Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 7/31/2006

Question
I have a swollen glum near a capped tooth and the tooth has a root
canal.  The root canal specialist said that the root is most likely
fractured and I need to extract the tooth. Is there anything else that
can be done to save the tooth?  I have all my teeth and always
maintained my teeth so this would not happen.

Answer
annette
unfortunately this is true...if a root is fractured, then there is nothing anyone can do to save it. the only thing you can still do is get a second opinion. you say that this endodontist says it is most likely fractured. you would like a definite diagnosis instead of a probable one. Maybe let one more person look at it. if it is definitely fractured, then you cannot save it. if you lose it, you have choices for replacement: implant or bridge. i wish i had better ideas for you but in this case, we really do not have any options.let me know if you have any other questions. good luck.

jeff dalin, dds