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Dentistry/Questions Answered by Expert Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD

SubjectDate Asked
about root canal2/5/2012
  Q: I had root canal in single upper front teeth. Now it turned offwhite. So when i have picture with ...
  A: Bleaching will definitely make the tooth whiter. The problem is that it is difficult to get a ...
post root canal question2/4/2012
  Q: I had a root canal completed more than 3 months ago. The tooth had an infection for several months, ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're still having problems with this tooth. No, this is not normal. In most ...
root canal question2/3/2012
  Q: I post an interesting question and I wonder if perhaps you might have any insight. Lets say a ...
  A: When we do root canals, the first step in to access the inside of the tooth, then determine how long ...
root canal question2/3/2012
  Q: I post an interesting question and I wonder if perhaps you might have any insight. Lets say a ...
  A: Yes, I'm with you and you don't need to worry. The inside of the root canalled tooth is densely ...
Metallic taste in mouth after root canal done in 6/112/3/2012
  Q: I had a root canal done in 6/11 at which time the endodontist said he had trouble while performing ...
  A: It's highly unlikely that this has anything to do with the root canal. However, since I can't ...
broken uncrowned root canal2/3/2012
  Q: backlund, I got a root canal done to a top right teeth back in 08/2010. It was suppose to be crowned ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. I would not advise trying to remove the tooth yourself. It sounds ...
about root canal2/2/2012
  Q: I had root canal in single upper front teeth. Now it turned offwhite. So when i have picture with ...
  A: In most cases, doing a crown on a front tooth will not affect the tooth's strength at all and may ...
Jaw1/5/2012
  Q: ANSWER: Hi Randy, If the problem is the alignment of your teeth, then an orthodontist would be the ...
  A: Since that is the case, I think an oral surgeon would be the best place to start. he/she could ...
Jaw1/5/2012
  Q: Hello which dentist should I see to make sure my jaw is properly aligned and in the right place?
  A: If the problem is the alignment of your teeth, then an orthodontist would be the right dentist. ...
root canal tooth #20 got hurt again after 5 years., but x-ray indicates no infection1/4/2012
  Q: six years ago, I had a root canal done on tooth #20. Everything was fine until last year when tooth ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. From what you have told me, I may have some bad news for ...
Root Canal Last Week1/3/2012
  Q: I had a root canal on an upper molar done last week, and the dentist informed me that part of his ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having problems with your root canal. You bring up several issues ...
Professionals1/1/2012
  Q: Backlund, I am wondering, I have had an issue with my root canal for a couple of years now. I feel ...
  A: After you see the endodontist, if he/she finds nothing, ask them where you should go next. Let the ...
Professionals12/31/2011
  Q: Backlund, I am wondering, I have had an issue with my root canal for a couple of years now. I feel ...
  A: WOW....sorry to hear you have had this problem for so long. No wonder you are frustrated. In ...
Post Root Canal12/28/2011
  Q: I had a root canal done over 2 years ago. It's been a week, and that the root canal tooth has ...
  A: The symptoms you are describing really sound like a clenching problem. Hopefully, wearing the ...
Post Root Canal12/24/2011
  Q: I had a root canal done over 2 years ago. It's been a week, and that the root canal tooth has ...
  A: WOW...sorry to hear all this is going on especially with your travel and the holidays upon us. I ...
broken crown12/20/2011
  Q: I was eating and a back moler came out, tooth intact with post attached. Can it be re cemented by my ...
  A: WOW...what a surprise huh? In most cases it can be recemented, but it depends a lot on why it came ...
Root canal extreme pain scared12/15/2011
  Q: On Monday I had my lower front 7 teeth ground down in preparation for a permanent bridge/crown ...
  A: WOW...sounds like you are really having a tough time! To answer your question, it never hurts to get ...
root canals and veneers12/15/2011
  Q: Backlund, My upper right lateral tooth has a small crack in it (verified by the dental school)which ...
  A: You ask a great question. The issue with root canals and veneers isn't really whether a root canal ...
root canal12/11/2011
  Q: I had a tooth decay which was big enough so that it had almost reached the tooth's nerve but I had ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. When a recent root canal is done, it is unusual for any symptoms to ...
teeth12/10/2011
  Q: Do all teeth that require root canals have cavities in them? thank you.
  A: You ask a great question. The answer is no. Root canals can also be caused by trauma, like a car ...
Nerve Pain after root canal and crown11/28/2011
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I am hoping you can steer me in the right direction. 11/9/11 Root canal down on lower ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. When a root canal is done, there is no longer a nerve inside the ...
Root Canal problems11/26/2011
  Q: I am a 48 y.o. male in fairly good overall health. I have had 3 root canals, all in the last several ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. You have a couple issues here, let me see if I can help. ...
root canal complications after 2 years11/23/2011
  Q: First i want to start by explaining my root canal that was done almost 3 years ago. I had a tooth ...
  A: WOW...I'm sorry to hear all this is going on especially with the holidays coming. It sounds like you ...
Root canal11/23/2011
  Q: My root canal specialist has been trying various things to see if I really need a root canal. I'm ...
  A: You ask great questions and are faced with a dilemma that I see daily. The first thing that we check ...
Post Root Canal Pain11/23/2011
  Q: Persistent hot/cold sensitivity all my life. I also have TMJ. I do not grind my teeth, but I do ...
  A: Actually, you and your endodontist seem to be doing everything correctly to try to resolve your ...
root canal11/21/2011
  Q: I had a root canal more than a year ago, then had it capped. It always bothered when pressure was ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you are still having trouble with your root canal. It can get pretty frustrating. ...
root canal needle broke and is now left in root11/18/2011
  Q: I had a root canal done today and the dr told me that he had accidentlly broke one of the needles ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you are one of the patients who has had this happen. Unfortunately, your dentist ...
Post Root Canal Pain11/15/2011
  Q: Persistent hot/cold sensitivity all my life. I also have TMJ. I do not grind my teeth, but I do ...
  A: You're a very good historian concerning your tooth. I'm sorry you are having so much trouble! In ...
Diagnosing a root canal11/10/2011
  Q: I recently went for my bi-annual cleaning and my dentist found a cavity. I was told it was a small ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Especially when you thought you only needed a small filling. ...
Wifes post Bridge/Root Canal infection11/7/2011
  Q: Good afternoon, My wife broke her 3rd molar on the left side. Dr extracted it and filed down tooth ...
  A: I'm so sorry to hear your wife is going through all this. Unrelenting pain can certainly wear a ...
root canal through exisiting bridge11/6/2011
  Q: Dr. i have been lucky to have the best 20 years old bridge in my lower left wisdom tooth 18, 19, 20 ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this trouble. Normally, a root canal can be done through the existing bridge ...
Post nasal drip after root canal10/30/2011
  Q: Had root canal done a few days ago on the upper right molar. Started dripping fluid from the right ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Sometimes, and it's rare, when a molar root canal is done, ...
infected tooth10/28/2011
  Q: I had a root canal done and about two months later I had problems with the tooth turns out the ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you had this bad experience with a root canal. The good news is, this really isn't ...
Root canal or extraction10/23/2011
  Q: I had pain in my tooth about 3 months ago. I went to my dentist. He said I needed a root canal on ...
  A: It's always difficult for the patient to sort through differences of opinion in situations like ...
Grey front tooth/Trauma9/11/2011
  Q: About 3 weeks ago I had a sports accident which resulted in one of my front teeth receiving a pretty ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have this going on. I can understand your concern. Trauma is one of the ...
Root Canal9/5/2011
  Q: I hadn't slept in 2 nights at all and I was on prescription pain killers but the pain was still too ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on. You could have a serious problem if the infection has moved into your ...
Abscess After having a root Canal9/4/2011
  Q: I recently had a root Canal 8/30 to my upper (R) Molar that already had a crown. I was referred to ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on especially when it's a 3 day weekend and you should be enjoying ...
Root canal9/2/2011
  Q: I had a root canal about a year and a half ago, but also had an infection in the roof of my mouth. ...
  A: Most pharmacies sell a temporary tooth filling designed to cover a tooth if it breaks until the ...
Overfilled canals9/1/2011
  Q: I recently had a RCT on tooth #3 because it was slightly sensitive. My dentist said I have calcified ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is happening to you and I can understand why you are worried if none of this has ...
Tooth still hurting after root canal8/15/2011
  Q: I had an upper molar crowned about 4 years ago because I had chipped it eating something hard. I had ...
  A: WOW....sounds like you have really been through it! Things like this can be very frustrating for all ...
Cavity8/11/2011
  Q: I just found out I have a cavity on front tooth I am very nervous about the novacaine. Is this ...
  A: Usually, when the injection is given, there is only a slight sting....no real pain. The tissue in ...
root canal8/9/2011
  Q: please help thank you
  A: Good questions...every dentist has their own method of practicing. All I can tell you id that I have ...
Irreversible pulpitis8/9/2011
  Q: Im a dental student from Norway, and have a question that I dont seem to find the answear to in ...
  A: Congratulations on choosing dentistry as a career. While it has it's "moments", you will find it ...
root canal sealant and infection8/2/2011
  Q: Backlund, I've clarified my question from a few days ago. 2 years ago I had a root canal on #30 ...
  A: ..I just didn't understand when you referred to a "plug". Sealer is the cement we use to cement the ...
Front Tooth Injury to My 7 Year Old8/2/2011
  Q: My 7 year old was on a trampoline and fell into his brother. Unfortunately his 2 front teeth were ...
  A: I'm SO sorry to hear about your son! Unfortunately, we see a lot of this kind of thing during the ...
percussion sensitivity on root canal treated tooth7/30/2011
  Q: Dr. Backlund: A little over a year ago my #30 had root canal treatment (by endodontist). The tooth ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear that you are having trouble with this tooth. Percussion sensitivity could be one ...
mb27/28/2011
  Q: would like to know if mb2 canal is prepared as other canals or not . and is it has a reading at the ...
  A: Good morning, Yes, the 2nd mb root should be treated as any other. Since it often connects with the ...
Apicoectomy7/27/2011
  Q: I had an apicoectomy on tooth #14 a week ago and the gum area that was cut in order for the ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear things are still sore. However, since the procedure was done only one week ago, a ...
ROOT CANAL EXTRACTION7/25/2011
  Q: I am a 23 year old female, who has had issues with my teeth forever. After I had my first son, my ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. When a root canal is done, the tooth is dead, but it can ...
Extreme tooth pain months after pulpotomy7/25/2011
  Q: About 3 months ago I had an emergency pulpotomy done on my lower molar. They put in a temp filling ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. You are right, the tooth is dead after a pulpotomy. What is going on ...
Severe tooth/face pain after dental work7/22/2011
  Q: I went to my dentist for a crown 12 days ago. I was experiencing no pain. Following the procedure I ...
  A: WOW...you have really had a tough week or so. I can certainly understand your frustration! In ...
Root Canal-post procedure options7/21/2011
  Q: Approximately a week to 10 days ago, I began experiencing pain to the upper right teeth. At the time ...
  A: After a root canal, a tooth becomes more brittle since it is no longer "bathed" with fluid from the ...
Root Canal-post procedure options7/20/2011
  Q: Approximately a week to 10 days ago, I began experiencing pain to the upper right teeth. At the time ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have had all this go on, but you certainly did the right thing before you had ...
facial pain7/20/2011
  Q: I was treated with IV drugs but no CT scan or drainage took place. After completion of root canal I ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have been going through all this. Obviously, since I can't examine you or see ...
broken tooth after root canal and crowning.7/20/2011
  Q: Sir, I had a root canal and crown in my front left tooth eight months ego. yesterday i broke that ...
  A: I'm sorry you broke your tooth. I would suggest that you see your dentist ASAP to make sure there ...
Calcified Root Canals7/18/2011
  Q: Bucklund. I had severe trauma to my two front teeth, 8 and 9. I chipped both of them 9 is the tooth ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you had that trauma to your teeth. One of the post op problems of trauma is for ...
Dead Tooth7/15/2011
  Q: Blacklund, I hit one of my upper front teeth doing sports about a year ago. About a week after ...
  A: I'm sorry this has happened to you, but we see this problem often after a tooth has been ...
A dying tooth? What are my options7/10/2011
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I believe I have a dying tooth. I went white water rafting about three weeks ago and ...
  A: I'm sorry you got those results. I suspect you are right, you have a tooth that is dead or dying. It ...
A dying tooth? What are my options7/10/2011
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I believe I have a dying tooth. I went white water rafting about three weeks ago and ...
  A: I'm sorry you had this happen. At this point, the color of the tooth doesn't really mean anything, ...
pain after root canal7/9/2011
  Q: I have have several root canals in the past years, with no problems whatsoever and nothing like this ...
  A: No problem...no, I don't think an ENT doc would do much good at this time. They just don't know much ...
pain after root canal7/9/2011
  Q: I have have several root canals in the past years, with no problems whatsoever and nothing like this ...
  A: It's hard for me to really help here without being able to see your X-rays. If you have a post out ...
pain after root canal7/9/2011
  Q: I have have several root canals in the past years, with no problems whatsoever and nothing like this ...
  A: Before I try to answer, I need a little clarification...is your dentist an endodontist? The thing ...
gingivitis or dry mouth7/4/2011
  Q: i dont whats going on but i think i have a canker sore first time getting one had it for about 4 ...
  A: That area looks like a canker sore or else an area that has been traumatized, like being hit with a ...
Persistent palate pain7/1/2011
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal retreated 10 days ago on my maxillary first molar. I had LOTS of pain ...
  A: I'm sorry you're still having problems. When a root canal is retreated, it is not unusual for the ...
Pain upon biting, tooth has been prepped for crown6/30/2011
  Q: Last year shortly before Christmas, part of an old metal filling fell out of tooth #2. My dentist ...
  A: You are more than welcome Alison. Situations like this can be very frustrating for patients and ...
Pain upon biting, tooth has been prepped for crown6/30/2011
  Q: Last year shortly before Christmas, part of an old metal filling fell out of tooth #2. My dentist ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have all this going on. It certainly sounds like you have the symptoms of a ...
Face is swollen6/24/2011
  Q: I went to the dentist 2 days ago severe tooth ache and it was shooting pain up my cheek. He said I ...
  A: At this point, most of the dental offices are closed in your area, so you need to do the best you ...
Face is swollen6/24/2011
  Q: I went to the dentist 2 days ago severe tooth ache and it was shooting pain up my cheek. He said I ...
  A: WOW...it sounds like you are really going through it. Before I answer, please tell me what ...
root canal6/23/2011
  Q: I had a crown placed on a right lower molar approx. 1 yr. ago.The tooth has been sensitive to heat ...
  A: Sorry to hear that things seem to be going downhill for your tooth and now you need a root canal. In ...
post root canal pain6/22/2011
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I had a root canal yesterday and over the last 24 hours there has been an increase in ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having all this go on. What you are experiencing is NOT normal, however we ...
broken tooth6/21/2011
  Q: I broke my front right hand side tooth in an accident second time. Earlier doctor had done the ...
  A: I;m sorry you are going through all this. Root canals on front teeth are very safe and highly ...
Root Canal6/21/2011
  Q: I had an emergency visit with my dentist today. For the past three days I have had pain in one of my ...
  A: I'm glad to hear all is well...I was worried about your coumadin as you could tell from my response. ...
feeling mobility in adjacent toothafter root canal6/20/2011
  Q: Backlund, Hi, after a dental check up and due to a radiograph my dentist diagnosed that one of my ...
  A: No problem Simin...happy to try to help! Yes, at this point I think you should see an endodontist. ...
feeling mobility in adjacent toothafter root canal6/20/2011
  Q: Backlund, Hi, after a dental check up and due to a radiograph my dentist diagnosed that one of my ...
  A: Pain is the bodies way of telling us something is not right. I would expect there to be no pain ...
Root Canal6/20/2011
  Q: I had an emergency visit with my dentist today. For the past three days I have had pain in one of my ...
  A: I'm sorry this is all going on. Pain & swelling is a bummer to say the least! You actually have ...
Postproot canal treatment6/19/2011
  Q: I am worn down with pain. It is making my chest feel tight. Headache. Making my nose ache. Also ...
  A: WOW...it sounds like you are really going through it! Pain like this can really wear you down and ...
Pain with hot liquids6/18/2011
  Q: I have a lower molar which was root candled 3 years ago. No problems. Now I am experiencing some ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on. Without examining you, it's hard for me to diagnose your problem. ...
biting pain persists after root canal6/17/2011
  Q: I had a root canal done on molar #18 this past week. The tooth next to it (#19) was extracted a ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. First, I want you to check your bite for me...again. Hold your teeth ...
biting pain persists 1 month after root canal6/8/2011
  Q: furthest back molar (not wisdom tooth, those were removed 15 years ago); the dentist went to do a ...
  A: There is never any harm in waiting. However, this has been going on for sometime. If things seem to ...
pain in tooth wih temp. crown6/8/2011
  Q: I was chewing on some almonds a few weeks ago and broke a molar. The large filling from 50 some ...
  A: I'm sorry this is all going on. Giving teeth more time is never a problem as long as things seem to ...
tooth unable to be numbed/root canal?6/7/2011
  Q: I have a complicated story so please bear with me. Back around April 2 I broke my tooth while eating ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. It's hard for me to give you good answers without being ...
biting pain persists 1 month after root canal6/7/2011
  Q: furthest back molar (not wisdom tooth, those were removed 15 years ago); the dentist went to do a ...
  A: You're right. It most likely is not the bite, but that needs to be ruled out. Fractures are ...
biting pain persists 1 month after root canal6/7/2011
  Q: furthest back molar (not wisdom tooth, those were removed 15 years ago); the dentist went to do a ...
  A: WOW...sounds like you are going through a lot here. That can be REALLY frustrating for all involved. ...
feeling mobility in adjacent toothafter root canal5/31/2011
  Q: Backlund, Hi, after a dental check up and due to a radiograph my dentist diagnosed that one of my ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on. When a root canal is done on a tooth with an abscess on the Xray but no ...
Post root canal5/29/2011
  Q: I had a root canal pretreatment 3 days ago. There was abscess at the tip of the root. THe avail and ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem...no fun huh? The prednisone depresses the inflammatory ...
Possible failed root canal?5/29/2011
  Q: Background...I started experiencing tooth pain in October of 2010, while traveling. It was not ...
  A: I sorry all this is going on. It must be really frustrating to be dealing with this for so ...
post and core and crown5/28/2011
  Q: Can a post and core be remade if it needs to be? I had some stainless steel put in my tooth with a ...
  A: Yes it is possible to redo a post and core, but it can be difficult to remove an old post. As long ...
Root canal process5/27/2011
  Q: I recently had my first root canal (#18) and am trying to get a better understanding of the process ...
  A: You're doing a great job of interpreting dental abbreviations! You're right on.... Gutta percha is, ...
tooth decay5/26/2011
  Q: I have tooth decay under a grown on my back molar. I have not had root treatment before the crown ...
  A: I'm sorry you're faced with this situation. If the decay is not too bad, it would be possible to ...
root canal x's 25/21/2011
  Q: In 1998 I had a root canal and subsequent crown on tooth 18. Three months ago I had a root canal on ...
  A: Now I get it! I appreciate the clarification. Yes, I have heard of and redone this type root canal ...
root canal x's 25/21/2011
  Q: In 1998 I had a root canal and subsequent crown on tooth 18. Three months ago I had a root canal on ...
  A: Before I try to help, I'm confused. You said that when your endodontist xrayed the teeth, both ...
Old root canal5/18/2011
  Q: I have a problem and I know I deserve it. I had a root canal done about 8 years ago, to a third ...
  A: I'm sorry all this has gone on. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself....sometimes life just gets in ...
Infection5/18/2011
  Q: After taking an X-ray of my tooth my DDS said there is an infection at the root of the tooth. At ...
  A: That's a GREAT question and an important one if you are considering your options. Since I can't ...
Central Incisor5/13/2011
  Q: About 4 months ago, x-rays indicated that I had a cavity in the lingual part of my Central Incisor. ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. It's hard for me to tell you why your tooth is more sensitive, ...
pain 5 days after root canal5/3/2011
  Q: 5 days ago I had a root canal done on an upper molar tooth (6th) that already had a deep filling ...
