About Mark Bornfeld DDS Expertise I can respond to all questions dealing with the practice of dentistry, from both the dentist`s and patient`s perspective. I am knowledgeable about all dental disciplines, from cosmetic dentistry to surgery, from restorative dentistry to root canal treatment. I have strong opinions about controversial issues in dental practice, including those topics which directly impact on the reputation of the profession in the eyes of both the lay public and our health profession colleagues.
Experience
Past/Present Clients Editor, Queens County Academy of General Dentistry newsletter; contributor to Dentistry.com 29 years practicing general dentistry partnered with brother Steve as one-half of the DentalTwins®
Dentistry - root canal over temporary bridge complications
Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 3/7/2009
Question This is a quite lengthy problem so I will try to make it as brief as possible. About 2 1/2 months ago had pain on upper left molar area. Seen regular dentist and was referred to their endodonist that comes in once a week. He diagnosed a fx tooth and referred me to oral surgeon for extraction. This was done at end of December. Pain did not go away but intensified. Was then told I needed a filling to the tooth beside the one that was extracted and that the extreme pain I was having was do to the fact that with my gum being exposed. The filling was very painful and the temporary bridge that was placed was agonizing and pain only got worse. Was then told after a week of more pain that I needed to see the endodonist again and they did a root canal to this tooth with the temporary bridge still in place. The tooth was so bad that he numbed me 5 times what he said should have been sufficient and could not complete the root canal because the nerve was inflammed and homorragic. Was placed on solu-medrol pack; antibiotics and pain medicine. This was 5 days ago and the pain is no better. I called the endodonist back and without even seeing me again he says I need the tooth extracted. My question is: should I call the oral surgeon for extraction or go to another endodonist for a second opinion? PLEASE HELP
Answer Dear Renee,
It seems likely that the failure of your extraction to relieve pain is due to the fact that your pain was initially mis-diagnosed. This suggests that the extraction you had may have been inappropriate, and possibly totally unnecessary. If there is any uncertainty as to the source of your pain, it would be best to re-examine the situation; notwithstanding the urgency of your pain, a second opinion from another endodontist would seem to be a good idea if you want to be sure that you're not embarking on a second inappropriate extraction. On the other hand, if there is no doubt of which tooth is the source of the pain, then a trip to the oral surgeon would be the most direct way to getting relief.
Good luck!
Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
