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®
Question I went to a dentist (long overdue) and he has done a core build-up with a pin on two teeth. Both of these teeth had a filling come out and/or part of the tooth broken off. After the build-up was done on one tooth, it is now sensitive to temperature (worse than before the procedure) and now the second one is really bothering me (when it wasn't before the procedure). When I went to have the second one done I told him about the first tooth and he told me I need a root canal done and referred me to an endodontist. I'm wondering if the core build up on either tooth should have been done in the first place, or should I have had a root canal done on them???? You know, nowadays we have to watch how we spend out money. And then if anything needs to be done after the root canal, I'm wondering if the insurance will cover a core build-up or whatever after the root canal to prepare then for crowns.
Answer Dear Lucy,
It is true that had your dentist been able to anticipate the current turn of events, he certainly would not have chosen to do the pin-retained cores. This falls under the category of "hindsight is 20-20", and merely points out the uncertainty of therapeutic outcomes.
Pin retained cores do pose a degree of risk to the health of the tooth-- there is limited space to place the pins, and a carelessly placed pin can either perforate the pulp or the external wall of the tooth. However, pin-retained cores remain a viable and accepted method of restoring a tooth, assuming that they are skillfully placed and that the tooth is not already compromised to the point where it need root canal therapy before initiating treatment.
Whether or not your dental insurer will provide benefits for the pin-retained core depends on the specific provisions of your plan. In point of fact, the need for root canal therapy will not influence whether benefits are forthcoming, because the pin core service was performed prior to the root canal. However, it is my experience that many plans do not provide a benefit for pin-cores, so the events as they occurred may not make a difference.
Hope this helps...
Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