  A: I'm glad to hear things are somewhat better. There is really no way to predict these things since we ...
root canal5/3/2011
  Q: I have 2 crowns at the very front of my mouth that look good, Im in agony and think I need root ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on, especially with the big "21" coming up....Happy Birthday! If you do ...
adult teeth4/29/2011
  Q: My eight year old son has only lost two bottom baby teeth! Two adult teeth have grown in their ...
  A: I can certainly understand your concern. However, it is not unusual for children to vary greatly in ...
tooth pain4/28/2011
  Q: i had a root canal about 13 years ago and recently it has started to hurt, my dentist took x-rays ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on. It's hard for me to give you good advice since I can't exam you or see ...
Pain post RCT4/27/2011
  Q: I had a 20 year old filling replaced on my maxillary first molar that was "leaking". I developed ...
  A: First my disclaimer...since I can't exam you or see your X-rays, it's hard for me to give you ...
nerve damage after root canal4/26/2011
  Q: I hope you can help me with this. A few weeks ago I had root canal treatment on a bicuspid tooth on ...
  A: Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. Remember, since I can't exam you, I'm just covering my bases. ...
nerve damage after root canal4/25/2011
  Q: I hope you can help me with this. A few weeks ago I had root canal treatment on a bicuspid tooth on ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. You are asking GREAT questions, but like you said, without ...
About root canal therapy4/21/2011
  Q: I'm a teenager studying my first year at a university abroad. Recently I started feeling severe pain ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on when you aren't around your home area and local dentist. You're ...
infection at a tooth that has had a root canal4/20/2011
  Q: I have had a root canal done 6 or 7 years ago, and my dentist has detected an infection again on my ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this and the decisions that need to be made. Unfortunately, I ...
cracked root4/19/2011
  Q: I wrote to you before and you were very helpful. I had a 3-d scan done on an area where it was ...
  A: I'm sorry things ended up this way. No, an overfill will not cause a cracked root, but a cracked ...
apicoectomy4/16/2011
  Q: I had an apicoectomy a year ago when a root canal from 7 years earlier failed, and now am ...
  A: I'm sorry you are faced with this decision. Apicoectomies are a last efort to save a tooth. Their ...
hello4/15/2011
  Q: it was getting better but all of a suden it swelled up and started to hurt more what can i do to get ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. Since I can't examine you, I can't say for sure what is ...
strange taste after root canal4/13/2011
  Q: I just had a root canal yesterday, was told prior to the root canal that I may have had a periapical ...
  A: You're not being paranoid.....things like this can drive patients and dentists nuts! Since the root ...
strange taste after root canal4/12/2011
  Q: I just had a root canal yesterday, was told prior to the root canal that I may have had a periapical ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. When a root canal is completed, in some cases it can cause ...
My black tooth4/4/2011
  Q: I am sixteen and I have got a black tooth next to my two front teeth. I have been in pain for the ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. You don't need to worry....your tooth won't fall out. ...
Root Canal back in 19794/2/2011
  Q: I had a root canal on the upper left first molar in 1979. All the roots in that tooth were ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. In addition, I have some bad news for you....there is ...
Post core4/1/2011
  Q: How much tooth structure has to be remaining to do a post core buildup
  A: The real question here is how much needs to be missing.....a post & core replaces tooth structure ...
post Root canal pain after 4 weeks?3/28/2011
  Q: I had the worst pain of my entire life a month ago in an upper~ 3rd from front {1st back tooth}Had ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going thorough all this. Yes, grinding can cause incredible pain after treatment. ...
Possible micro fracture3/26/2011
  Q: Backlund The history: I been experiencing intermittent discomfort on my #2 on the final compacting ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Detecting and treating fractures in teeth is one of the ...
Root Canal pain 5 years later3/22/2011
  Q: I hope you can help. I been having problems with my bottom incissor tooth thats been apicoetomy ...
  A: Your sensitivity to the mouthwash is most likely from the gum recession on the other tooth. Make ...
redo root canal3/20/2011
  Q: root canal was done aboot 30 years ago. currently post and crown. discoloring skin on gum above ...
  A: Teeth with posts become a real issue to redo. The post must be removed before the root canal can ...
Root Canal pain 5 years later3/19/2011
  Q: I hope you can help. I been having problems with my bottom incissor tooth thats been apicoetomy ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. It's hard for me to really help here since I can't exam you ...
broken tooth3/19/2011
  Q: my daughter when she was 1year and 8 month old she fell down and broke her one front tooth,doctor ...
  A: Good for you to be concerned. A remaining abscess can cause changes in the permanent teeth forming ...
root canal3/18/2011
  Q: I need a root canal on my top right(last) molar. I am in pretty bad pain when I dont take pain ...
  A: In general, endodontists do a quicker and better job on back teeth than general dentists because ...
How long should it take to heal after a root canal?3/17/2011
  Q: Went to the dentist at the beginning of January for a toothache I had for about 2 weeks. (I couldn't ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. Dealing with cracked teeth can be a very frustrating thing ...
Chance of fracture after root canal3/16/2011
  Q: Recently a piece of my lower left hand side molar fell of. That tooth had trauma and the last ...
  A: You ask a GREAT question and one I am asked almost daily. Anytime we do a root canal on a back ...
root canal retreatment failed3/15/2011
  Q: First off, thank you for you time. I had a root canal and crown placement about 20 years ago on my ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this has gone on and you're still having problems. I can understand your ...
root canals3/14/2011
  Q: My daughter's dentist has broken a piece of the file off in her tooth and made a few attempts to go ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your daughter had this happen to her. All of us who do root canals break off files ...
Root Canal and crown3/13/2011
  Q: In January of this year I went to my dentist to have a possible root canal and crown on my number 2 ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. Unfortunately, you're also right that I can't ...
Pain 2 years after root canal3/11/2011
  Q: I was reading another person's question about having pain several years after having a root canal ...
  A: Unfortunately, the answer is yes. A crown really only prevents the tooth from cracking or ...
Root canal discomforts3/10/2011
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal about 2 years ago and now I've been experiencing some discomforts in ...
  A: I'm sorry your starting to have problems in that area. No, what is going on is not normal. Pain, or ...
Dental Pain with hot and cold foods3/4/2011
  Q: Dr. Backlund, My two upper left back molars had root canal treatment and porcelain crowns placed ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. Trigeminal neuralgia often has a trigger point, but ...
Crowns issues - are they normal?2/28/2011
  Q: How neat. I had my first crown done about 3 months ago. I still can't chew on that side of my mouth ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. It's hard for me to tell you for sure what is going on ...
pain with a 3 year old crown2/26/2011
  Q: i had a root canal with a crown put on about 3 years ago and now out of the blue i have pain in that ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on...especially after 3 years! It sounds to me like your root ...
RCT2/23/2011
  Q: Endodontist found and opened 2 of 3 canals on calcified molar. Could not find last, even with the ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. It's difficult for me to tell you what the chances ...
Root Canal Treatment.2/16/2011
  Q: on Jan '11 I have got my left side wisdom tooth removed which had penetrated my last chewing tooth. ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having all this go on. Unfortunately, when the pulp of a tooth has been ...
board certification2/15/2011
  Q: Other than asking her.....how can I find out if my endodontist is board certified?
  A: You can go to www.aae.org. At the top of the page is a tab for Board of Endodontics. Click on that ...
Nerve test2/11/2011
  Q: Many years ago when I was in my youth I had a trauma to my mouth, resulting in the fracturing of my ...
  A: It sounds like what you are describing is called an electric pulp tester. It is designed to pass an ...
Front tooth length?2/9/2011
  Q: Should my two front teeth be the same length as the next teeth, or should they be a little bit ...
  A: Normally, the two front teeth are a bit longer than the other teeth. However, in some situations, ...
Calcified tooth question2/6/2011
  Q: Backlund, I recently had a root canal attempted on tooth #27. I don't remember any trauma to the ...
  A: I'm sorry this is all going on. First my disclaimer.....it's hard for me to give you good advice ...
pain after root filling2/4/2011
  Q: In November 2010, I began to experience pain in the upper left side of my mouth. The pain appeared ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on, especially still with all the treatment you have had. What ...
scar tissue after apiciectomy2/3/2011
  Q: I had a question about a problem about a problem after apicoectomy. I have a large lump in gum after ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you are still having this problem after 4 months. This does not sound like scar ...
Excruciating Pain in first Bicuspid on Right Upper Side2/2/2011
  Q: This has been hurting me for about 8 months. I had my teeth cleaned and about a month after I ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. With your history, you may have a cracked or fractured ...
two surgeries after root canal1/31/2011
  Q: i had a root canal over a year ago,I began to have pain a few months afterwards. Tried antibiotics, ...
  A: No problem...I'll try to give you good answers. 1) I have been under alot of stress lately, and ...
two surgeries after root canal1/30/2011
  Q: i had a root canal over a year ago,I began to have pain a few months afterwards. Tried antibiotics, ...
  A: WOW...sounds like you have really been through it with this tooth! No wonder you're frustrated. ...
root canal1/30/2011
  Q: About a year ago my dentist told me I needed a root canal on my upper left cuspid. He made an ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have this problem. NO, this is not normal! It sounds like something is going ...
Infection??1/30/2011
  Q: my name is Maria and i am wide awake right now with throbbing pain in my front teeth. It started a ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on, especially when you're not totally adjusted to your recent move. ...
pain 7 weeks after RCT1/27/2011
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal performed on 12.8 on a tooth that was only mildly symptomatic--slight ...
  A: It's difficult being in this situation as a patient. All I can tell you is how I and my referrers ...
re: throbbing on tooth that has a root canal1/27/2011
  Q: Backlund, I have a premolar tooth that had a root canal done 10 years ago w/ a post & core & crown. ...
  A: I'm sorry you're still having problems. You raise several issues here, so let me try to help and ...
pain 7 weeks after RCT1/27/2011
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal performed on 12.8 on a tooth that was only mildly symptomatic--slight ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. First my disclaimer....since I can't exam you, it's very hard for me ...
Calcified peg lateral1/25/2011
  Q: After taking routine x-rays, my family dentist referred me to an endodontist. The dentist said he ...
  A: WOW...sounds like you're getting conflicting opinions...no wonder you're confused. First my ...
Crown Necessary after Root Canal?1/23/2011
  Q: I am unsure how to recognize whether I need a crown. I recently has a root canal completed on a ...
  A: I'm sorry you're still having problems. The discomfort you are feeling is probably not related to ...
root canal done 9 yrs ago1/3/2011
  Q: i started to have pain in my mouth i thought it was due to me eating candy and i chipped my crown. ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. Unfortunately, it sounds like you are among the 3-5% of people whose ...
oral surgeon or endo?1/1/2011
  Q: you answered a question for me the other day on a possible apicoectomy (thank you for your response ...
  A: Don't worry about asking questions...that's why I'm here. :-) Actually, it is MUCH better to see ...
Root canal1/1/2011
  Q: I am in need of a root canal on a molar, I can not afford this yet so I am going to take some ...
  A: My antibiotic of choice is Amoxicillin 500mg, 1 every 6 hours. It is a better choice than ...
pain from tooth rootroot1/1/2011
  Q: Back in March 2010, I had pain in lower pre-molar #29 which turned out to be decay under a very ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this go on. Anytime there is pain, it's the bodies way of telling us ...
Root canal infection12/31/2010
  Q: That is, I had swelling in my cheek 2 weeks post root canal with the endodondist not wanting me to ...
  A: Sorry to hear things are getting worse. It usually takes 24-48 hours for the antibiotic to start to ...
Bumped front tooth12/31/2010
  Q: Backlund, Many thanks for being a volunteer expert! Earlier today I was accidentally elbowed in ...
  A: I'm sorry you had this happen. In most circumstances, a minor blow will not cause a problem. Your ...
Should I be seeking a second opinion now?12/30/2010
  Q: This has been a long two months, so I will try to give you the essential details so as no to bore ...
  A: WOW...you have really been through it! Obviously, since I can't exam you, I can't really help with ...
Post Root Canal Concerns12/30/2010
  Q: I had the first appointment of a root canal treatment a week and a half ago, and my dentist was ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem with the holidays here AND your dentist being gone....bummer! ...
Bump in gum/cheek crease above crowned tooth12/29/2010
  Q: I am hoping that you can direct me to the appropriate type of doctor (medical or dental). I have ...
  A: Since it is always in the same place and around the area of an old root canal, my best guess is a ...
failed root canal tooth #1912/29/2010
  Q: tooth was asymptomatic, but routine xray showed abscess. Had root canal and crown 2yrs ago. Now on ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. I can really only answer part of your question, about other ...
Nerve pain months after root canal12/28/2010
  Q: I'm very interested in a professional opinion about a root canal that was done several months ago. I ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this, especially with the holidays here. To start, I think ...
Good Endodontists12/26/2010
  Q: Hello my name is Criss and I wanted to ask your opinion about some endodontists you may know around ...
  A: What I always suggest to find a dentist or a physician specialist, is to call around to other ...
root canals and treatments12/25/2010
  Q: Dr. Backlund, Thank you for being a volunteer on All Experts. I definitely want to direct this ...
  A: No problem Marbella....fees vary from area to area and office to office. I'm only giving you general ...
root canals and treatments12/24/2010
  Q: Dr. Backlund, Thank you for being a volunteer on All Experts. I definitely want to direct this ...
  A: Tooth extraction is the least expensive alternative. Both a redo of the root canal and an ...
failed root canals12/22/2010
  Q: Firstly, what a wonderful web site this is. My question is this. How long after a root canal would ...
  A: While I can't say for sure, but with the minimal symptoms you are having, I would guess you will be ...
failed root canals12/22/2010
  Q: Firstly, what a wonderful web site this is. My question is this. How long after a root canal would ...
  A: I can certainly understand your concerns. The easiest way to know how a root canal is doing is by ...
Swollen gum under crown12/20/2010
  Q: Backlaund, I have had my root canal on my second to last molar for about 4 years. Recently, the gum ...
  A: I'm glad to hear you're doing better...hopefully that will allow you to have a better holiday ...
swelling after root canal12/20/2010
  Q: I had a root canal in a lower molar 3 days ago. I have been on an antibiotic since. My tooth feels ...
  A: I'm sorry you are having this happen. No, this is not normal. I would suggest that you call your ...
dying #10 front tooth?12/20/2010
  Q: My #9 front tooth that had a root canal40 years ago broke and I'm in process of having an implant. ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this, especially during this holiday period. If tooth #10 is ...
Swollen gum under crown12/17/2010
  Q: Backlaund, I have had my root canal on my second to last molar for about 4 years. Recently, the gum ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on especially in the middle of the holidays. Since I can't exam ...
calcified canals12/16/2010
  Q: sir, i am a periodontist practicing general dentistry in ahmedabad ,india.i have seen many times ...
  A: You have brought up a tough situation. There really is no correct answer. You are absolutely correct ...
bubble on palate after removing infection frm a previous root canal12/15/2010
  Q: on my dental xrays, my cosmedtic dentist noticed darkness on top of one of my front teeth. its not ...
  A: WOW...you have had quite an experience and are still dealing with issues from all this. let me give ...
Root Canal on Tooth with Root Resorption12/14/2010
  Q: Backgorund: As a teenager I went through two years of orthodontic work that moved my front teeth ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with all this, especially during the holidays. It is not unusual ...
pre root canal game plan12/14/2010
  Q: i am all but sure i need a root canal but now dont have any money to pay for it now as well as the ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on with the holiday season and everything. Yes, there is something that be ...
Root Canal, possible root fracture?12/13/2010
  Q: I had a tooth with broken filling that developed an abscess and after antibiotics i proceeded with ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is happening. Obviously, it's hard for me to diagnosis the source of your problem ...
Root Canal Numbness12/9/2010
  Q: I had a Root canal done in October on #18. Bottom left Molar. I have had one before. Normal pain and ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on. It is highly unlikely your numbness has anything to do with the root ...
root canals and calcified root12/8/2010
  Q: I have two questions. 1) I went to the dentist yesterday with tooth pain on the right side of my ...
  A: Before I try to help, I need some clarification. The first part really doesn't ask a question....is ...
throat pain after root canal12/7/2010
  Q: I had a root canal procedure done yesterday, when my dentist flushed the tooth with diluted bleach ...
  A: I am REALLY sorry to hear this is going on. The reason we use diluted bleach to irrigate the inside ...
Lump on gum12/6/2010
  Q: I recently had root canal performed on one of my upper back teeth, and this has been sealed with a ...
  A: I'm sorry you seem to be having problems. Since I can't examine you, I can't say for sure, but it ...
Pain 3 weeks after a root canal.11/30/2010
  Q: First I want to thank you for taking time to answer my question. I had a tooth (#30) hurting for a ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. If the only cause of your pain is having hit the tooth and now ...
sinus peroration11/26/2010
  Q: i am a general practioner dentistand my question is: i did root canal treatment for an upper second ...
  A: Elham, It is not unusual to perforate a sinus. I am in the sinus frequently doing apical surgery. I ...
root canal filling11/25/2010
  Q: I am in excruciating pain as I need a root canal filling, the whole left side of my gum, jaw and ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. I don't know exactly the status of your tooth or why you need to ...
Reversible Pulpitis Pain Management11/19/2010
  Q: What can I do for pain management during a severe case of pulpitis in two teeth? I had an ...
  A: What GREAT news Val....glad you are doing better. The long lasting anesthetic could have broken the ...
perforation of the tip/end of the canal11/19/2010
  Q: Yesterday I had a root canal done by a general dentist on my top anterior #9 tooth. The apex locator ...
  A: I would guess that a high % of the time we go out the end of the tooth when trying to determine the ...
Post-Root Canal Pain11/19/2010
  Q: I had my first root canal performed yesterday by my local Endodontist. The background of my problem ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. No, it is NOT normal. Unfortunately, since I can't exam ...
Reversible Pulpitis Pain Management11/18/2010
  Q: What can I do for pain management during a severe case of pulpitis in two teeth? I had an ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. We sometimes see situations like yours and, quite frankly, there are ...
perforation of the tip/end of the canal11/17/2010
  Q: Yesterday I had a root canal done by a general dentist on my top anterior #9 tooth. The apex locator ...
  A: I'm sorry you have had this happen. A perforation of 1/4-1/2 mm is really not a big deal. We do that ...
Baby root canal now possibly abscess?11/15/2010
  Q: My 7yr old daughter had a bad cavity between 2 teeth on the bottom toward the back. Her dentist ...
  A: I'm sorry your daughter is going through this. It certainly sounds to me like one of the teeth has ...
Roots with a 90 degree angle11/12/2010
  Q: Is there current technology/ tools that can deal with a root that is at a 90 degree angle. The ...
  A: 90 degree angled roots are VERY difficult to do successfully...that doesn't mean it can't be done, ...
Lip numb after Root canal11/8/2010
  Q: I had a root canal a week ago , lower left tooth. The day after the Root canal the lower left lip ...
  A: In situations like this, the cause is almost always pressure on the nerve that serves your teeth and ...
root canal done in stages11/6/2010
  Q: I had a root canal (done in stages) about 3 weeks ago. The root canal was started and then filled ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. Usually, when you have this type of problem, the source of the pain ...
root canal or not11/5/2010
  Q: After reading a lot about root canals I have a question. If the infection is treated with ...
  A: You ask a GREAT question. The situation is this....antibiotics treat the symptoms of an infection, ...
sore lump on gum tissue11/5/2010
  Q: About 5 years ago my dentist put a crown on my lower first molar and as the result of that I had to ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having all this go on. First, it can't be related to a sinus infection ...
Infected broken filled tooth - root canal or removal ?11/3/2010
  Q: Hey, First of all, thank you for reading. I had cavity at my UPPER right MOLAR.It hurted. I then ...
  A: The void you see is really the space that use to be occupied by the nerve (pulp) of the tooth. It is ...
Infected broken filled tooth - root canal or removal ?11/3/2010
  Q: Hey, First of all, thank you for reading. I had cavity at my UPPER right MOLAR.It hurted. I then ...
