AboutHoward Finnk, D.D.S. Expertise I am a Family 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 Society, 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 Academy of General Dentistry, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.
Experience After 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. In addition, I am now a member of the Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and the Atlantic Coast District Dental Society. 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. Over my lifetime career, 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.
Question I have had 2 teeth treated with root canals recently, one just one month ago, and one one year ago. The one from one year ago is giving me pain, and now I fear I'll get the same problem from the second one. I went to an endodontist who doesn't know why the first one failed. I'm now scared I'll have 2 failures!
I had thought that fosamax -related root canal problems were rare. Does this mean I have ONJ?
By the way, is your referral to someone who is familiar with the fosamax problem?
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Followup To
Question -
I have a tooth that was treated for a root canal which failed. The tooth is causing me a great deal of pain and retreatment does not seem possible (I've been to two endodontists). It may be cracked.
My problem is that I have been taking Fosamax for about 3-4 years (not in the last 4 months). The only available alternative seems to be extraction of the tooth and I'm afraid of getting ONJ (orthonecrosis of the jaw). Is there anything I can do to prevent it?
I live in Boca Raton Florida and was hoping you could give me advice on what to do. I'm feeling rather desperate and scared because of the situation (needing an extraction but fear of complications). Also, do you know of someone who might be able to handle my case?
Thanks for your help.
Answer -
Dear Beth: Let me say first, that the incidence of ONJ increases only by 6-9% if you are taking Fosamax. It is not known yet if that number decreases after stopping the medication. I understand your predicament, as I have treated one root canal to failure in a patient who takes Fosamax, before the information on its relationship to ONJ was released. The tooth had to be extracted. And, although the patient does not appear to have ONJ, she does state that she has headaches on the same side, from the entire process (root canal, treatment of complications for several months, then finally the loss of the tooth). Despite this, I believe your fears are mostly unfounded. However, since you have them, I suggest you visit an Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeon who is familiar with Fosamax (most are). I can recommend one in Fort Lauderdale who I trust, but before I do, I want you to digest my answer, and decide if you wouldn't rather find one closer to you. If you still want my recommendation, please contact me, and I'll be glad to forward his name. Good luck. And don't worry. dd
Answer I'm glad you responded. I've been thinking about your problem since you wrote. I would like you to first see an endodontist for a consult. I use Dr. Harvey Weiner, also in Fort Lauderdale. I'm sure he is familiar with the Fosamax problem, as he recently left the chairmanship of the Endodontics Department at Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine. His phone is 954-463-9191. When you contact him, let him know that Dr. Finnk referred you. Meanwhile, I will contact him via email to let him know about your issue, and to find out if he is familiar with it. If you choose not to visit him, please be sure to let me know what you decided to do. dd
