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Dentistry/Tool mbroke off during root canal

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Question
I had a root canal done this morning and when the doctor was finish he told me that he broke off a piece of his instrument in the gum.  He told me that it should be fine and others nothing to worry about.  Is this true or can this later on cause infection.

Answer
Rose,

I doubt the instrument broke off in the gum.  It is much more likely to have broken off inside the tooth.  If the root canal was effectively cleaned out before the instrument separated, it is likely that everything will be fine.  The tooth will need to be monitored by your dentist to look out for any problems.

Best wishes Rose,

Steve

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Steven C. Scherr, D.D.S.

Expertise

Comprehensive Dentistry, TMJ Dysfunction Therapy, and Cosmetic Dentistry. Nineteen years of experience including hospital residency (Sinai Hospital of Baltimore), and training at the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. Currently in private rehabilitative practice.

Experience

I was the Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Maryland Dental School in 1981. I served as a General Practice Resident at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore in 1981-82, and have been in private dental practice since that time. My practice is now located in Owings Mills, MD, a suburb of Baltimore. My studies at The L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education in Florida has enriched my practice and my patients. It was there that I learned the true meaning of excellence.

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