  A: I got both your posts, so I'll answer them both here. First, if you elect to have the tooth removed, ...
Sensitivity in tooth after root canal11/2/2010
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I had a root canal exactly one week ago. I had some symptoms afterwards (red gums, ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this trouble. Since the tooth is a lower tooth, your limited jaw opening may ...
Symptoms Following a Root Canal11/1/2010
  Q: Dr. Backlund: I went to my dentist (on Wednesday, 10/27/10) for tooth pain and was referred to an ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have this going on. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to have a "flare up" ...
Extraction-Purpose of Implant or Bridge11/1/2010
  Q: My husband needs a molar extracted. Our dentist has suggested an implant or bridge to be put in ...
  A: The real reason for replacing a tooth is to hold the remaining teeth in proper alignment. Once a ...
Pain after crown & root canal11/1/2010
  Q: If a root canal is done after a crown has been seated (the endodontist could not get the crown ...
  A: I appreciate the clarification...maybe I can help with your concerns. When a root canal is done, it ...
I couldn't save my tooth's life!10/31/2010
  Q: I recently had my first ever dental onlay (tooth #12) to replace an older filling and an area of ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. I can understand your concerns. The problem is, nothing we ...
rct10/26/2010
  Q: i had rct on a crowned tooth about 6months ago, it seemed forever for the small bump to start to go. ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. Usually, when a bump forms like this, it means that the root canal ...
Root Canal Part II: Another request for your valuable opinion10/25/2010
  Q: Backlund, I hope you had a great day today. Apparently I keep coming back for more & more advise & ...
  A: I'm sorry you got that bad news. I think it's time to get a 2nd opinion and I wouldn't wait to see ...
Root Canal Discomfort after Adjustment10/24/2010
  Q: Dr. Buckland, I'm just hoping if you could shed a light to my root canal problem. I had a root canal ...
  A: Of course you can link to me and allexperts. The reason I volunteer on this site is to help people ...
Root Canal Discomfort after Adjustment10/23/2010
  Q: Dr. Buckland, I'm just hoping if you could shed a light to my root canal problem. I had a root canal ...
  A: I'm glad you're doing better. You're right, without seeing you, it's hard for me to diagnosis what ...
Root Canal Delay10/22/2010
  Q: Dr. Backlund, First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my question. ...
  A: I'm sorry you're faced with this dilemma. In most cases, abscessed teeth do not "seed" your system ...
pain after root canal and crown10/22/2010
  Q: A filling was replaced and caused endless pain. A temp treatment filling stayed in for a year to let ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Unfortunately, when a root canal fails, there are only 3 ...
Advised to "let nerve die" because Novocaine didn't work10/21/2010
  Q: My question is actually anticipatory to a root canal, which I know is on the horizon. Following ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. Since I can't examine you, I really don't know the condition of your ...
Sensitive front tooth10/20/2010
  Q: For just on a year now my front tooth has been sensitive to cold. Have been to a dentist who has ...
  A: Since you really don't have any obvious cause for the sensitivity, it probably means the pulp of the ...
Sensitive front tooth10/19/2010
  Q: For just on a year now my front tooth has been sensitive to cold. Have been to a dentist who has ...
  A: Before I try to help, can you tell me if you have ever had any trauma to that tooth....falling off a ...
Root Canal Discomfort after Adjustment10/19/2010
  Q: Dr. Buckland, I'm just hoping if you could shed a light to my root canal problem. I had a root canal ...
  A: I'm sorry this is still going on. It sounds to me like you need your bite adjusted again. Until you ...
post root canal pain10/17/2010
  Q: I have had pain on and off for several years on upper molar #14. It was presumed to have a crack in ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. After a root canal, it is not unusual for a tooth to be ...
Jaw swelling10/17/2010
  Q: I had a root canal on wed and it was filled on thurs. It was a second molar. My dentist is closed ...
  A: Without being able to exam you, it very hard to tell the difference between what is normal post ...
Cold sesitive after root canal10/17/2010
  Q: I had a root canal done three weeks ago. Before the procedure I was told that I would no longer have ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this! When a root canal is done, the nerve of the tooth ...
Root canals9/20/2010
  Q: I have two teeth which are painful, sometimes throbbing & sensitive to cold and a little to hot. ...
  A: You ask great questions! It very hard to know how long it will take a nerve to die...there are so ...
Post Root Canal9/20/2010
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal done on a cracked lower molar about 3 weeks ago. Since I've had the ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have this going on. The bump certainly could be related to your root canal ...
cavities9/19/2010
  Q: Dr. Backlund: Good afternoon I have a question to ask about cavities. I have a wisdom tooth and ...
  A: Like I said, decay does not transfer from one tooth to another. Decay forms when bacteria grow on ...
cavities9/18/2010
  Q: Dr. Backlund: Good afternoon I have a question to ask about cavities. I have a wisdom tooth and ...
  A: Decay is really not transferable from one tooth to another. However, the conditions that caused ...
Root Canal9/18/2010
  Q: My 2nd from the back molar on the right had a small piece of the tooth break off. I had to wait ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict how this tooth ...
Does Capping require Root canal9/18/2010
  Q: Gary, I've been asked to do root canal before capping one of my tooth in the front, which is ...
  A: In general, it is not necessary to do root canals before doing a crown. However, when a tooth has an ...
root canal.abscessed tooth9/17/2010
  Q: I had a root canal on an abscessed tooth that had been crowned previously, the dentist placed ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this has gone on. When some of the filling goes out the end of the tooth, it ...
Gum problem & root canal9/9/2010
  Q: About a month ago my tooth (molar) was bothering me and the gum was red and swollen below it. ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. When a tooth fractures, it cause a split in the tooth, and ...
Post Root Canal Pain9/8/2010
  Q: My husband had a crown done approximately 3 weeks ago. Several days ago he began to experience pain ...
  A: I'm sorry your husband is going through all this. In most cases, we don't see this type of post op ...
Pain after root canal9/3/2010
  Q: Will try to shorten this. Had tooth ache for almost a month. Started feeling "blah" and then pain ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. What is happening I do see from time to time, but I would ...
Root Canal with Numbness Comment8/27/2010
  Q: I feel so sad for LIsa who had the root canal. She didn't say which tooth had the root canal. The ...
  A: When this nerve is traumatized, it can be a very unpleasant experience for patients. The good news ...
cracked tooth root8/27/2010
  Q: Need to know how a tooth root could become cracked. I recently had oral surgery for an infection on ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going trough this. Clenching and grinding can certainly cause a tooth to crack or ...
HURTING AFTER ROOT CANAL8/26/2010
  Q: I had a root canal done 2 days ago, or I should say he finished it, clearing the 2 remaining canals. ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. No, this is NOT normal. Having your bite way off can really ...
Problem after endodontic retreatment8/25/2010
  Q: In early January of this year while getting my 6 mo cleaning, my dentist identified an absess where ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. First my disclaimer... :-). Since I can't exam you, it's very hard ...
Pain several weeks after RCT8/23/2010
  Q: I am having some pain issues several weeks following endodontic treatment. Brief ...
  A: There is always the possibility of some inflammation of the nerve tract. It could be related somehow ...
Numb Face & Larger Pupil8/22/2010
  Q: I had a Root Canal done in March 2010. Since then I went on holidays and someone picked up that my ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. There is really no way all this could be caused by the root ...
"Implant" I didn't ask for.8/20/2010
  Q: Backlund, Three days ago I've had my root canal treatment on the tooth #31. Unfortunately, it didn't ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this has happened. Unfortunately, it is part of doing root canals and happens to ...
broken crown8/13/2010
  Q: I am on vacation in Sweden and will not be back until next wednesday. I had a root canal a week ago ...
  A: The critical thing is to make sure the root canal filling is sealed so it can't get contaminated ...
post root canal pain8/12/2010
  Q: I had a root canal on a lower left molar- number 19, I think. The dentists xray machine was down the ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. What you are experiencing is NOT normal. No patient should ...
Root canal8/5/2010
  Q: I recently had a root canal, and when the doctor was finished he took an x- ray and it revealed some ...
  A: Sorry to hear you had all this go on. The simple answer to your questions is "YES". The material is ...
crown question on root canalled front tooth7/30/2010
  Q: This is about me: -front tooth #9, had a root canal in it due to an abscess in 2007. It also had ...
  A: You are asking GREAT questions, but it is really hard for me to give you good answers about whether ...
the year of the root canal7/30/2010
  Q: I've had a recurrent problem with my #18 molar since January... I had a root canal but the first ...
  A: WOW...you have really been through a lot! I can understand how this can be frustrating. First, you ...
Possible RCT - no crown?7/29/2010
  Q: I was at the dentist this morning due to pain in tooth 29 and also in the tooth above it. He tapped ...
  A: In our office, we recommend crowns on ALL back teeth after root canals, and we don't do the crowns. ...
scheduled root canal7/26/2010
  Q: I have a crown in my top front left incisor- Friday 072310 it started hurting when I ate/drank. Even ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this is going on. There really isn't a good answer to your question because you ...
post root canal pain7/23/2010
  Q: i had a root canal done 2 days ago and i am in severe pain and lightly swollen and warm on that side ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on. Unfortunately, this is one of the post treatment that can occur with ...
Postpone root canal until after vacation7/22/2010
  Q: I would like to postpone having a root canal until after I come back from vacation, as I would not ...
  A: Unfortunately, there is really no way to just desensitize the tooth. Depending on your situation, ...
Did not get temporary crown after a Root Canal?7/20/2010
  Q: I got a root canal yesterday but no temporary crown. The Dr. said I wouldn't need it since the ...
  A: In our office, we recommend crowns on ALL back teeth to protect them from cracking. However, the way ...
messed up root canal7/20/2010
  Q: I am 30 years old and recently i had an old filing come out. My dentist filled it in but I had pain ...
  A: I know this was not an easy decision for you. There is really no right answer in situations like ...
messed up root canal7/19/2010
  Q: I am 30 years old and recently i had an old filing come out. My dentist filled it in but I had pain ...
  A: You're not a bother....that's why I volunteer on this site. There is really no way for you to ...
messed up root canal7/19/2010
  Q: I am 30 years old and recently i had an old filing come out. My dentist filled it in but I had pain ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. I can understand why you are upset. The only way to know in advance ...
Silver leads removed from tooth with root canal7/18/2010
  Q: Some months back, the filling in my root canal tooth came out. When I visited the dentist to have ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having all this happen. You actually have a couple of issues here. First, the ...
Half a root canal, day after7/17/2010
  Q: I had half a root canal done yesterday on my 2nd molar upper left, I actually just came in to fix a ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this all go on. It is not unusual for the tooth to be a bit painful for a ...
Root Canal through a bridge7/17/2010
  Q: Dr., I recently had a root canal done by drilling through an existing bridge that is 6 years old. ...
  A: As long as the hole is sealed with a temporary filling and the bridge isn't leaking somewhere else, ...
Root Canal through a bridge7/17/2010
  Q: Dr., I recently had a root canal done by drilling through an existing bridge that is 6 years old. ...
  A: In most cases, it is a simple matter to seal up the bridge with a permanent filling. In some areas, ...
Pain after Root Canal7/16/2010
  Q: I had a tooth canal done on tooth 47 one week back. But i am experiencing pain right after the RCT ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. 2-3 weeks is much too long to experience pain. In our ...
CALCIFIED ROOTS / ROOT CANAL7/15/2010
  Q: My name is Michele . I just got back from a a visit to a endodontist and I am very upset because he ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. There is really no good answers for your question, however, ...
2 root canals7/13/2010
  Q: Backlund, I asked about my root canal(s) a while back. I have two root canals on my top left molars ...
  A: You raise a number of issues here....let's see if I can help. We'll start with the easy ones. It is ...
root canal7/10/2010
  Q: This is in regard to the top left tooth in my mouth in the back. In the numbering system I think ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through this. You're right, I really can't diagnosis your problem without ...
recommended time frame for crown7/8/2010
  Q: I got my root canal done back in February and I had a slight chip on said tooth close to the gum ...
  A: You ask a great question and one I'm asked almost daily. There is no easy answer. The reason to ...
Root Fractures7/7/2010
  Q: I recently took my son to a pediatric dentist because I noticed discoloration in one of his front ...
  A: I'm sorry your son has this going on. His current fever and vomiting would not be symptoms of an ...
Pain following root canal7/4/2010
  Q: How can I know for sure that I have a fractured root canal and my tooth must be extracted?
  A: Fractured teeth can be hard to diagnosis since they may not show up on X-rays. There is no way you ...
Pain on formHi, maybe someone can help. 5 Years I had a root canal on my back molar( I think 1-7) about 10 days ago it started getting sore but only on the outside area in the gum. Didn't even hurt that much unless I touched it (then it was pretty sore7/3/2010
  Q: maybe you can help. 5 Years I had a root canal on my back molar( I think 1-7) about 10 days ago it ...
  A: It's hard for me to give you good information without being able to exam you, but if you had this ...
chipped tooth7/3/2010
  Q: hey my names hannah, i chipped my tooth, and i have brases. how long should i wait to get it fixed? ...
  A: If the tooth isn't bothering you, you can probably wait for awhile, but this won't fix itself, so ...
Possible abcess?7/2/2010
  Q: So I had a root canal done on my second to last bottom molar on the left side about seven years ago. ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. When you have an abscessed tooth, the pain comes form the ...
#11 Resorption6/29/2010
  Q: About 3 years ago my dentist noticed a cavity under the gum line on my canine. I went to the dentist ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have this going on. Resorption is a very difficult thing to deal with and what ...
root canal6/28/2010
  Q: my wife had a root canal procedure on 6-24-10, today is 6-28-10,her face keeps swelling, eye is ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your wife is going through all this. From what you describe, it certainly sounds ...
Lower 3rd molar with endodontic treatment6/27/2010
  Q: I'm a dentist,GP,I recived a patient with pain related to L48..RCT started but only I found only 2 ...
  A: She, If the canals are aligned in a mesio-distal axis, there is a high likelihood that there are ...
My son's two front teeth - trama6/23/2010
  Q: My 10 yr old son was riding a scooter at Vacation Bible School today and was thrown off face first. ...
  A: I'm SO sorry to hear about your son! Injuries like this can be as traumatic to the parents as they ...
root canal PAIN6/22/2010
  Q: I just had root canal yesterday. I am in more pain than when I went in. It seems after ANY dental ...
  A: I'm sorry you got treated this way. It's very difficult for me to really do a good diagnosis without ...
root canal PAIN6/22/2010
  Q: I just had root canal yesterday. I am in more pain than when I went in. It seems after ANY dental ...
  A: You are MORE than welcome! I'm glad you were able to talk to the Dr. himself. I suspect he will get ...
Pain after root canal6/22/2010
  Q: I had an emergency root canal performed on my second-to-last upper right molar on June 14, after the ...
  A: I would doubt very much that your pain is coming from the gum. You describe you pain as severe...the ...
Pain after root canal6/21/2010
  Q: I had an emergency root canal performed on my second-to-last upper right molar on June 14, after the ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this....especially if this is your first root canal. Most do NOT ...
root canal PAIN6/21/2010
  Q: I just had root canal yesterday. I am in more pain than when I went in. It seems after ANY dental ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. NO, it is NOT normal. In our office we advise patients that the ...
bump on gum6/20/2010
  Q: i have bump on gum upper right high above premolar, had rct, which was completed 9 days ago, still ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. First, it is highly unlikely that a women lost all her ...
Root Canal6/19/2010
  Q: I have recently had 2 root canals done, 1 at the bottom and one on a top wisdom tooth, which is ...
  A: I'm glad you are doing better. It will take several days for your teeth to feel normal again. Just ...
Root Canal6/18/2010
  Q: I have recently had 2 root canals done, 1 at the bottom and one on a top wisdom tooth, which is ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through this. Unfortunately, it's very hard for me to help here without being ...
Root canal for front tooth for a 2 year baby6/18/2010
  Q: As the baby fell while playing lost part of front two teeth (the front two teeth resemble a "W" ...
  A: Unfortunately, the only other option besides a root canal is extraction and then your child will not ...
Half of my root canal tooth fell out!6/17/2010
  Q: My name is Misty. A few weeks ago, I had tooth #30 extracted (it had a root canal done on it and ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. If the tooth is broken WAY down inside the gum, then it ...
root canal problem6/17/2010
  Q: Had root canal and crown done about 8 years ago. Last checkup dentist said crown is not completely ...
  A: I'm sorry you are dealing with all this. It's very difficult for me to give you good advice without ...
Root Canal Problem5/31/2010
  Q: I hope you can help me. I had rct 7 weeks ago on LL5. The tooth was infected and painful before ...
  A: I'm sorry to hera you have all this still going on. It's very difficult for me to give you good ...
calcified root canals5/30/2010
  Q: I have a patient who did an indirect pulp capping 4 years ago of his lower first molar, 2 days ago ...
  A: Good morning Dr. Areej Hijleh, It's difficult for me to answer this question without being able to ...
follow up regarding root canal5/26/2010
  Q: sorry to come back so soon, after my other follow ups with you, i have spoken to my dentist today, ...
  A: If the treatment is successful, then the bump will begin to go away. How long that takes depends on ...
root canal5/24/2010
  Q: i have small tender lump at the very top of a upper pre molar on the right. my dentist after xrays ...
  A: You're more than welcome Jerry....it's comments like yours that keep me going...thanks for the kind ...
root canal5/23/2010
  Q: i have small tender lump at the very top of a upper pre molar on the right. my dentist after xrays ...
  A: When a tooth abscesses, it forms in the bone. X-rays of crowned teeth don't do a good job of showing ...
chipped tooth with black build up5/23/2010
  Q: I had a seizure and chipped one of my front top teeth in the back. Where it chipped off it has ...
  A: While it's really hard to tell what is going on just from the picture, it appears that the edge of ...
root canal5/21/2010
  Q: i have small tender lump at the very top of a upper pre molar on the right. my dentist after xrays ...
  A: I'm sorry you;re going through all this. I must say I'm a bit confused. If your dentist has xrayed ...
away on holiday and my molar broke in half5/21/2010
  Q: I am on holiday for another week and my lower right molar broke clean in half at breakfast.The tooth ...
  A: What a bummer..especially on vacation! If you are not having pain and the broken edge isn't cutting ...
root canal failing5/20/2010
  Q: I had the first root canal on my lower right molar 20 years ago and was trouble free for the entire ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. It certainly sounds like your root canal is not healing and ...
Waiting on a root canal5/18/2010
  Q: Good evening Dr. Backlund. I have three weeks left until I go in for two root canals on crowned ...
  A: It sounds like you're having a pretty rough time. By waiting, you won't cause any more trouble or ...
Root resorption5/17/2010
  Q: I have just been diagnosed with root resorption in my left front tooth and been told that it cannot ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through this. resorption is one of the hardest and least predictable things ...
root canal disease stages5/17/2010
  Q: I had root canal treatment nearly three months ago, still has some lingering pain, but generally ...
  A: Absolutely! Trauma to teeth is one of the hardest and most unpredictable things we treat as ...
root canal disease stages5/16/2010
  Q: I had root canal treatment nearly three months ago, still has some lingering pain, but generally ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. You have several issues here...let me see if I can help. First, ...
Tooth pain after a root canal and crown5/14/2010
  Q: I had an upper tooth crowned(5th from the front)and the crown turned out to be a misfit. I was told ...
  A: I'm really sorry all this is going on. Unrelenting pain can certainly wear you down and affect your ...
Dental Intrusion5/14/2010
  Q: My kid (7 years old) had a dental trauma (intrusion) while playing in Melbourne. It is the tooth no. ...
  A: I'm so sorry to hear your daughter has gone through all this. Trauma to teeth is one of the most ...
mcq5/13/2010
  Q: main apical foramen is located a) very often lateral to apex b)always at the apex c)at the lateral ...
  A: Actually, it can be located anywhere near the apex. It would be unusual to be near a lateral canal. ...
strip perforation prognosis5/11/2010
  Q: i'm a dental student, and while doing an RCT for a 27 molar, a strip perforation happened. it was ...
