Expert: Frederick R. Liewehr DDS, MS, FICD - 3/7/2007

Question
I had implants/some bone grafting/guided tissue regeneration just less than a month ago and now I need a root canal on tooth adjacent to the area because the tooth is cracked. There is not suppose to be any pressure to the area for 4 months. Can a root canal procedure wait? The tooth would also need a temporary crown for protection.

Answer
I cannot tell you whether or not the endodontic therapy can wait, because I don't know the condition of your tooth or why it needs the endo. So, I am afraid you will have to ask your dentist that question. As for the implant, you are not supposed to "load" the implant for some time so it can achieve osseointegration (although this is increasingly being done earlier and in some cases immediately), but this should have nothing to do with the endodontic therapy. However, I really am not in a good position to give you definitive advice without being thoroughly familiar with your case. Sorry.

Dr. Liewehr