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Dentistry/Restoration after root canal

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Expert: - 8/7/2006


Question
I had a root canal done a couple weeks ago and currently have a temporary filling in it.  So far, so good, no pain or cold/hot sensitivity.  I am going to see my general dentist about a restoration tomorrow.  My dental insurance is maxed out and the new benefit year starts in a couple months.  My question is, would I be risking the tooth by waiting a couple months to get a permanent crown, and meanwhile get some type of stop-gap filling?  Or would it be better for my tooth to get the permanent crown now, and just pay out of pocket for it?  I had a brief discussion with my general dentist before the root canal and he had mentioned "it would be better actually" to wait a couple months before the permanent crown is put in.  I don't know if his reasoning is 1) the tooth can settle down before more major dental work, or 2) it's better to wait and see if the root canal takes, or 3) the dentist would just like more business (i.e., filling now + crown later).  I'm going to get some clarification from him at tomorrow's appointment (of course won't bring up possibility 3)!) but wanted to get another opinion.  Thanks in advance for your answer.

Answer
Dear Sandy:  It's good that you trust your dentist as much as you do.  I generally make a build-up (rebuilding the internal core of the tooth lost to the root canal) and crown, from 2 to 4 weeks after the root canal is complete.  This allows enough time to be sure that the area around the roots has healed from the root canal.  Your dentist is:
1) willing to wait longer before starting
2) willing to do the build-up (filling), then wait before doing the crown.
I think you've got a reasonable dentist.  The temporary filling that the endodontist left in your tooth is very soft, and usually breaks out within a month or two.  I would go with what your dentist has recommended.  Remember, it's no skin off his nose if you don't, and the temp breaks out, or the tooth breaks while you're waiting.  Your dentist's recommendation is sound.  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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