  A: You ask great questions, but they don't have an easy answer. As long as the strip perf has been ...
The root that wouldn't die!4/29/2010
  Q: My general dentist gave me a root canal in early February on a broken molar. I then had crown ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Unfortunately, I have some bad news for you...you have ...
Temporary filling after root canal and crown placement4/29/2010
  Q: When having root canal done for the second time, the oral surgeon placed a temporary filling under ...
  A: To answer your question, yes, this is a typical procedure. In some places in the US, the one who ...
Can't get numb (recurring)4/26/2010
  Q: I went to an endodontist today for my first root canal. I took antibiotics for 4 days prior to ...
  A: Getting numb can be a big problem for some people. It involved the anatomy of your jaw and where the ...
Root canal pain4/26/2010
  Q: About 2 years ago I went to my dentist with tooth pain. He diagnosed a crack in my tooth and felt ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Unfortunately, I have some bad news for you....there is ...
root canal4/24/2010
  Q: To make this as concise as possible; I had a tooth with a very large filling that I was not having ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Unfortunately, I have some bad news for you. There is ...
Infection above tooth # 84/24/2010
  Q: I had a root canal done now next week 3 weeks on # 8 tooth. at the time of the root canal I had ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Working out won't hurt you as long as the tooth is feeling ...
File broke during root canal -- should I wait to get my permanent bridge?4/23/2010
  Q: Yesterday I had to have a root canal under a temporary bridge (tooth #29). The filling in that ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this has happened to you. Unfortunately, this is one of the risks of doing root ...
Root canal/sinsus problem4/23/2010
  Q: My questions is this...I had a root canal done..while the dentist was working on this tooth he said ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. Unfortunately, it is highly unlikely that the dental procedure ...
retreated root canal4/23/2010
  Q: I recently had the first part of a retreated root canal done by an endo that my dentist had ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. You're right, it's hard for me to give you good advice without ...
Root canal therapy - calcified pulp4/22/2010
  Q: About 2 weeks ago, I went to my regular dentist for a planned crown on tooth #31. In taking film, he ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. I suspect you have heard from your endodontist by now. It ...
retreated root canal4/22/2010
  Q: I had a root canal done when I was about 10. I'm about 40 now, and I decided that I didn't like the ...
  A: Unfortunately, I have no idea why you are having this problem since I can't exam you. Quite frankly, ...
pus filled sack4/22/2010
  Q: i have a pus filled sack on the roof of my mouth theres no white head or any way to pop it it used ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. It sounds like you really need to see a dentist. Even if ...
abscess4/20/2010
  Q: sorry about not being clear yesterday, the family kept interrupting me when I was trying to write ...
  A: It is possible, but highly unlikely that an abscess would come from an injection. When a needle goes ...
retreated root canal4/19/2010
  Q: I had a root canal done when I was about 10. I'm about 40 now, and I decided that I didn't like the ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Since I can't exam you, it's hard for me to be sure, but it ...
Root Canal4/19/2010
  Q: I had a root canal done about two years ago and every now and then the tooth would itch. I started ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on. Unfortunately, without being able to exam you, I really can't diagnosis ...
Root Canal Treatment Tooth #34/19/2010
  Q: ..I just submitted a question on treating calcified roots...The tooth was Tooth #3 and the ...
  A: Actually, I think I answered part 1 also. I have sent a reminder to read that answer....that's just ...
Root Canal Treatment Tooth #34/17/2010
  Q: ..I just submitted a question on treating calcified roots...The tooth was Tooth #3 and the ...
  A: Upper molar teeth do have 3 roots....2 go to the check side and one to the roof of your mouth. ...
Calcified roots on Tooth#34/17/2010
  Q: I was referred by my general dentist to see an endodontist for a root canal on Tooth # (there was an ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. The best treatment is to get the root canal done well. ...
ur technique crown down or step back?4/16/2010
  Q: sir, in reference to same case wat u do if theres periradicular bleeding u use any materials which ...
  A: I will be sending you an email and then you will have my email as well. Let me know if you get it. ...
pulpal or periradicular bleeding or both4/15/2010
  Q: just yesterday i was doing rct on left 2nd maxillary molar,having 2 canals,i was removing pulp and ...
  A: There are really only 3 reasons you will have blood in the canal....instrumentation beyond the apex, ...
pulpal or periradicular bleeding or both4/15/2010
  Q: just yesterday i was doing rct on left 2nd maxillary molar,having 2 canals,i was removing pulp and ...
  A: Nice to hear from you again! When I have these issues, I back off to 3/4 mm short, complete my ...
root cnal ?4/15/2010
  Q: How often and what would be the reason for stopping in the middle of a root canal and putting the ...
  A: Many dentists today still do root canals in several appointments...anywhere from 2-5. The theory is ...
Root canal after nerve exposure4/12/2010
  Q: Recently my dentist exposed the nerve of my tooth while cleaning out "decay". I am a Internal Med ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through this when you have all these other things going on in your ...
diagnostic imagery4/8/2010
  Q: I've had a root canal and crown done over a year ago on a tooth that has just broken and needs an ...
  A: I can certainly understand your frustration with all this. The problem is, there is no way to really ...
follow up to original question4/8/2010
  Q: in response to your original answer about my dying nerve and we aren't sure which tooth is the ...
  A: The only reason I mentioned that is you said in the original question that one of the teeth was ...
diagnostic imagery4/8/2010
  Q: I've had a root canal and crown done over a year ago on a tooth that has just broken and needs an ...
  A: It's hard for me to say if any films are missing. What you have is the pre %26 post op X-rays and ...
temporary crown4/6/2010
  Q: my temporary crown came off on Saturday afternoon on this holiday weekend. Dentist will not be back ...
  A: I didn't receive this until this morning. It's now Tuesday. If your dentist is back today, then you ...
about root canal4/5/2010
  Q: Sir, i want to know that i had root canal on my upper front single teeth before 7 years,after that ...
  A: The type of cement just needs to be NON-STAINING. In the past, a cement containing silver particles ...
about root canal4/5/2010
  Q: Sir, i want to know that i had root canal on my upper front single teeth before 7 years,after that ...
  A: There are several reasons that teeth turn black after root canals. The main ones are the type of ...
i wanna knoe the possible outcomes for this case4/4/2010
  Q: my sister had a re-treatment of endo-filling in lower left 6,as the were radioluscent areas in the ...
  A: I'm sorry this happened to your sister, but it is not unusual when trying to remove the old root ...
Why new crown after root canal?4/4/2010
  Q: Why do I need a new crown after a root canal has been done? This is a second dentist insisting that ...
  A: It's a little difficult for me to answer your question since I can't examine you and your tooth, but ...
Missed canal 13 years ago just discovered4/3/2010
  Q: I had a root canal on my #3 tooth 13 years ago due to a cavity. Within a few days the pain was ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have gone through all this. It sounds like you have had a pretty rough time. ...
extraction questions4/2/2010
  Q: I just got my wisdom teeth extracted three days ago, and i have a question about the salt water ...
  A: Your salt water rinses really shouldn't have any effect on your other teeth. Remember, blood is ...
tooth pain after trauma3/30/2010
  Q: Eight weeks ago I had a bike accident that damaged several teeth (and face,lips, arms, hands). Prior ...
  A: WOW....I am SO sorry to hear you are going through all this....especially after having all that work ...
Severe pain 1week after root canal retreat3/29/2010
  Q: Backlund, Thank you so much for reviewing my case. The original root canal was done 2yrs ago on ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. You are doing absolutely the right thing...get back to your ...
pulp remnants stucked at apex3/28/2010
  Q: I was treating 60 yr patient 5 tooth at a time lower 2 canines,2nd premolar and left lower lateral ...
  A: No problem Vikram....I'm glad I can help out! Once again...just anesthetize the patient, instrument ...
bitter taste after root canal3/28/2010
  Q: I had a root canal yesterday and have a very, very bitter taste in my mouth, that will not go away ...
  A: The bitter taste could be from the temporary filling or from any medication that was put inside the ...
pulp remnants stucked at apex3/27/2010
  Q: I was treating 60 yr patient 5 tooth at a time lower 2 canines,2nd premolar and left lower lateral ...
  A: There is really no end to pulpal remnants...they just continue on past the apex as periapical ...
tooth pain3/26/2010
  Q: My dentist has told me in the past that I would likely need a crown on my upper second molar because ...
  A: The pulp can get inflamed from a number of causes such as decay, large fillings, trauma, gum ...
pain of pulp or periradicular tissue3/26/2010
  Q: as a dentist i follow a traditional method for doing root canals as there are not many options ...
  A: In my practice, I find that every time I go back into the tooth, I irritate it more. Opening the ...
severe pain post root canal3/26/2010
  Q: Backlund I was diagnosed with a dead tooth and internal resorption on #12 that had eaten its way ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. It is certainly possible that the overfill could be causing ...
tooth pain3/26/2010
  Q: My dentist has told me in the past that I would likely need a crown on my upper second molar because ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. It's hard to answer your question without being able to exam ...
Post Root Canal3/25/2010
  Q: I had my first root canal 4 days ago. The dentist said the procedure would be 1 hr long. I was ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this has happened to you. What you experienced is some of the irrigating solution ...
pain of pulp or periradicular tissue3/24/2010
  Q: as a dentist i follow a traditional method for doing root canals as there are not many options ...
  A: I would suspect that the formomcresol is your problem. We have stopped using ANY intra-canal ...
pain of pulp or periradicular tissue3/23/2010
  Q: as a dentist i follow a traditional method for doing root canals as there are not many options ...
  A: I don't think it is really possible to differentiate between the two types of pain. Many dentists ...
RCT3/23/2010
  Q: Backlund, I'm glad you could appreciate my historian abilities. I wanted you to get the complete ...
  A: A thousand pardons!!!!! I left out a few words...must have been before I had my coffee...:-). What I ...
Crown and post came out3/22/2010
  Q: A few years ago I had a root canal done. Today I was eating a sandwich and the crown along with the ...
  A: I really don't. I practice on the West Coast. One way to find a good place is to call other ...
Crown and post came out3/22/2010
  Q: A few years ago I had a root canal done. Today I was eating a sandwich and the crown along with the ...
  A: I'm sorry you had this happen. You're right, you shouldn't be feeling any pain. Since you are, I ...
Tooth pain, antibiotic not working3/18/2010
  Q: For the past year, I have had on-again, off-again pain in my bridge area (lower right side). It ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. Usually, it takes 24-48 hours for antibiotics to start working. ...
root reabsorption3/16/2010
  Q: I lost most of my teeth after 9 years of braces, my 22 year old son had significant reabsorption ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you kids are dealing with all this. There really is nothing you can do to alter ...
tooth pain after crown replacement3/16/2010
  Q: Backlund, About a month ago I had went in to my dentist because the 3rd tooth from the back (I still ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on! From what you have told me, I would agree that it is highly likely ...
Root Canal3/16/2010
  Q: Dr. Gary, My uncle just had a root canal, he is now experiencing jaw stiffness, can't open his ...
  A: I'm sorry your Uncle is going through this. The two most common reason for jaw stiffness is ...
Train wreck of a mouth.3/16/2010
  Q: Backlund, First thank you for taking the time to review my question. I will try to be detailed, but ...
  A: CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You're taking the first step to getting your mouth back in good repair. There is ...
root canal for a 6 year old3/15/2010
  Q: My 6 year old daughter knocked out her upper right permanent tooth. It was put back in within about ...
  A: Actually, having the whole tooth knocked out rather than the tooth being broken, increases the ...
root canal for a 6 year old3/15/2010
  Q: My 6 year old daughter knocked out her upper right permanent tooth. It was put back in within about ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your daughter has had this happen...traumatic to her, but maybe more so Mom. I am ...
broken root canal tooth3/15/2010
  Q: I had a root canal done 6 years ago, and lost my dental insurance soon after and never had it ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. The biggest problem with just leaving things alone is that ...
Yellow tooth endodontics3/15/2010
  Q: Backlund, Several years ago my front tooth started turning yellowish (I guess it was probaly injured ...
  A: It would be helpful for me to have an Xray, but since I don't I'll give you some general ...
Mental Nerve3/12/2010
  Q: I had an apico done (on #19) about 6 months ago and my "mental" nerve was somehow cut/injured. I ...
  A: That is REALLY too bad that he/she is not being helpful. Unfortunately, it is probably in fear of ...
root canal #283/11/2010
  Q: Backlund, I recently had a root canal on #28. I was extremely hard to numb, it two shots of ...
  A: I'm sorry your are going through all this. Lower bicuspid teeth, for some reason, can be very hard ...
Mental Nerve3/11/2010
  Q: I had an apico done (on #19) about 6 months ago and my "mental" nerve was somehow cut/injured. I ...
  A: I'm sorry this has happened. In our office, this is a very rare occurrence....maybe once in 25 years ...
Root canal agony afterwards!3/10/2010
  Q: I had a root canal done on monday afternoon, iv had them before so i figured a bit of pain is ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. No, having this type of pain is NOT normal. The ...
Root Canal Tooth #143/10/2010
  Q: I have recently had a root canal done on tooth #14. The tooth has already been crowned but I am ...
  A: It never hurts to give a tooth time to tell us what needs to be done. However, since it has been a ...
Root Canal Tooth #143/9/2010
  Q: I have recently had a root canal done on tooth #14. The tooth has already been crowned but I am ...
  A: Glad you at least found where the problem is coming from. The answer to your question is "Yes". When ...
Root Canal Tooth #143/8/2010
  Q: I have recently had a root canal done on tooth #14. The tooth has already been crowned but I am ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this all going on. I also have some bad news for you....you have another ...
cracked root3/7/2010
  Q: I had pain in a bottom molar so my dentist did a root canal with a crown, post and core (2001). I ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. Must be very frustrating! If you truly have a cracked root, the long ...
Root resportion3/6/2010
  Q: About 10 years ago, I noticed I had "holes" between my gums and teeth (front two 8, 9). I went to a ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on. Resorption is one of the most difficult problems that we deal with. It ...
apical periodontitis3/5/2010
  Q: while doing rct on maxillary central incisors, i think i hav done filing beyond apex because next ...
  A: It is hard for me to give you help without being able to exam the patient. What I can tell you is we ...
unexpected root canal, twice3/3/2010
  Q: About 7 years ago, I told my general dentist that I had some sensitivity in one of my back left ...
  A: If the tooth is truly fractured, cracked whatever, it is probably not worth saving. Diagnosing a ...
Follow up to your answer a few mins ago3/3/2010
  Q: Backlund. Thanks for your answer. Unfortunately, the redo is scheduled for tomorrow and I honestly ...
  A: It certainly could be a fracture and if you have any tendency to grind or clench your teeth, that ...
Will3/2/2010
  Q: A year and a half ago I had a couple of fillings done in my top back molars, and my dentist said ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on. First, my disclaimer....:-)....since I can't exam you, it's hard for me ...
unexpected root canal, twice3/2/2010
  Q: About 7 years ago, I told my general dentist that I had some sensitivity in one of my back left ...
  A: WOW...sounds like a real disaster for you! I don't blame you for being upset. Let me try to deal ...
failure to anaesthetize tooth3/2/2010
  Q: i am just passed out dentist and recently i met a female patient whose maxillary 1st premolar was ...
  A: Here are two links for info about the ligamajet or peripress....maybe you can find one to try. I ...
Root canal and crown3/2/2010
  Q: I have had a root canal performed this past November 2009, and the dentist broke the little canal ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you are going through this. I would suggest that before you do anything, you get a ...
failure to anaesthetize tooth3/1/2010
  Q: i am just passed out dentist and recently i met a female patient whose maxillary 1st premolar was ...
  A: In our office, we find that often on maxillary teeth, we need to give a palatal injection to get ...
bruxism after root canal2/28/2010
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal about a week and a half ago on #18, and after a few days the pain ...
  A: I would call your new dentist first thing Monday morning and explain what you are feeling. That ...
silver point2/28/2010
  Q: One of my front lower incisors was broken and a root canal performed in 1967. The procedure was ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through this. In many cases, it is possible to redo root canals that were ...
root canal question2/27/2010
  Q: First off thank you for your time. I had the first half of my root canal started about 4 days ago. ...
  A: It's hard for me to help here without knowing your specific situation and being able to exam you. ...
bruxism after root canal2/27/2010
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal about a week and a half ago on #18, and after a few days the pain ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through this. It is not uncommon to find a few days AFTER the root canal that ...
Post root canal pain2/27/2010
  Q: Yesterday I had a root canal and this is the most pain I've ever been in after a procedure like ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through this. Sometimes, after a root canal is done, it will cause the ...
Alternative options2/26/2010
  Q: I had recently been told that I require a root canal for my bottom molar tooth, the one that is ...
  A: WOW..sounds like you're having quite a time! In our office, when we have this problem getting ...
Permanent filling instead of root canal2/26/2010
  Q: Good afternoon, I've just returned from the dentist. Before Christmas, I was informed that I had an ...
  A: It's hard for me to give you good advice about your situation, but it certainly sounds like there is ...
Tooth Trauma2/26/2010
  Q: Yesterday I bit down hard on a popcorn kernel while eating popcorn. It was so painful that thought I ...
  A: WOW....I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. There is rarely ever a reason not to give a ...
Toothache dilema2/25/2010
  Q: I have a tooth[second last molar upper left] that was cracked about 3 years ago.At that point I had ...
  A: That's a great question with an almost impossible answer. I always tell patients that it will do no ...
root canal on dead tooth2/24/2010
  Q: 20 years ago had top 3 front teeth root canal and crowned, the crown with the tooth stem fell off, ...
  A: Unfortunately, there is really no way for you to know what is REALLY going on. Things sound ...
Internal bleaching after apecoectomy2/24/2010
  Q: I read the other question and answer regarding internal bleaching of a discolored tooth and it seems ...
  A: First, let me say bleaching internally is a pretty inexact procedure. The color will come close to ...
pain after cavity fillings2/23/2010
  Q: About a week ago, I had 8 cavities filled top 2 molars and bottom 2 molars on each side. However ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. It is very difficult to tell in the early stages when a root canal ...
gums growing over wisdom2/23/2010
  Q: all permanent teeth are present and all third molars are impacted. the roots of the mandibular third ...
  A: Unfortunately, it's not unusual for a tooth to be sensitive right after it has been filled. You ...
gums growing over wisdom2/23/2010
  Q: all permanent teeth are present and all third molars are impacted. the roots of the mandibular third ...
  A: WOW...that report is a mouthful! I'm sorry you're having pain and I'm afraid this report doesn't ...
root canal on crak tooth with bracket2/22/2010
  Q: is it possible to have a root canal on the cracked tooth even with an attached bracket on it?
  A: Yes, that should be no problem. The access to do a root canal is through the biting surface of your ...
Temporary eye problem after local anesthesia2/20/2010
  Q: I'm in the process of having a permanent implant done on the lower right premolar. On my last visit ...
  A: I'm sorry you had this problem. I think it is highly unlikely that you will have this reaction ...
Levaquin for dental pain2/20/2010
  Q: I know I need to see dentist. We are having extreme financial problems right now. I have a wisdom ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. Usually, for antibiotics to be effective, you need to be on ...
Failed Apio...try again?2/19/2010
  Q: I had a root canal, which apparently didn't work and left me with a LARGE (blueberry size) abscess ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this is going on. First, the reason you are having continued problems is that ...
decay of milk tooth2/19/2010
  Q: My three years old daughter is having problem of decaying in front three teeth teeth out of three ...
  A: I'm sorry your daughter is having this problem. Yes, a root canal on a child is OK and very safe. We ...
Temporary filling2/19/2010
  Q: I just had a root canal done. After a couple of hours I decided to eat. Upon chewing , I think the ...
  A: Cracked temporaries are frequent problem with root canals. As long as the seal to the inside of the ...
Root canal2/18/2010
  Q: I just finished (Clindamycine 300mg 4/day for 10 days) on the 11 Feb, due to an infection. I will be ...
  A: In most cases. it's a good idea to get the root canal started while the tooth is comfortable. It ...
how long till knot on gum goes away after root canal2/18/2010
  Q: I had two fillings done on two teeth next to each other on my upper left. the other day i noticed a ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. If the knot you feel is very hard, that means the bone has ...
