Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 10/30/2006

Question
When I was in the military I had severely decayed molars on the top arch. The military dentists elected to pull them and let wisdom teeth fill the spaces. I had one molar left in each corner of my mouth. At this point 10 years later,I now need a root canal in one of those wisdom teeth. I also need a root canal in a bicuspid tooth. When my general dentist diagnosed this he said that if he had the choice he would choose to save the bicuspid. If I wanted to save the other tooth I would have to see an endo. I'm not sure I liked this whole If I had the choice statement. At this point my intention is to try and save them both seeing that is the last molar in that section of my mouth. Is this type of treatment not normal on a 3rd molar? I understand that it may fail at some point is it worth a shot?

Answer
Dear Marlena,

Third molars are highly variable in their internal anatomy, and often present complex root canal systems. Because of this, the effectiveness and predictability of root canal therapy is not as good on these teeth. Whether root canal therapy is feasible on the third molars depends on the specific conditions in your mouth, and while I would not rule it out, I think the suggestion to have the teeth assessed by an endodontic specialist is a good one.

Hope this helps...

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY