot stop you from going to your old dentist.  Only you can.
dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

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