NUMB IN FACE AFTER RC2/17/2010
  Q: I HAD A RC 8 DAYS AGO IN A PRE MOLAR. IT WAS INFECTED AT THE TIME OF THE RC. MY FACE AND GUMS BELOW ...
  A: WOW...sounds like you have gone through it! I have had patients that have experienced similar ...
Pain in tooth previously treated by root canal2/16/2010
  Q: Around a year ago I had a root canal and never experienced any pain from the tooth again until two ...
  A: While it's hard for me to diagnosis your problem without examining you, it sounds to me like your ...
Pressure above crowned tooth2/16/2010
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I had a root canal on my top side, back right molar, 6 or 7 years ago, and have a ...
  A: There are many times when the roots of 2nd molars are actually in the sinus. If you have sinus ...
bad teeth and break out on face2/16/2010
  Q: can bad teeth cause your face to break out in "circle like" sores I have been told that I have ...
  A: In some cases, that is possible. When a tooth abscesses, it can drain through the face and that ...
Swelling after root canal2/15/2010
  Q: It has been 4 days since my root canal and 7 since I started taking antibiotics. I did not receive a ...
  A: I'm sorry you have this going on. If you started the antibiotics before you had the root canal, it ...
Post root canal2/13/2010
  Q: i am three days post-op on two root canals and four crowns place in my front four teeth. I am having ...
  A: I have never had a reaction like that from one of my patients. I would doubt very much it is an ...
Root Exposure2/12/2010
  Q: Dr Backlund, I have had extraordinary sensitivity on one of my teeth in particular and at my last ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. Root exposure and the accompanying sensitivity can be very ...
Post root canal2/12/2010
  Q: i am three days post-op on two root canals and four crowns place in my front four teeth. I am having ...
  A: I'm sorry your having this problem. I doubt there is really anything seriously wrong and I suspect ...
jaw pain p/o crown preps2/11/2010
  Q: 2 weeks ago I had my upper right second bicuspid and second molar prepped for a bridge/crowns. The ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through this after your crown preps. Without examining you, it's hard ...
toothache and metallic taste after root canal2/5/2010
  Q: I had a root canal over a year ago I was not able to get it capped at that time. 5 days ago I bit ...
  A: A hole in the filling could have the same results as a crack. It exposes the inside of the tooth and ...
terrible pain from a broken molar.2/5/2010
  Q: I'm calling in on behalf of my mother. Who is crying in pain from her broken tooth. I'm hoping ...
  A: I'm sorry your mother is going through all this. If the tooth is broken and the pain is that bad, ...
toothache and metallic taste after root canal2/4/2010
  Q: I had a root canal over a year ago I was not able to get it capped at that time. 5 days ago I bit ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. While it is very difficult for me to diagnosis your problem ...
apico2/3/2010
  Q: My tooth hurt me really badly one night. It hasn't hurt me since, but I anyhow went to the dentist. ...
  A: I don't know if you are seeing an oral surgeon or an endodontist. Oral surgeons usually do things ...
dental local anesthetic2/3/2010
  Q: I am continuing to experience severe dizziness the day after it began when I rose from the dental ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing all this. While I can't say for certain, it would be very ...
Split Root2/2/2010
  Q: What options does a person have when the root has split after a root canal and crown to a back ...
  A: I'm assuming you are dealing with this problem. Unfortunately, there is no way to "glue" the root ...
Occlusal Adjustment v. Root Canal2/1/2010
  Q: I had a crown placed on my first molar a few years ago and have been experiencing pain around the ...
  A: You ask great questions but they don't have easy answers. Sometimes, things start to feel better as ...
post root canal retreatment1/31/2010
  Q: I had root canal done on #30 a year ago and there were two broken files left at canal area. I had it ...
  A: When a root canal is redone, the goal is the "fix" something that wasn't right in the first place. ...
Pain following root canal1/30/2010
  Q: I had my first root canal appointment five days ago. I was quite intimidated by the procedure, so I ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. It sounds to me like the root canal treatment has caused the ...
Sore tooth1/28/2010
  Q: I have a molar lower left w/ a filling. A week or so ago I had occassional, extreme sensitivity to ...
  A: Does your dentist have someone covering his/her call through the weekend? If so, I'd call that ...
root canal retreatment1/28/2010
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I have teeth 18 and 19 both having root canals and crowns. I was told they have short ...
  A: From what I can see, there is no evidence of pathology on the X-rays. The fills are a bit ...
Apicoectomy1/28/2010
  Q: Dr. Backlund, In your 25 years as an Endodontist, have you ever encountered an instance when ...
  A: You ask a great question, but it doesn't really have anyway for me to answer it. We routinely do ...
root canals1/27/2010
  Q: I had a root canal and then a crown put in a few years ago, and someone told me you can get a ...
  A: It very difficult to predict about decay under crowns. Since Xray don't go through crowns, the first ...
root canals1/27/2010
  Q: I had a root canal and then a crown put in a few years ago, and someone told me you can get a ...
  A: That person is absolutely correct. When you have a root canal, it only treats the inside of the ...
molar endo1/25/2010
  Q: especially when biting on it, though if I press it it isn't actually very painful I am a dental ...
  A: What you may be describing and feeling is a cracked tooth. The composite was placed, I assume, just ...
abscess1/24/2010
  Q: I had a r/c done in 2002. On my dentists advice I didn't immediately crown it. Had the crown done ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. The antibiotics you are on will not make the abscess go ...
two root canals on same tooth1/24/2010
  Q: I have had several root canals and never had this problem. I let my regular dentist perform a root ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Sounds like a nightmare! There would be no connection ...
Root Canal Tooth Breaks1/23/2010
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I am a 20-year-old college student. About 7 years ago I had root canals done on my ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're in this position. It's REALLY hard to deal with dental problems with ...
pulp capping v root canal1/23/2010
  Q: I’m male, and 56 years old. Late last year my dentist told me my upper left second molar (the one ...
  A: WOW Darryl, you ask tough questions. It's hard for me to tell you whether the "free" dentist is any ...
Root treatment advice please1/21/2010
  Q: i had a sharp pain in a front top tooth when anything hot touched it so i visited my dentist who ...
  A: Actually, this is pretty much the story with an abscessed tooth. When the nerve dies, it ...
pulp capping v root canal1/21/2010
  Q: I’m male, and 56 years old. Late last year my dentist told me my upper left second molar (the one ...
  A: You ask some great questions and it's obvious you have given this a lot of thought. Let me start by ...
Allergy with ibuprofen1/21/2010
  Q: I had a root canal re treatment done 5 days ago. I didn't have pAin before & neither during my first ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Unfortunately, if you are allergic to one of the ...
root canals?1/20/2010
  Q: I supposedly had a root canal by a civilian dentist before joining the military. As we know, the ...
  A: Unfortunately, the answer to your question is "yes". What can happen is that the first part is done ...
Hi Doctor1/20/2010
  Q: My question is my wife had a root canal therapy done on her upper front tooth a weak ago and a ...
  A: I'm sorry your wife has gone through all this. The big pimple is an area where the infection, that ...
crown1/20/2010
  Q: I had a root canal retreatment on #30 and the crown on it is only less than a year old. The ...
  A: In almost all case, getting a filling in the hole will be just fine. That is the normal thing we do ...
abcess on a root canal tooth, showing a crack in root1/19/2010
  Q: I have an infection in the gum area at the base of a root canal tooth that has formed a pus pimple, ...
  A: There are two problems with cracked teeth. One is the crack, of course, and the other is that the ...
root canal retreatment1/19/2010
  Q: I had #18 root canal done overseas in 1993 and #19 root canal done by a specialist here in U.S. in ...
  A: It is not too unusual to have a root canal filled short. The real issue is what is beyond the ...
side of tooth - tiny hole ?1/19/2010
  Q: I don't have my whisdom tooth. I have a tooth at my right side bottom - it's the 2nd one from the ...
  A: While I can't be sure without examining you, what you describe certainly sounds like decay and that ...
pain after crown1/18/2010
  Q: I got a crown about 6 months ago, wasn't having any problems with the tooth but since it had a small ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this is going on with your crown. If you should need a root canal, in almost all ...
root canal follow up1/18/2010
  Q: After seeking your help previously, I went back to have the second part of my root canal done- and ...
  A: I'm glad to hear you're getting better. WOW....5 canals...that is REALLY unusual!If there was an ...
Root canal infection1/17/2010
  Q: I had a root canal in May. Temporary crowns were used from May to August with the permanent crown ...
  A: Your question really has a couple of parts. It is possible to get decay under your crown in 6 ...
Odd Sensations and Pain in Recent Root Canal Treatment1/17/2010
  Q: I had a root canal last week Tuesday, January 12, 2010. The procedure went "beautifully," according ...
  A: I'm sorry you have had all this happen. Unfortunately, we see this in our practice on a weekly ...
ethics1/16/2010
  Q: I went to my dentist with severe pain in a tooth. All I ask for was to fix the tooth telling them I ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having all this go on. While I can't really know EXACTLY what went on during your ...
Root canal needed?1/16/2010
  Q: Backlund, My dentist(s) have said that my tooth #15's root has been damaged by about third so it ...
  A: It sounds like your teeth are inflamed and that's why you're having pain. They aren't abscessed, ...
root canal tooth1/15/2010
  Q: Had root canal done on tooth years ago. It has a crown on it. Now its fallen down like its gonna ...
  A: I'm sorry you have this going on. It's difficult for me to help since I can't exam you. There are ...
still have pain after root canal1/15/2010
  Q: About one month ago I was having throbbing pain in my gums high above the rear molar. This gum area ...
  A: It sounds like, overall, you're getting better. If you had an infection, that wouldn't be the case. ...
still have pain after root canal1/14/2010
  Q: About one month ago I was having throbbing pain in my gums high above the rear molar. This gum area ...
  A: Before I try to answer, can you tell me about your pain? Do you have hot or cold sensitivity? Can ...
root canal?1/13/2010
  Q: Backlund, I am pretty frightened of the dentist, so I have check ups often. I have had one cavity ...
  A: I'm sorry you are having all this happen...especially when you are away from your support network. ...
RCT 10 year old1/13/2010
  Q: Our pediatric dentist told us that our daughter needs root canal on her #14 molar. I can see the ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your daughter is needing a root canal at such a young age. I have treated a lot of ...
pain & drainage post root canal1/11/2010
  Q: Backlund, Hopefully you can give me some insight to my situation. In Aug. 09 I had the old fillings ...
  A: I think it would be wise to have an endodontist take over your case. When that happens, you will ...
Tooth1/11/2010
  Q: I had a root canal on one of my molars and a crown put on. It does not hurt or bother me, but I get ...
  A: Since I can't examine you, I can't say for sure, but the two most likely causes are either a failing ...
Hard Painful Bump in gum1/11/2010
  Q: I have a bump in my gum, do you know what it is? On December 24 I got a severe toothache.Hurt all ...
  A: Unfortunately, since I can't examine you, it's hard for me to be sure, but it sounds like you may ...
pain & drainage post root canal1/11/2010
  Q: Backlund, Hopefully you can give me some insight to my situation. In Aug. 09 I had the old fillings ...
  A: WOW...it sounds like you have really been through it! Without being able to exam you, it's really ...
Pain/sensitivity in tooth with root canal1/11/2010
  Q: After having a crown-prep done for a crown that wasn't necessary, I had a root canal on #30 done ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. I'm afraid to tell you that what the endodontist says is ...
gumboil - failed crown and post??1/10/2010
  Q: My dentist finally looked at my problem and said that my root cannel needed to be redone because it ...
  A: Having severe reactions to local anesthetic really puts you in a bad way. For your immediate ...
Root canal re-treatment1/8/2010
  Q: Dr Backlund, I had a root canal done on my 2nd molar 8 years ago. Now I'm having problems with the ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with this problem. When patients grind their teeth, the pressure ...
Root canal with cracked root - HELP!1/7/2010
  Q: I'm an American, living in Australia for the last 18 years. I had a root canal on one of my molars ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having all this go on. Unfortunately, we still don't have any way to "glue" a root ...
teeth1/4/2010
  Q: how do you tell the difference between baby teeth and adult teeth
  A: Basically, the tooth anatomy is quite different. Baby molars look like a small version of adult ...
Crown following a Root Canal1/3/2010
  Q: I received a root canal at the beginning of Feb 2009. The dentist that did the job did a great job ...
  A: In our office, we suggest crowning ALL back teeth...and we don't do the crowns.....to help protect ...
Failed apicoectomy?1/2/2010
  Q: Almost two weeks ago I had an apicoectomy on tooth #20 because I had a gum boil and the doctor said ...
  A: Actually, an Xray at this point won't show anything. X-rays only show changes in hard structure, ...
Failed apicoectomy?1/2/2010
  Q: Almost two weeks ago I had an apicoectomy on tooth #20 because I had a gum boil and the doctor said ...
  A: While two weeks is a bit long for the gum boil to remain, it really depends on what it initially ...
No temporary crown put on--is this common?12/29/2009
  Q: I underwent my first root canal yesterday for a tooth near the back of my mouth. The process seemed ...
  A: After a root canal is done, the most important thing is to make sure that the tooth is sealed is ...
anesthesia12/28/2009
  Q: how can i avoid increase blood pressure by using special anesthesia that has less amount of ...
  A: I don't know what anesthetic you are currently using, but you can get xylocaine with varying amounts ...
Internal Bleaching12/27/2009
  Q: I have a discolored front tooth that many dentist have told me can't be fixed with standard ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this is going on. You actually have a difficult problem. If your tooth has the ...
signs and likelihood of failed "guided tisue regen resorable"12/27/2009
  Q: I had a root canal done on a top molar about a year ago. Then, in May, I developed a fistula. My ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this is going on. Yes, it sounds like you had an apicoectomy. When we do this ...
Tooth pain after cleaning12/24/2009
  Q: I went in to see my dentist two weeks ago for a cleaning and I had updated x-rays taken. I was ...
  A: I'm sorry your having this problem, especially with the holidays upon us. When a tooth gets ...
Broken tooth after root canal12/23/2009
  Q: I had root canal in my molar teeth (Last one on lower jaw) 4 years ago. It had a metal (silver like) ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. It's hard for me to help here since I can't exam ...
anesthesia failure12/22/2009
  Q: I had a root canal procedure on #31 yesterday using "oral sedation" and a local nerve block. The ...
  A: I can certainly understand why you are concerned. I have had this happen in my office as well and it ...
stains on root canalled teeth12/21/2009
  Q: Backlund, Forgive me for speaking in general terms since I kind of have to around here, but if ...
  A: Clenching is a habit that is very difficult to break. It has a basis in psychological issues and ...
Tooth Number 3112/21/2009
  Q: Backlund, I have some questions that I'm sure lots of people are wondering and yet I cannot find ...
  A: I'm sorry your going through all this. It must be VERY frustrating for you. When a tooth has been ...
Four year old crown with toothache12/21/2009
  Q: My dentist crowned my lower right canine tooth four years ago with a porceline crown. First he ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Unfortunately, I have some bad news for you....you're ...
stains on root canalled teeth12/19/2009
  Q: Backlund, Forgive me for speaking in general terms since I kind of have to around here, but if ...
  A: Any stain that is on the outside of the tooth, especially if it can easily be removed, would not be ...
Root Canal Retreatment With Infected Tooth12/17/2009
  Q: Dr. Backlund, Thank you in advance for taking the time to address my COMPLICATED situation in my ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this, especially with a new crown. From what you describe, it ...
Clarification on #7 Tooth Calcifying12/17/2009
  Q: If a tooth (pulp) is calcifying, once it is calcified does that mean that you cannot put a crown and ...
  A: When a tooth calcifies, that means that extra tooth structure is laid down inside the tooth filling ...
root canal12/12/2009
  Q: I have just had root canal treatment,( which was the most painful experience of my life )intense ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Pain during and after a root canal is never normal. In our ...
Cracked Molar12/12/2009
  Q: I have a cracked molar ( side to side through) that pain caused me to see my dentist . it is tooth ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. You are VERY smart to get all the information and opinions ...
Broken drill bit in tooth (root canal)12/11/2009
  Q: During a root canal (tooth #30) last year, the dentist broke the drill bit and a piece was left at ...
  A: I'm sorry this all happened to you. When a piece of instrument breaks off, the main problem, as you ...
root canal and stain diseases12/10/2009
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I am wondering, are there any stain diseases OR stain related issues associated with ...
  A: Actually, I don't know how to answer your question. In our office, we never have stains after ...
painful root canal12/10/2009
  Q: I recently had a root canal. I felt pain and discomfort to hot and especially cold after the root ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all thius is going on. Yes, I would defiantly call your endodontist, however I ...
root canal and stain diseases12/9/2009
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I am wondering, are there any stain diseases OR stain related issues associated with ...
  A: The only time a stain would be associated with pain would be after a tooth has died, usually from ...
Root Canal12/9/2009
  Q: I am probably going to need a root canal done in the near future. 1. can I go to an Endodondist to ...
  A: Here we go...... 1. can I go to an Endodondist to have him do the root canal or do I have to go to ...
re-root canal12/8/2009
  Q: Backlund, Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. A little over a year ago I had to ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Since I can't examine you, I really can't tell you for sure ...
Root Canal12/7/2009
  Q: Dr Backlund, I had two root canal procedure done about two days ago. I was told that the teeth was ...
  A: I'm sorry your going through this. I suspect what you are feeling is related to the root canals you ...
Post-Crown sensitivity - give it time?12/7/2009
  Q: Backlund, Last January, after 45 years (since childhood) without needing any dental work beyond my ...
  A: Congratulaions are your GREAT dental health! It's hard to know at this point exactly what is going ...
Teeth12/7/2009
  Q: Hey my name is Sammie and i got my front right teeth capped becaused i had a chip in it .. so the ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. Sometimes, when a tooth is crowned, the process can cause the nerve ...
Condensing Osteitis12/6/2009
  Q: Backlund. I had 2 days ago root canal work on my right upper molar, tooth # 3. While taking the x ...
  A: Condendsing osteitis is a reaction, by the bone, to some type of stimulation...often some sort of ...
dental fractures12/4/2009
  Q: I am a 62 yr old male I use a sonacare brush for 4yrs now. My top 6 front teeth are developing ...
  A: Unfortunately, you're right. It's part of aging. Calcium only helps when the teeth are developing, ...
2nd root canal failure12/3/2009
  Q: Backlund It's me the tin foil lady again.... LOL.. Well I had a root canal and a re root canal and ...
  A: Happy holidays to you too. Unfortunately, at this point, your problem could be anything. All the ...
lose crown pain12/3/2009
  Q: now she had feel of lose crown like 6 month ago at that time dentist said nothing wrong she got some ...
  A: I'm sorry your daughter is going through all this. The first thing is to get a good diagnosis of ...
Root canal therapy molar #3112/2/2009
  Q: 20 years ago, my mother had some bridge work done. She has been complaining of some pain which is ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your mother is going through all this. Diffuse, non-specific pain like this can be ...
root canal during pregnacy?11/30/2009
  Q: I recently saw my regular dentist and had some xrays taken. From the xrays my dentist told me it ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on at this time, being pregnant and all. Since your tooth is sensitive to ...
No relief from two root canals11/30/2009
  Q: Dr. Gary, I had a root canal done in March of 2009 after no relief and two rounds of antibiotics my ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. Unfortunately, there are times when no matter what we do, it doesn't ...
Post Root Canal Retretment 8 months11/30/2009
  Q: I have had ongoing tooth pain on the lower right side of my mouth. The 2nd from the back (no wisdom ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. Since I can't exam you, it's hard for me to tell you exactly what is ...
Calcified canal...endodontist could not access root...what next??11/29/2009
  Q: I have been to a local endodontist twice in the past two weeks for a "root canal" of tooth # ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on! It would seem that the next step would be an apicoectomy. ...
