Expert: Rafael Mosery,D.D.S. - 7/23/2007

Question
I had two veneers removed on front teeth #8 and #9 three months ago.  When #9 veneer was taken off the tooth underneath was broken, says the dentist. He immediately did a root canal and put two temporaries on (#8 did not need root canal). Since then, I went back to him three times complaining of pain in #9 and he said to wait it out.  Took the temporaries off and put crowns on both teeth. I immediately put myself on antibiotics because I felt that there was an infection.  I then went to my endodonist who confirmed an infection and re-treated this tooth.  I have been back 3 times for re-treatment and the infection is not clearing.  My endodontist is convinced there is a fractured root and I need to get it extracted.  I went to a "new dentist" and he felt that there wasn't a fracture (he didn't see it on x-ray) and told again to "wait it out.  I since saw an Oral surgeon and he said you can't really see a fracture on an X-ray and the symptoms I am explaining--recurring infections, constant pain, can't bite down on ANYTHING, feeling like the tooth is shifting, does sound like a root fracture and should get it extracted.  Does this sound like something I should do and would an implant or a bridge be the way to go.  #9 and #10 had root canals and #8 has a crown on it already.  Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Linda,
This scenario though quite frustrating and unpleasant is very common. The way it played out is typical.Root fractures rarely show up on an x ray. You went through all the motions now it's time to have this tooth removed asap.Why ASAP?
The longer you wait, the crack will make itself apparent in the bone.It does this by creating a defect in the bone. The restoration of choice would be an implant. It will enable you to leave all the surrounding teeth alone. In this very demanding cosmetic area the bone quantity and quality is essential for a nice result. Get the tooth out and an implant in. No more waiting.