Root Canal Pain11/29/2009
  Q: I had a root canal approximately 2 weeks ago and still have some numbness in my lip and chin which ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having all this go on. The numbness comes from either the injections and ...
upper gum pain near old root canal11/22/2009
  Q: About three weeks ago, I began experiencing pain in my front upper most part of my exterior gum, ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. It sounds to me like you are having problems with that root canal. ...
questions about week-old root canal11/22/2009
  Q: and thank you for taking the time to read my questions. On 11/10/09 I had a root canal done on #13, ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on. It could be that your bite is just off on that tooth. Hold your teeth ...
Post root canal pain/headache11/21/2009
  Q: , I had a root canal done last Tuesday (17th) by an Endodontic doctor. One day procedure. I needed a ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. It sounds to me like you may have stirred up the abscess. We ...
pain after root canal11/21/2009
  Q: My dentist drilled out an very old silver filling eight weeks ago then put a temporary on it while ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is happening to you. You have pretty nailed down the options. Bruxism can ...
Quite a bit of pain after a root canal11/21/2009
  Q: Backlund, My boyfriend had a root canal on Tuesday, it is now Friday. Pain meds seemed to control ...
  A: I'm sorry your boyfriend is going through all this. What he is going through is not normal, but we ...
advice about these digital x-rays11/21/2009
  Q: Backlund, I am wondering about something. I have a regular dentist that I go to. I had symptoms ...
  A: You raise a really good point here. Rather than deal with your question exactly, I guess I would ...
Hole in tooth11/20/2009
  Q: A week ago my tooth started to be senstitive to hot and cold, so I looked in the mirror and on the ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. It seems strange to me that a patient who calls and is in pain ...
broken file in root canal11/19/2009
  Q: Dr. Backlund,Thanks for answering my previous question about root canal treatment. I have one moreI ...
  A: The real issue here is at what level the files are broken and do they affect the ability to properly ...
4 days post root canal11/19/2009
  Q: On Monday I had a root canal done on my back left bottom tooth. My dentist did "phase 2" which is ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. While what is happening is certainly NOT normal, it is a ...
Root canal11/18/2009
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I had root canal done for teeth 19 and 30 at my orthodontist, however, two dentists ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your in this situation......it's a tough one. In most cases, it is best to let ...
broken root canal file in molar11/17/2009
  Q: I was having root canal done last week when my dentist broke a price of file off in the tooth. I ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. I guess I'm a little confused...in our area, it's ...
Problems with Maryland Bridge:11/17/2009
  Q: I had a Maryland Bridge to replace tooth no 21 completely. I had a 3 unit bridge placed in July 2009 ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. I'm not exactly certain what your question is, but maybe if ...
tooth pain after a fall11/16/2009
  Q: I am a 57-year-old female. As I was running down the hall to my office this morning, my ...
  A: I'm sorry this has happened. I think you probably don't need anymore ice at this point, but I would ...
symptoms11/15/2009
  Q: my lower jaw right side,third tooth from the wisdom tooth is done second root canal before 3 ...
  A: Actually, without knowing exactly what your problem is and what is causing it, I can't tell you why ...
second root canal pain11/15/2009
  Q: my lower jaw right side,third tooth from the wisdom tooth is done second root canal before 3 ...
  A: Unfortunately, since I can't examine you, I really can't tell you if removing the infection will ...
Cutting of the bone11/14/2009
  Q: My name's Michelle. I'm not very old. I'm quite young actually. But My tooth has been decaying for ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through this at your young age. What your dentist is suggesting is called ...
pain11/14/2009
  Q: I would like to ask can a tooth have an irrversible pulpitis for 2 years without undergoing ...
  A: WOW....it sounds like you're really having a time of it! First, let me say that it is impossible for ...
Root Canal Treatment11/13/2009
  Q: ... On Weds i went to my dentist to have imprints done for a bridge for the two left upper front ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is happening. Unfortunately, it can occur when dealing with an abscessed tooth. ...
pain11/13/2009
  Q: I would like to ask can a tooth have an irrversible pulpitis for 2 years without undergoing ...
  A: Let me try to help.... I would like to ask can a tooth have an irrversible pulpitis for 2 years ...
Pain after Apico11/12/2009
  Q: About 4 yrs ago I had a root canal followed by an Apico on my front bottom tooth. After the Apico I ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. If hot %26 cold are a major contributor to your symptoms, you need ...
diagnosing micro-fracture11/12/2009
  Q: B, This is a follow up question with regard to the root canal performed on #8 on Oct. 19. The tooth ...
  A: Root fractures are VERY hard to see on X-rays....sometimes they show up and that's god, but if we ...
root canal problem11/11/2009
  Q: I had a root canal and crown done 6 months ago. This was the worst experience of my life and I am ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through this. I have some bad news...since you are feeling hot %26 cold, it ...
jaw pain11/11/2009
  Q: Over the past couple weeks I have been experiencing sporadic and significant pain in my lower right ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. I think the first thing I would do would be to rule in or ...
Tooth Dis-coloration11/11/2009
  Q: Dr. Gary: Is it true a tooth can dis-color after a root canal? I had a root canal 9 moths ago, and ...
  A: Yes, a tooth can discolor after a root canal, but it really is not seen very much today. The reason ...
Tongue issues after apicoectomy11/9/2009
  Q: I had an apicoectomy on tooth #30 Oct. 14, 2009. Extreme pain after local numbing subsided in jaw. ...
  A: It sounds like you are suffering from the after affects of trauma to the nerve that serves your ...
root canal after veneers11/9/2009
  Q: I have recently (3 wks ago) had veneers replaced on my front 4 teeth. I have noticed the teeth ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Assuming you need root canals, as long as all the tissue is ...
Residual Root Canal Problem11/8/2009
  Q: Gary: I need some advice on this problem. I continue to have problems with a tooth on which I had a ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. I think your best bet would be to get another opinion from another ...
root canal11/6/2009
  Q: I had a root canal 13 days ago on an anterior tooth (#8). Before having the procedure done, two ...
  A: Actually, this is another situation I would need to exam you. That is an unusual symptom and one ...
Front tooth ache11/6/2009
  Q: I was hit in the mouth playing football about 2 years ago that bent one of my front teeth back just ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Yes, you tenderness could be related to problems with the ...
root canal11/5/2009
  Q: I had a root canal 13 days ago on an anterior tooth (#8). Before having the procedure done, two ...
  A: Microfractures are VERY difficult to diagnosis. MRIs are being used in some places to help with ...
retainer and root canal11/5/2009
  Q: I had #9 root canaled about 6 months ago. I have not been very good about wearing my retainer and it ...
  A: Actually, it is HIGHLY unlikely that your retainer would cause the tooth to crack. Even though ...
Root Canal Voids11/5/2009
  Q: I have asked this question to other doctors on this site but I just found that you are a specialist ...
  A: Yes, it makes sense. When the voids are not at the end of the root, the chances of problems greatly ...
Root Canal Voids11/5/2009
  Q: I have asked this question to other doctors on this site but I just found that you are a specialist ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this....it sounds like a nightmare! The real issue with voids is ...
tooth sensitivity after root canal11/4/2009
  Q: I recently made several trips in to see my dentist to have a lot of work done on my mouth. The last ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Unfortunately, I have some bad news for you.....your ...
Root canal filling nerve damage11/3/2009
  Q: I recently had a canal root filing which has left a numbness around the right side of my lip/mouth. ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. When you have numbness after a root canal on the lower, ...
Apicoectomy gone bad?11/2/2009
  Q: Backlund, I have written to you in the past for other dental problems that I've had and I just want ...
  A: First, thank you for the kind words....I'm glad I can be of help on this Board! Without being able ...
root canal11/2/2009
  Q: I had a root canal 13 days ago on an anterior tooth (#8). Before having the procedure done, two ...
  A: Every dentist has his/her favorites. In my practice and for my own use, I find naproxyn the drug of ...
Root Canal Retreatment11/1/2009
  Q: Backlund, In reading your pasts answers, you really seem to know your stuff so I hope that you can ...
  A: I've been at this a long time and my training was at a great school...I credit them with "knowing my ...
root canal11/1/2009
  Q: I had a root canal 13 days ago on an anterior tooth (#8). Before having the procedure done, two ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. You situation really doesn't have an easy answer. It's hard ...
Root canal retreatment vs extraction10/31/2009
  Q: Root Cancel retreatment vs extraction I had a root canal done on tooth #3 over 20 years ago; now ...
  A: You're welcome. I just wanted to add one thing. If the roots are in the sinus and the tooth is ...
Injury to Front Teeth10/30/2009
  Q: 6 months ago I fell and injured my right front tooth and the tooth next to it. They were very ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you had that accident. Anytime teeth are traumatized, they need to be watched VERY ...
Root Canal10/30/2009
  Q: I was wondering if you can help me with my mental unrest? I thought a filling fell out when a ...
  A: I'm SO sorry you have gone through all this. It sounds like a real horror story!What you went ...
root canal10/29/2009
  Q: I broke my bottom right side moler. my dentist filled it and made a crown. After the crown was ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. Depending on what was going on with the tooth, they can be ...
Rootcanal10/29/2009
  Q: Recently I had a filling fall out due to a cavity under my silver filling on my right molar. I went ...
  A: While I can't speak for your dentist, but in most cases, in preparation for the crown, if there is ...
Healing Time10/29/2009
  Q: I had a root canal done this past March. Unfortunately, the pain persisted after the procedure. In ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're still having some sensations. We often do surgery on the ends of roots of ...
RE root canal-- Tin foil lady9/24/2009
  Q: Backlund Me again :) The front tooth lady who had a root canal( may 09) and then it felt like some ...
  A: ..:-).... The best mouth guard is the one made by a dentist, but they are really expensive since we ...
chewing pain on temp crown9/24/2009
  Q: Backlund, In mid July of this summer I had my upper second to last right molar prepped for a crown. ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. Actually, you should be a dentist! What you are suggesting is ...
RE root canal-- Tin foil lady9/24/2009
  Q: Backlund Me again :) The front tooth lady who had a root canal( may 09) and then it felt like some ...
  A: If you are still grinding oyur teeth or grinding on just that tooth, it could certainly cause the ...
pain after composite filling9/22/2009
  Q: Two weeks ago I had a composite filling done on a back top molar (2nd from the back). I had a lot ...
  A: The real question here is "will the nerve settle down"? It sounds to me like you are getting worse. ...
pain after composite filling9/21/2009
  Q: Two weeks ago I had a composite filling done on a back top molar (2nd from the back). I had a lot ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. When teeth become really sensitive to hot & cold, that ...
dental x-ray of root-filled tooth9/21/2009
  Q: I have a front tooth which has had a root-canal and just recently re-crowned by a prosthodontist. ...
  A: You ask a GREAT question and one I get on a weekly basis. When a root canal is done, the tooth tends ...
Dental injections9/20/2009
  Q: What is the worst thing that could happen from a dental injection besides numbness or hematomas? ...
  A: The only way a person could die from a dental injection would be if they were allergic to the ...
root canal9/20/2009
  Q: I had a temp bridge on for 2 wks w/o pain (missing tooth #14). I had the impression done. I have had ...
  A: When we exam teeth in our office, we use a number of tests, but the absolute most reliable is cold. ...
Broken metal band9/20/2009
  Q: I'm 18 and I had a root canal on a lower tooth in January. My dental insurance wouldn't cover a ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through this. If the pain you are having is associated with the tooth, then ...
Painful to Pressure9/19/2009
  Q: Backlund, I've asked you a question about his tooth before, but it was a while ago so here is a ...
  A: Unfortunately, cracked teeth only get worse. Every time you bite down, you take the chance of ...
Tooth 'pulses' after RCT9/19/2009
  Q: 2 months ago i decided to have 2 new crowns for my front teeth for cosmetic reasons (#8 already post ...
  A: What you are experiencing is NOT normal. Obviously, since I can't exam you, I can't tell you what is ...
Apicoectomy sutures split9/18/2009
  Q: 2 weeks ago I had an Apicoetomy, root canal treatment had been done twice previously but I had ...
  A: Unfortunately, sometimes sutures don't close properly. I'm sorry this is happening to you. Since I ...
Root Canal vs. Extraction9/18/2009
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I recently went to the dentist and was told I needed to have a root canal performed ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. In almost all cases, doing a root canal on an infected ...
cold sensitivity after root canal9/17/2009
  Q: I read your June 21, 2007 answer to Summer on this. I'm also having cold sensitivity (either #30 or ...
  A: Only once in my career, have I seen a root canal tooth be sensitive to cold. Even after retreating ...
root adsorption9/17/2009
  Q: Do all teeth that have root adsorption need to be treated or have a root canal?
  A: In all cases of root resorption, the real issue is whether the tooth is alive and whether the ...
Gina9/16/2009
  Q: I am just curious. I just read a question Gina posted for you in July about her root canal not ...
  A: I'm sorry, she didn't. That whole situation can be very frustrating. Did you have an endodontist do ...
recently capped tooth needs root canal9/16/2009
  Q: I had a molar tooth capped in preparation for a 5-unit bridge. After the temporary bridge was put ...
  A: I'm sorry this has all gone on. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for a tooth need a root canal after ...
Painful to Pressure9/16/2009
  Q: Backlund, I've asked you a question about his tooth before, but it was a while ago so here is a ...
  A: Sounds like things aren't getting better. I'm sorry all this is going on. It is highly unlikely that ...
root canal/tooth extraction9/16/2009
  Q: Backlund, I've been reading quite a few of your postings while going through a difficult tooth ...
  A: You're welcome. I guess I misread your original question. When I re-read it, you said it appeared ...
root canal/tooth extraction9/15/2009
  Q: Backlund, I've been reading quite a few of your postings while going through a difficult tooth ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. You raise several issues here, actually, so let me see if I ...
Pain Following Root Canal9/15/2009
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal three days ago on one of my back molars, following an infection with ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this experience. These are NOT normal post op problems from a root ...
RCT9/15/2009
  Q: I was wondering what your opinion is on putting clindamycin in the tooth canals in the case of mild ...
  A: If it truly was the clindamycin you tasted, then the temporary is leaking. A more common taste would ...
Baby Root Canal or Extraction 4 yrs9/15/2009
  Q: My 4 year old daughter recently bumped her front tooth. It was not a hard hit, but the tooth has ...
  A: I'm sorry your daughter is going through all this. You are getting excellent advice! Everything you ...
Dens In Dente and a problem 10 years later9/14/2009
  Q: I'm asking this question after what has happened to me. I was treated three summers ago by my ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. What you are describing sounds very much like a failing ...
RCT9/14/2009
  Q: I was wondering what your opinion is on putting clindamycin in the tooth canals in the case of mild ...
  A: I would agree...there is little benefit to applying any antibiotics inside a root canal. However, ...
broken post in root canal9/14/2009
  Q: My front tooth broke off. X-rays show the post is broken. How will a dentist fix this problem? ...
  A: Without being able to exam you and see an Xray, it's hard for me to tell you accurately how that ...
Anesthetic error9/5/2009
  Q: My dentist was conducting a root canal treatment, and i had already had anesthetic but i was still ...
  A: I'm sorry you have experienced all this. Unfortunately, what happened to you occurs from time to ...
damage to 3yr olds teeth9/4/2009
  Q: About 7 days ago my 3yr old took a tumble from her scooter onto concrete. One of her front teeth is ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your daughter took a fall. Traumatic for Mom as well as daughter, huh? When a baby ...
Pus still there after root canal9/4/2009
  Q: I just had my first root canal this morning. As I have read from some articles on the Internet, it ...
  A: In our area, using a rubber dam is the "standard of care". Any dentist not using one would be left ...
post root canal abcess9/4/2009
  Q: I had a root canal done on a back molar almsot 10 years ago. It was a crooked root and my dentist ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. In almost all cases, once a failing root canal is removed, the ...
Very Bad Taste in Mouth9/3/2009
  Q: I was recently diagnosed with Sjogrens (June). I also had a root canal done in March of this year. ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. I would agree with your endodontist...once a root canal has ...
endodontics9/3/2009
  Q: while i was exploring the canals of the lower first molar i penetrate the floor of the cavity with a ...
  A: In situations like this, it really depends on how big the perforation is. If is is very small, ...
Tooth Chips after Root Canal, before a Crown9/3/2009
  Q: If you have had a root canal, and have not gotten your crown on yet, what happens if you chip your ...
  A: In most cases, a chip is not a big deal. It really depends on how big the chip is. As long as it's ...
Root canal failure9/2/2009
  Q: Is it common practice to leave cotton in the tooth after a root canal under the filling? Can this ...
  A: While I see this often when I retreat root canals, it is not something that I support. Many dentists ...
root canal treatment9/1/2009
  Q: i got sedated because im afraid of the dentist ha ha. there was complications he couldnt finish the ...
  A: I'm sorry this has happened. Unfortunately, it does occur to anyone doing root canals. While the ...
fractured molar9/1/2009
  Q: My regular dentist suspects that one of my upper molars is fractured and has referred me to an ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're faced with this dilemma. Fractures are very difficult things to predict how ...
My 3yr olds front tooths infected.8/31/2009
  Q: First, Let me thank you for your time and effort. My son just turned 3yrs old. I took him to the ...
  A: I'm sorry you & your son are going through this. Depending on how bad the decay is, it may be ...
anesthetic gone wrong8/31/2009
  Q: 2 weeks ago I had a filling replaced. However the anesthetic is still there. My tongue is half numb ...
  A: I Arabella, I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing this. I can guess this is a lower tooth and you ...
swollen tender gums after root canal8/31/2009
  Q: I had a root canal three weeks ago. When I had pain afterwards, the doctor prescribed an antibiotic ...
  A: Sometimes the bacteria present are not sensitive to the antibiotic chosen. Clindamycin is a very ...
Sensitive to Cold8/30/2009
  Q: I had filling in my teeth last year. all of a sudden my right tooth at the back is feeling sensitive ...
  A: When a tooth is sensitive to cold, that means the nerve inside is inflamed...it is NOT dead. The ...
post treatment following root extraction8/30/2009
  Q: I had pain in my upper rear molar, my dentist advised that the nerve was infected, the existing ...
  A: You are getting good advice. We suggest crowns on all back teeth to prevent fracture which can occur ...
Pain after Root Canals8/29/2009
  Q: Backlund, Thank you for reading my question. On Monday, I received root canal treatment from a ...
  A: Heat on the outside of your face may certainly help. If you use it, make sure it is moist heat, like ...
mild swelling 10 days after root canal treatment8/29/2009
  Q: i had a pain and mild swelling in a lower front tooth almost a month ago.the tooth had a black ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. Sometimes, when a root canal is done, it causes a ...
pain after molar endo8/29/2009
  Q: ! Note between visits and prior to the final sealing it was Ok It is a bit strange and I don't ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Making sure you are not hitting the tooth excessively when ...
Pain after Root Canals8/29/2009
  Q: Backlund, Thank you for reading my question. On Monday, I received root canal treatment from a ...
  A: WOW...sounds like you have and are going through it! From what you have told me, I would suspect ...
Possibly Infected Tooth8/28/2009
  Q: After some recent work on a tooth which required a deep filling I have been experiencing severe pain ...
  A: You are right...using an antibiotic means your dentist think you have an infection. You are also ...
How to care for tooth while awaiting treatment8/28/2009
  Q: I have a tooth, bottom left side, farthest tooth in the back, was impacted by a wisdom tooth before ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. There are temporary filling materials that you can ...
Cracked tooth?8/27/2009
  Q: Backlund, I recently had a root canal on my last tooth on my left lower side. The hot/cold pain I ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Yes, your crack could be more involved than what has been ...
post root canal pain8/27/2009
  Q: I had a root canal recently followed by a crown to cover the tooth. After the root canal and now ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. I don't think your past surgeries have anything to do with ...
pain relif root canal treatment8/26/2009
  Q: We live on a small island and we tend to have some poorly qualifed professionals so i need some ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this about your son. If the teeth are abscessed, then it would be possible to do ...
old root canal8/26/2009
  Q: the lump is all the way at the top of my gums and it didn't hurt for awhile but it did feel odd if i ...
  A: Since I can't examine you, I can't tell you for sure what is going on, however, since this lump is ...
Inlay8/25/2009
  Q: About 11 days ago I was treated and received an inlay. After the inlay my tooth became sensitive to ...
  A: After a tooth has been worked on, i can be sensitive for awhile just because of the irritation of ...
dentistry8/25/2009
  Q: I have a lower molar on the right side of my mouth that had a filling in it. The filling came out ...
  A: Everything you were told by your dentist is absolutely true....however, it doesn't always happen. ...
son has knocked out 2 teeth[not baby teeth]8/25/2009
  Q: my son came of his bike & knocked out his 2 front top teeth. they did,nt come completely out and we ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this has happened to your son. I am REALLY glad you wrote. Trauma is something ...
Delayed Root Canal8/24/2009
  Q: It started with a very small cavity on my left incisor. I had my filling, however after a year or ...
  A: It is possible that delaying will increase the chances of infection in the jaw, but once the root ...
abcess8/24/2009
  Q: I have had a really bad abcess in the front of my mouth.I have had two root canals.Ive had crowns ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. While there is something going on, obviously, if it is tooth ...
tooth injury8/24/2009
  Q: Dr.Backlund, this is related to a contact sports injury that occured probably 5+ years ago. I took a ...
  A: Let me try to answer your questions..... 1]If a tooth is fractured is it true that it cannot be ...
Mercury filling in Root Canal8/23/2009
  Q: Backlund, My question is: Can x-ray detect the mercury based substance that has been placed in the ...
  A: Unfortunately, X-rays only show changes in radioactive...ie, things that don't allow X-rays to pass ...
post Root canal pain8/23/2009
  Q: One month ago, went into dentist on emergency basis due to severe swelling and pain, lower back ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Especially with you leaving so soon. When you have a flare ...
Successful root canal8/23/2009
  Q: Backlund: I have a root canal done recently on my #30. It has been 4 weeks now that the root canal ...
  A: When roots on a tooth are calcified, that can mean it is impossible to find them and/or properly ...
Delayed Root Canal8/22/2009
  Q: It started with a very small cavity on my left incisor. I had my filling, however after a year or ...
  A: In root canal success, time is really NOT a factor. Once the source of the infection is removed, the ...
Successful root canal8/21/2009
  Q: Backlund: I have a root canal done recently on my #30. It has been 4 weeks now that the root canal ...
  A: You are wise to be concerned about your temporary since if it starts leaking, it can cause the root ...
root canal8/21/2009
  Q: My #15 molar requires a root canal , it is abscessed. A lateral partial is attached to it. I am ...
  A: In our office, we recommend crowns on all back teeth....and we don't do crowns. The reason is that ...
Re root Canal Treatment8/21/2009
  Q: thsi is my front right upper tooth.. i think he said tooth # 8 I had a failed root canal 5/2009 ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Unfortunately, when a root canal is retreated, we sometimes ...
no numbing please8/20/2009
  Q: is there any way to do a root canal without numbing the tongue (water lazer)
  A: The problem is that we never TRY to numb the tongue. However, that nerve runs very close to the ...
Re Root Canal8/20/2009
  Q: I had get a root canal done 2 yrs back and it has started aching, on showing the same to the doctor ...
  A: I'm glad to hear that. There is not another tooth behind in the Xray you sent and it is a 2nd molar. ...
Re Root Canal8/20/2009
  Q: I had get a root canal done 2 yrs back and it has started aching, on showing the same to the doctor ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. The Xray shows that the root canal is failing. The root canal ...
crack in temporary crown8/20/2009
  Q: I just had a buildup and temporary crown put on #30 Monday. Today I noticed there is a small hole in ...
  A: Without being able to see the hole, it's hard for me to help. If you are not having any pain or ...
old cracked filling - possible root canal8/19/2009
  Q: I have a large old leaky filling in my bottom molar, second tooth from the back. It started hurting ...
  A: I think you information you got from the endodontist is accurate. When a tooth is sensitive to cold, ...
tooth injury8/19/2009
  Q: Dr.Backlund, this is related to a contact sports injury that occured probably 5+ years ago. I took a ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. It is hard for me to help with what is going on since I can't ...
Upper right jaw pain, no sinus problems8/17/2009
  Q: I'm having considerable pain in my upper right jaw for the past 2 days that now seems to be ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having problems. After all this time, it is doubtful that the extraction of ...
Are Puffs Good or Bad?8/16/2009
  Q: I wrote to you before after I had intense pain for two weeks after a root canal was finished. Now I ...
  A: The pain after root canal treatment comes from a reaction at the end of the tooth, in the tissue, as ...
Are Puffs Good or Bad?8/14/2009
  Q: I wrote to you before after I had intense pain for two weeks after a root canal was finished. Now I ...
  A: No that's not the way it works. If you want to create a "puff", you make sure you clean out the root ...
vitality testing8/13/2009
  Q: what are the advantages and disadvantages to using hot stimulas, hot gutta percha to test the ...
  A: We don't use hot very often since cold is much more reliable. We use hot only when we can't get good ...
using electrode to test if nerve is living, all-around the head x-ray8/13/2009
  Q: I had a new crown put in where a tooth had broken away. Since crown was installed I have been unable ...
  A: In our office, we never remove crowns to do testing. If a tooth has a crown on it, we use ice to ...
Are Puffs Good or Bad?8/12/2009
  Q: I wrote to you before after I had intense pain for two weeks after a root canal was finished. Now I ...
  A: First, puffs...this is one of the controversies in endodontics. Some believe that the only way to ...
Root Canal Therapy8/11/2009
  Q: Backlund, I am scheduled to undergo possible root canal therapy tomorrow, August 12, 2009, because ...
  A: When you say "definitive", that always is answered "no". In dentistry, there are MANY grays where ...
Root Canal Therapy8/11/2009
  Q: Backlund, I am scheduled to undergo possible root canal therapy tomorrow, August 12, 2009, because ...
  A: Since I can't examine you, it' really hard for me to tell you what to do. If the source of your ...
Calcium Hydroxide Treatment and Continuing Pain8/11/2009
  Q: I am after some advice. I am currently undergoing treatment for a root resorption problem on one of ...
  A: The worst case scenario is that the resorption cannot be controlled, the tooth will continue to ...
Calcium Hydroxide Treatment and Continuing Pain8/11/2009
  Q: I am after some advice. I am currently undergoing treatment for a root resorption problem on one of ...
  A: It's hard for me to give you a really good answer without being able to exam you. However, normally ...
Infected root canal8/4/2009
  Q: Backland, Thankyou for taking the time to read my question. I had root canal surgery on my upper ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. With a schedule like you obviously have, it must be hard to ...
FISTULA8/3/2009
  Q: I HAD A CROWN DONE ON MY UPPER MOLAR ABOUT A YEAR AGO. WITHIN A MONTH I GOT A BUBBLE ON MY GUM. I ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on. No, the fistula is not something that is contagious. It forms as a ...
nerve trauma8/3/2009
  Q: does decay (deep in the dentin)cause the tooth's nerve to be traumatized? decay was overlooked and ...
  A: You raise a couple of issues here, really. Let me try to explain. When decay starts, as it moves ...
apicoectomy complications8/2/2009
  Q: I had an apicoectomy on tooth # 12 2 weeks ago. This tooth had previously had a root canal and a ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. While it is difficult for me to be certain, since I can't ...
root canal filling8/1/2009
  Q: I just had root canal done 3 weeks ago. The dentist said within 3 months go have the crown put on. ...
  A: As long as the filling didn't come out because the tooth has cracked or fractured, you should be ...
Root Canal Questions - HELP!7/31/2009
  Q: Backlund, My bottom, left, back molar (#37??) is cracked. My dentist told me I needed a crown. ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Root canals don't usually go this way, but they certainly ...
root canals7/29/2009
  Q: Backlund, You know how when a tooth has a root canal, the tooth can no longer feel cold, ...
  A: There is really no correct answer to your question...it all depends on what you are willing to go ...
root canals7/28/2009
  Q: Backlund, You know how when a tooth has a root canal, the tooth can no longer feel cold, ...
  A: You really have a couple of different questions here. Let me try to answer one at a time... First, ...
Trigeminal Neuralgia7/28/2009
  Q: Backlund - I had been having a lot of problems with 2 root canal treatments. One of which, after ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. It must be frustrating. Trigeminal Neuralgia is really pretty rare. ...
pain after root canal7/28/2009
  Q: I had a root canal done on Thursday. I had some pain on Friday but yesterday and today the pain ...
  A: It is possible, but very rare. When we work in the mouth, we are working in an area filled with ...
Root Treatment7/27/2009
  Q: I have had to have a second lot of root treatment done on my upper front tooth. However, it's now ...
  A: While it's hard for me to tell for sure, since I can't examine you, it sounds like your tooth may be ...
pain after root canal7/27/2009
  Q: I had a root canal done on Thursday. I had some pain on Friday but yesterday and today the pain ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. It sounds like your ttoh is infected and you may need to be ...
chin numbness one week after root canal7/26/2009
  Q: I had my 2nd part of my root canal on my 6th tooth back on the right side this past Monday. It is ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this is going on. We sometimes have this situation with patients and it is usually ...
root canal7/25/2009
  Q: I went to have a crown redone. The old one was removed and a temporary put on. The pain was so ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this! No, this is NOT normal. I would call your endodontist, ...
Still sore 2 weeks after root canal7/23/2009
  Q: I had root canal treatment 2 weeks ago on a tooth that had a lateral abscess (probably due to a dead ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this is still going on. It is possible that things are still healing, but you ...
Trauma to Front Tooth7/23/2009
  Q: About three weeks ago, I fell and hit my front tooth (#9)....it has since turned slightly gray, and ...
  A: Sometimes, the gray appearance can result from ruptured blood vessels inside your tooth that cause ...
clenching and symptoms7/23/2009
  Q: Backlund, When a person clenches their tooth, does it possess the same symptoms as a tooth ...
  A: X-rays only show changes in density of hard structure..they don't show infections, etc. If no decay ...
30 year old root canal7/22/2009
  Q: For two months I felt like I was getting a cold every other day. My glands were swollen and I felt ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. First, before you give up on this tooth, I would suggest ...
Root Canal7/22/2009
  Q: I'm a 24 year old female. I have been having a lot of problems with my fifth front tooth (on my left ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. It must be very frustrating! While I can't really diagnosis ...
root exposures7/21/2009
  Q: Backlund, Are the symptoms of root exposure similar to the symptoms of tooth decay or maybe a ...
  A: The answer is.....it depends...:-). What I mean is that root exposure, if it occurs naturally over ...
temperature sensitivity7/20/2009
  Q: Backlund, Is it normal for sensitive teeth with large silver fillings to feel temperature ...
  A: X-rays are a 2 dimensional picture of a 3 dimensional object. They are not perfect. However, if the ...
Can X-rays rule out abcess?7/20/2009
  Q: Backlund, I have a pain under the ear on the jaw, it feels as if it is on the bone. The entire jaw ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. X-rays are only one tool for ruling out an abscess, however, ...
temperature sensitivity7/20/2009
  Q: Backlund, Is it normal for sensitive teeth with large silver fillings to feel temperature ...
  A: Intact, large silver fillings can often feel temperature sensations. It's because they are so close ...
pain after root canal7/19/2009
  Q: My front tooth had a root canal about a month ago...All was fine but 2 weeks later I started to feel ...
  A: Let me try to answer some of your questions...some I can't since I can't examine you..... Can you ...
bleeding canals7/19/2009
  Q: i have a case for 28 years male with exposed lower 1st molar while i am doing RCT there were ...
  A: I'm sorry you are having this problem. I think there are 3 possibilities...a perforation, doubtful ...
Cavities7/18/2009
  Q: Backlund, I am curious about this. Well, when cavities are underneath silver fillings, I have ...
  A: Yes, if there are no open margins, your fillings are intact and you won't have decay. Decay and ...
Cavities7/18/2009
  Q: Backlund, I am curious about this. Well, when cavities are underneath silver fillings, I have ...
  A: You're right....X-rays can not go through silver fillings, so it is possible decay could not be ...
Pain after Root Canal7/17/2009
  Q: 5 days ago I had a root canal on the lower left 3rd molar from the back which was already cracked. ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. It's things like this that give root canals a bad name! ...
6 year molar root canal7/17/2009
  Q: I am in a real dilemma here. I took my son to the dentist yesterday expecting a cleaning and a ...
  A: I am SO sorry you are faced with this problem. I know it isn't easy to need to make these kinds of ...
root canal through bridgework7/17/2009
  Q: I am scheduled to go in for a root canal through a crown that is part of a bridge. It is the end ...
  A: I can certainly understand your concern. There is always the possibility that chewing is what has ...
Root Canal Needed?7/16/2009
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I recently had a filling fall out and when I went to my dentist to have it replaced, ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. Actually you are right on! You have stated ...
Crown over root canal?7/16/2009
  Q: I had a root canal on my upper-left tooth 3rd from the front about 10 years ago. My new dentist ...
  A: In our office, we suggest crowns on all back teeth and any front teeth with large fillings. Root ...
Jaw/sinus/gum pain7/15/2009
  Q: I had a root canal performed by an endodontist several years ago. He said that there were some ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on. Yes, your symptoms could be caused by the inability to adequately clean ...
Root Canal7/15/2009
  Q: I have been with an abscess in my tooth for about thee months and for some reasons I couldn't have ...
  A: I'm sorry this has happened to you. Unfortunately, it is not unusual. When we go in to treat an ...
About root canal timing7/14/2009
  Q: Gary Backlund: I have started a root canal procedure on my 30 molar. It had a big filling and its ...
  A: Actually, the time between appointments really varies a lot from office to office. In truth, it is ...
cavities, root canals, etc...7/14/2009
  Q: Backlund, I'm wondering when a tooth feels pain from cold or sweet sensations, is that a sure sign a ...
  A: It is really impossible to make the call of needing a root canal by describing the pain. The first ...
cavities, root canals, etc...7/13/2009
  Q: Backlund, I'm wondering when a tooth feels pain from cold or sweet sensations, is that a sure sign a ...
  A: Cold and sweet sensations mean the nerve inside the tooth is still alive. If the decay is not too ...
Root canal?7/13/2009
  Q: I had an x-ray done on tooth, I think a top premolar, that had been causing me some discomfort after ...
  A: Cracks can be very hard to diagnosis. The best way, and you can sort of do it yourself, is a bite ...
Antibiotics root canal7/13/2009
  Q: In your experience and opinion Dr.Backlund how many times should one take antibiotics for an ...
  A: That's not a silly question Sandra. Your dentist or endodontist would be the best person to evaluate ...
3 valiums from a dentist?7/13/2009
  Q: A root canal is planned. The dentist is asking to take 3 Valiums the day of procedure. As a female, ...
  A: Every office has it's own standards and routines. All I can tell you is that, in our office, we ...
Antibiotics root canal7/12/2009
  Q: In your experience and opinion Dr.Backlund how many times should one take antibiotics for an ...
  A: ...it comments like yours that keep me going :-).... In our office, we don't believe in using ...
Root Canal7/12/2009
  Q: How long can I wait before switching my temporary crown out with the permanent crown for a tooth ...
  A: The biggest risk of leaving a temporary crown on very long is leakage. They are not made to fit ...
Root canal?7/12/2009
  Q: I had an x-ray done on tooth, I think a top premolar, that had been causing me some discomfort ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. From what you're telling me, it sounds like you may have ...
Terminology7/12/2009
  Q: Dr.Gary Backlund, What is the difference between an infection or an abscess? My Mom's dentist ...
  A: Technically, an infection means that bacteria are involved and an abscess can occur without ...
Front tooth root canal7/11/2009
  Q: I had a front tooth root canal about 14 days ago. I was to go back for an hour and half appointment ...
  A: Unfortunately, if the root is truly fractured, the tooth will probably have to come out. As this is ...
tooth pain7/11/2009
  Q: I recently started having pain in my front tooth. The thing I don't understand and hope you can ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Since I can't exam you, I can't say for sure, but it sounds ...
Abscessed root canal7/10/2009
  Q: I had a root canal on my bottom back tooth which was abscessed on Mon. July 6th. My bottom jaw ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. Sometimes, when we do root canals, we "stir" things up and your body ...
swollen glands after root canal7/10/2009
  Q: Backlund, I asked you a few days ago if an infection at the root tip would go away by itself to ...
  A: It would be unusual for an upper tooth to cause swelling in the lower, but it is possible due to the ...
3 Root Canal Treatments recommended7/10/2009
  Q: I am 45 years old, female with diabetes. I had a mild heart attack 6 months ago and I am highly ...
  A: First my disclaimer....since I can't exam you or know your complete health history, it hard for me ...
Root Canals7/10/2009
  Q: Backlund, Is it true that if during a root canal, if a canal was missed (maybe the dentist ...
  A: Yes, you are right. If a canal is missed, it could cause problems several years down the road.It is ...
Clenching tooth7/8/2009
  Q: Backlund, I have a root canal on of my front teeth and ever since I started "noticing" that tooth, I ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Clenching and grinding is a very difficult thing to stop. It ...
Can Infected Roots Cause other problems?7/8/2009
  Q: Backlund, I am sorry, I have several questions I hope you can help me with. I have written to you ...
  A: You raise a couple of issues here. First, let's talk about the tooth with the root canal. There can ...
Root Resorption7/8/2009
  Q: I had a root canal procedure performed by an Endodontist, and he says that I have root resorption ...
  A: There are two types of resorption...internal and external. I assume you are talking about ...
cementoma?7/7/2009
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I wrote you two years ago about a black half-circle under tooth 23 that was diagnosed ...
  A: I can certainly understand your confusion. The only was to tell the difference between a cementoma ...
clenching/grinding7/7/2009
  Q: I just noticed something as I was waking up from my sleep. I realized that I clench my front tooth ...
  A: Yes...or it could be some other oral habit, like biting on a pencil or chewing finger nails, that ...
clenching/grinding7/6/2009
  Q: I just noticed something as I was waking up from my sleep. I realized that I clench my front tooth ...
  A: If you are clenching, it can make your teeth VERY sore, even if only at night and, yes, people under ...
Preventing root canal with fillings?7/6/2009
  Q: My dentist told me I had a deep cavity that is close to getting a root canal (it's on my lateral ...
  A: By removing the decay and putting in a filling, that will stop the spread of the decay. However, if ...
residual infection maybe?7/6/2009
  Q: Hey doc, I have been going to all kinds of dentists (general, peridontists, endodontists) and I've ...
  A: Like I said before, what you really need is a good diagnosis. If I were you, I would seek a 2nd ...
Root Canal Swelling7/5/2009
  Q: Just had a root canal thursday. The tooth didn't hurt me but my dental assistant roommate said it ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this! It's hard for me to give good answers without being able to ...
Extreme pain post-root canal7/5/2009
  Q: This is a follow-up question. The expert I had asked originally is on vacation, so I was prompted to ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this! Unfortunately, there are really only three possibilities ...
residual infection maybe?7/4/2009
  Q: Hey doc, I have been going to all kinds of dentists (general, peridontists, endodontists) and I've ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this! Pain is the bodies way of telling us something is not ...
endodontics7/4/2009
  Q: Backlund, I'm wondering for people who need root canals because they have an infection going on ...
  A: X-rays do not tell the whole story. They are a 2 dimensional picture of a 3 dimensional root, so ...
root canal treatment7/4/2009
  Q: Good morning! I just a had a root canal redone on Thursday, so two days ago. Two years ago the ...
  A: You ask good question, but they don't have black & white answers. I'll try to do my best to answer ...
endodontics7/4/2009
  Q: Backlund, I'm wondering for people who need root canals because they have an infection going on ...
  A: Unfortunately, when you are dealing with the human body, nothing is 100%. While root canals have a ...
Is Crown Necessary?7/3/2009
  Q: I just acquired a really good dental plan through my work and finally made those first few scary ...
  A: In our office, we suggest crowns on ALL back teeth...and we don't do crowns....as a way to protect ...
progress of an infection7/3/2009
  Q: Hey Gary, for bone infections, when a root canal is already done, can bone infections show right ...
  A: Changes on an Xray occur very slowly...both repair and destruction. We routinely recall our patients ...
fighting infections7/3/2009
  Q: Backlund, I'm wondering when a patient has an infection on a bone, and needs a root canal, like ...
  A: We do not routinely prescribe antibiotics after root canal treatment. Once the source of the problem ...
root canals7/3/2009
  Q: Backlund, I am wondering, how does a dentist know if a root canal is failing or not? Does ...
  A: Our best way of evaluating treatment is by using X-rays and symptoms. If the bone heals and there ...
pain after root canal7/3/2009
  Q: My front tooth had a root canal about a month ago...All was fine but 2 weeks later I started to feel ...
  A: If it truly is your bite that is the problem, it would take several days for things to feel better. ...
Post Root canal pain.7/2/2009
  Q: I had a root canal on my upper front tooth day before yesterday. I was fine afterwards but since ...
  A: I'm sorry your having this problem. It does sound like you might have a post op infection since ...
pain after root canal7/2/2009
  Q: My front tooth had a root canal about a month ago...All was fine but 2 weeks later I started to feel ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Yes, it is certainly possible you still have an infection ...
infection and curved root7/2/2009
  Q: I have an infection on tooth #3 and i have a curved root, should i get a root canal done or get it ...
  A: In our office, we do root canals on curved roots all the time with a VERY high success rate. Since I ...
augmentin7/2/2009
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I had a root canal and it still hurt. My dentist said I have swollen gums and ...
  A: Some infections respond better to one medication than another. If Amoxicillin doesn't work, ...
Fractures and Root Canals6/30/2009
  Q: Hey Gary, yay you are an endodontist! I was referred over to the endodontist by my dentist a few ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. It is certainly possible that if you have a crack or ...
Do I need a root canal?6/30/2009
  Q: My dentist filled up a tooth that had caries. Soon after the treatment(as soon as I got out of the ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. It certainly sounds like the pulp of your tooth is inflamed ...
Pain following a root canal6/29/2009
  Q: I had the first part of a root canal 2 weeks ago. There was a little pain afterwards, but went away ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. It sounds like your bite is high. We sometimes see this ...
4yr old's gum boil6/28/2009
  Q: my 4yr old came to me and showed me a hard whitish pimple on his gum over a tooth that he had trauma ...
  A: As long as your child is having no pain or facial swelling, you will be fine to wait. The gum boil ...
RC6/28/2009
  Q: Backlund, I was wondering, after a root canal, if there was something wrong with the white ...
  A: The filling materials we use today are inert and well tolerated by the body. There is nothing in ...
Root Canal pain numbness6/27/2009
  Q: On Wednesday, I went in to have a standard root canal. I was in severe pain and was told I would be ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. Sometimes, when we give injections on the lower, we ...
RC6/26/2009
  Q: Backlund, I was wondering, after a root canal, if there was something wrong with the white ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Since I can't examine you or know exactly what has gone on, ...
Endodontists6/25/2009
  Q: Hey Gary, this is Andrew, and I think you forgot to answer my question last time. I was wondering if ...
  A: When you get to the map page to search, at the bottom of the map there is a link "find a board ...
Endodontists6/25/2009
  Q: Hey Gary, this is Andrew, and I think you forgot to answer my question last time. I was wondering if ...
  A: Sorry about that....it depends on what part of the website you are looking at. There is a section ...
Board Certification6/24/2009
  Q: Backlund, I was trying to find an endodontist online, and I went to the aae.org website and I found ...
  A: You ask a great question. Board certification is a test given at the National level that basically ...
Front tooth root canal6/24/2009
  Q: I had a front tooth root canal about 14 days ago. I was to go back for an hour and half appointment ...
  A: First, all dentists take different amounts of time to do various procedures. Since I'm an ...
Specialists6/24/2009
  Q: To Gary Backlund: Hi Doctor, I wanted to know, when dentists refer patients to endodontists, does ...
  A: You are right on with all your information...good thinking! Many referring dentists give a patient ...
roots6/24/2009
  Q: Backlund, who is the best type of dentist to go when it comes to root fractures? I know endodontists ...
  A: Yes, I think endodontists are really the best to work with root fractures. However, detecting them ...
Re-treatment on a Root Canal6/24/2009
  Q: I had a root canal on a back molar 1 1/2 months ago by my dentist. I have had a little pain with ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. While tooth problems can be unpredictable, the fact that ...
root canal after crown?6/23/2009
  Q: about 3 mos ago i experienced pain on one bottom back tooth when i chewed (slight hot/cold ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Unfortunately, cracked teeth are probably the hardest ...
Consultation with an Endodontist6/23/2009
  Q: Backlund, I am wondering about something. You see, I have had some root canal issues, and I was ...
  A: Most patients are referred by their dentist to a particular endodontist. This usually works best ...
Gum infection6/22/2009
  Q: My symptoms have presented as a gum infection/cyst. I had an apico two weeks ago and everything was ...
  A: Since I can't examine you, it's hard for me to really help here. However, most likely you are ...
root canal over-filled6/22/2009
  Q: I have just had a rootcanal redone by a specialist. They seem to have done a good job, except they ...
  A: It is not uncommon to overfill a canal. How much of a potential problem this is really depends on ...
Consultation with an Endodontist6/22/2009
  Q: Backlund, I am wondering about something. You see, I have had some root canal issues, and I was ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Often a difficult diagnosis is made by having a lot of ...
root canal6/21/2009
  Q: If an x-ray (bite wing)indicates a root abscess but digital radiography does not (two occasions at ...
  A: You raise a couple of issues here. First, it is highly unlikely that a bitewing Xray would show an ...
permanent filling6/21/2009
  Q: I have a tooth that aches even when it has had a root canal, and it's more sore around where the ...
  A: The pencil test is really the only test I can have you do without examining you. It doesn't mean you ...
Tooth pain activated by6/20/2009
  Q: Six months ago I had a root canal done to save a tooth that supports my metal bridge in place. After ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. You are exactly right...when a root canal is done, even if ...
hello6/20/2009
  Q: Backlund, I know you only do root canals, but I'm wondering if I can get your thoughts on this. ...
  A: Digital X-rays are great but only because we can manipulate them like with digital photos. The real ...
permanent filling6/20/2009
  Q: I have a tooth that aches even when it has had a root canal, and it's more sore around where the ...
  A: Since I can't exam you, it's hard for me to give you definite answers about your tooth, but I ...
#2 apicoectomy and patholgy report6/19/2009
  Q: Failed 9-yr root canal on left first premolar. First apicoectomy Dec 08 due to "infection" (no path ...
  A: The only thing I find "interesting" is the phrase "Possibility of a combined endodontic-periodontic ...
root fractures6/19/2009
  Q: To Dr. Backlund, I was wondering, what are the symptoms of root fracture? I went to several ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. Unfortunately, there are really no symptoms that ...
chipped tooth with temp filling after root canal6/18/2009
  Q: A root canal done about 2 months ago and have not have the money to get the crown yet. Today a ...
  A: The only concern with a chip is whether it exposes the root canal filling material. If it does, the ...
digital x-ray charge6/18/2009
  Q: Backlund, I have a question in regards to x-ray charge. I know as far as charges goes, x-ray ...
  A: If decay is medium to large, it should show up on any type of Xray. The real advantage of digital ...
digital x-ray charge6/18/2009
  Q: Backlund, I have a question in regards to x-ray charge. I know as far as charges goes, x-ray ...
  A: Sorry you got cut off. As a rule, we don't give any X-rays of any type to patients. We are happy to ...
digital x-ray charge6/17/2009
  Q: Backlund, I have a question in regards to x-ray charge. I know as far as charges goes, x-ray ...
  A: All I can really do is tell you what our office does. As you said, every office is different with ...
Please... I need an urgent advice6/16/2009
  Q: I need your input regarding to this matter: I had an appointment yesterday with my dentist just ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. It is never easy for the patient OR dentist to leave a piece ...
Numbness after Root Canal6/16/2009
  Q: Answer It's all the same nerve. We give the injection back behind your last tooth because that's ...
  A: First, there is NO way nerve damage can be seen on an Xray...only hard tissue, bone & teeth, show up ...
endodontists6/16/2009
  Q: Backlund, I was wondering what is the difference between an endodontist and a microscopic ...
  A: Actually, there is no difference. The American Association of Endodontists only recognizes ...
Numbness after root canal6/10/2009
  Q: I had a Root Canal done on tooth #30 on May 9th 2009 which was my second visit for this tooth. The ...
  A: It's all the same nerve. We give the injection back behind your last tooth because that's where the ...
Numbness after root canal6/10/2009
  Q: I had a Root Canal done on tooth #30 on May 9th 2009 which was my second visit for this tooth. The ...
  A: That helps a lot!! When you get that electric shock, that's a "bulls eye" and means the needle ...
aae.org6/10/2009
  Q: Backlund, I have heard about the aae.org website, and I looked for an endodontist there. ...
  A: The endodontists listed on aae.org are only a list of those who are trained as endodontists and ...
Inflammation6/10/2009
  Q: Gary Backlund, I'm glad I was able to find an endodontist here. I wanted to ask you about ...
  A: If you have swelling, in most cases it's a result of a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are the most ...
issues with root canal6/10/2009
  Q: Backlund, I know each tooth can contain many canals, and sometimes these canals are hard to ...
  A: I'm sorry you're in this situation. Rather than try to answer each of your questions, let me explain ...
ibuprofen6/9/2009
  Q: Dr. Backlund: Hi, I have a question in regards to ibuprofen. After a root canal is it common that ...
  A: Usually, if you have swelling after a root canal it means that there is infection. If that is the ...
root canals6/9/2009
  Q: do you have any idea what a root rx tool is? Are they able to detect hidden canals? If not, what are ...
  A: You ask a lot of good questions, but some done have good answers. Let me try to help. Microscopes ...
root canal and capping teeth6/9/2009
  Q: is it absolutely necessary to do root canal before capping a tooth
  A: No, the only times root canals would be necessary is if the teeth are dead, sensitive or in the ...
Protection6/3/2009
  Q: Backlund, I have a question about procedures at the endodontic offices. I heard that endodontic ...
  A: Without being TOO evasive, your question is hard to answer. Every office is different and often it ...
Endodontists6/3/2009
  Q: hey Dr. Backlund, I'm glad I was able to find an endodontist on this website, and I wanted to you ...
  A: I would guess most endodontists have microscopes in their offices, but there is no way to confirm ...
Hello6/2/2009
  Q: Backlund, After a root canal, when the tooth is sore, and if tapping any part of the tooth, such ...
  A: Unfortunately, there isn't anything we can put on the outside of a tooth to solve a problem that is ...
Overfilled root canals6/1/2009
  Q: Several years ago, I had two root canals performed by my general dentist on my front teeth(damage ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Some of your questions I can't answer since I can't exam ...
Root Canal Overfill5/31/2009
  Q: I have asked you questions in the past and you have been very helpful - thank you for that! I have ...
  A: Since there are no other teeth in the area, the pain is most likely from that tooth. However, that ...
Root Canal Overfill5/31/2009
  Q: I have asked you questions in the past and you have been very helpful - thank you for that! I have ...
  A: Nice to hear from you again...I'm sorry it's under these circumstanes. There are two types of ...
Infection5/31/2009
  Q: To Dr. Backlund, I need your help on something I have heard so you can maybe confirm it or ...
  A: Actually, when I re-read my words, "should" probably should be "could". When the end of the tooth is ...
Crown Doesn't Seem Fitted Right5/30/2009
  Q: I have a question regarding the discomfort of my crown after it has been seated, permanently. I ...
  A: This is usually a simple fix by your dentist. It probably means adjusting the bite so things feel ...
Infection5/30/2009
  Q: To Dr. Backlund, I need your help on something I have heard so you can maybe confirm it or ...
  A: .... If your pain was due to infection, hitting any part of the tooth should cause soreness since ...
widened periodontal ligament5/30/2009
  Q: I'm hoping you can help me. I was referred to an endo last summer for a widened PDL. Can you please ...
  A: A widened PDL means that, on an xray, the space around the end of the root is larger than normal. ...
Tooth5/26/2009
  Q: For the past few months I have been having some sensitivity. I know it's one of last four teeth but ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this happen. How long to wait is really a question I can't answer. ...
Root Canal5/26/2009
  Q: my name is Katy and I had a root canal performed on my right front tooth on 5/22/09. I had smacked ...
  A: I am SO sorry to hear about the accident to your front teeth. Trauma to teeth can be a difficult ...
endondontics5/26/2009
  Q: Backlund, In your 25 years of endodontic practice, do you usually do retreatments for your ...
  A: We do retreatments every day. It's a large part of our practice. It can be for many ...
My Root Canal5/25/2009
  Q: Backlund: I had a root canal a couple years ago, and I remember during that time, after the ...
  A: I'm sure every dentist probably means a slightly different thing when they use the word guarantee, ...
Question about tooth abscess5/25/2009
  Q: I woke up this morning with a bad tooth pain...it felt almost like when a tooth breaks the surface ...
  A: I'm sorry this is all going on during a holiday! Since you just saw a dentist and everything checked ...
pain after root canal5/24/2009
  Q: i had some dental work done about 4 months ago and have had severe pain, that comes and goes ever ...
  A: I'm sorry your going through all this. When a tooth feels hot & cold, that means there is still live ...
My Root Canal5/24/2009
  Q: Backlund: I had a root canal a couple years ago, and I remember during that time, after the ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. First, since I can't exam you or see your X-rays, I ...
5 days post partial root canal5/24/2009
  Q: I am five days post partial root canal in tooth 31. I went in on Tuesday because I was in extreme ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. What you are experiencing is not normal, but is a post op ...
Dental Pain5/23/2009
  Q: I ha a tooth filled which already had a deep filling. I also had a temporary crown put on. About ...
  A: You need to call your dentist RIGHT AWAY...even on Friday night! If you are having this type of ...
pain in bottom front teeth5/22/2009
  Q: For the last few months I had have a terrible pain in my bottom front 2 teeth. I can feel the teeth ...
  A: Unfortunately, since I can't examine you, it's hard for me to give you good advice. The problem is ...
Apicoectomy5/22/2009
  Q: I am having trouble with my UR3 which is has had a root canal, a root canal retreatment, and is ...
  A: First, it isn't really that difficult of a procedure, especially if a specialist is doing it. He/she ...
Apicoectomy5/22/2009
  Q: I am having trouble with my UR3 which is has had a root canal, a root canal retreatment, and is ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. Unfortunately, what you are describing is quite ...
question about core and crown5/21/2009
  Q: i got a root canal and crown done 6 years back, the filling and crown came off couple of days back, ...
  A: Since I can't examine you or see your tooth, it's hard for me to give you a helpful answer. What I ...
Root canal on # 305/21/2009
  Q: Had a root canal on #30 6 weeks ago. NO infection just inflammed nerve, no crack evident. My ...
  A: It's hard for me to answer you since I can't examine you or see your X-rays, but I suspect, if you ...
unresolved abscess5/21/2009
  Q: I am a 61 year old white male. I had a thorough dental exam yesterday. My dentist told me that I ...
  A: Unfortunately, a lot of abscessed teeth are found on routine X-rays with absolutely no symptoms. ...
Root canal on 3 year old5/20/2009
  Q: I was told that my 3-year-old daughter needs two root canals on her back molars without even taking ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your daughter is going through this. Obviously, since I can't exam your daughter I ...
Endodontics5/18/2009
  Q: Backlund, I understand that you are an endodontist. I want to go see an endodontist, but it is so ...
  A: I'm sorry you're in this situation. Since endodontics is considered elective treatment, since ...
darkening of spots5/18/2009
  Q: Backlund, when a tooth has inflammation and has lead to infection, can the tooth be both inflammed ...
  A: I'll try to answer here, but some of your questions are really a matter of semantics. Infection and ...
darkening of spots5/17/2009
  Q: Backlund, when a tooth has inflammation and has lead to infection, can the tooth be both inflammed ...
  A: If the dark spot at the end of the tooth is a result of something going on in the tooth and not from ...
absess in gum yrs after rootcanal on same teeth5/17/2009
  Q: What can cause a abscess in the same gum below a already done rootcanal yr ago?I thought that once i ...
  A: While root canals have a high success rate, a small percent fail. That can be from a number of ...
Calcified root5/17/2009
  Q: I had a cavity develop under a filling that caused me to get a root canal on the very back tooth on ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you ran into this problem. You instincts are EXCELLENT! Two weeks will not tell ...
hello5/16/2009
  Q: I hope you can answer me here, because I need help, and some questions are to clarify what you have ...
  A: Rebby, you need a good diagnosis. All of this discussion really has no meaning until you REALLY know ...
spreading of infection5/16/2009
  Q: Backlund, I came back from the dental office this morning, and my dentist just informed me that I ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. When you have an abscessed tooth, it DOES NOT spread to ...
infection from braces? and retainers5/16/2009
  Q: Backlund, Hi, how are you? I don't know if you know any information on this, but since you know ...
  A: I'm starting to repeat myself, but I'll give it one more try... I have an inflamed tooth according ...
Failed root canals5/15/2009
  Q: I have had two RC's on the same tooth (part of a 3 tooth bridge). The first treatment was 4-5 years ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. In my opinion, when a root canal fails, you have 3 ...
infection perhaps?5/15/2009
  Q: How are you, Dr. Backlund? I read your description that you are an endodontist, which is a root ...
  A: That really is a lot of questions, so I'll answer them briefly. If you want more info, I would ...
root canal and cracks5/15/2009
  Q: hey Doc! How are you doing today? hope all is well. I'm curious of something concerning root ...
  A: Do cracks underneath a filling be able to be detected by the naked eye by a dentist? Or does the ...
infection from braces? and retainers5/15/2009
  Q: Backlund, Hi, how are you? I don't know if you know any information on this, but since you know ...
  A: To clarify, here is an example. The retainer is put on the teeth to retain, but some people don't ...
Broken drill bit in tooth (root canal)5/14/2009
  Q: Good Day, two days ago while finishing a root canal, my dentist broke off a drill bit in the tooth ...
  A: I'm sorry you had this happen. Unfortunately, it is one of the problems that can happen when doing ...
infection from braces? and retainers5/14/2009
  Q: Backlund, Hi, how are you? I don't know if you know any information on this, but since you know ...
  A: You raise some interesting points...I'm sorry you're going through all this! Orthodontic movement ...
root canal and cracks5/14/2009
  Q: hey Doc! How are you doing today? hope all is well. I'm curious of something concerning root ...
  A: The filling material used in root canals will NOT cause the tooth to be sensitive. The actual ...
infection perhaps?5/14/2009
  Q: How are you, Dr. Backlund? I read your description that you are an endodontist, which is a root ...
  A: You raise a number of issues here. Rather than trying to answer each part of your question, let me ...
infection5/14/2009
  Q: My dentist told me that I may have a small infection on one of my teeth, but then it is not clear. ...
  A: Sorry, Lawry, I did mean cannot. Since there is no nerve in the tooth, it can't feel sensations from ...
infection5/13/2009
  Q: My dentist told me that I may have a small infection on one of my teeth, but then it is not clear. ...
  A: Here we go: If a root canalled tooth actually feels pain from certain foods touching the tooth, ...
infection5/13/2009
  Q: My dentist told me that I may have a small infection on one of my teeth, but then it is not clear. ...
  A: I'll try to answer as best I can. Hope this helps.... My dentist told me that I may have a small ...
Root canal determination, would like a second point of view.5/13/2009
  Q: I just got back from seeing my dentist today for what I thought was going to be a routine filling to ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. First, it never hurts to get a 2nd opinion. The fact that ...
numbness after root canal5/12/2009
  Q: I had a root canal(#30) in Oct 2008. I had swelling and infection 5 days later that required a ct ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. It can take a long time for nerve damage to repair. The bad ...
amoxicillin5/11/2009
  Q: I briefly posted to you earlier, and I know you said you don't know about the amoxicillin, but I do ...
  A: I'll try to answer your questions as best I can. However, I want to make sure you understand what I ...
Tooth5/11/2009
  Q: it all started back in 2006, tooth 31, was really bothering me, this was a root canal tooth from ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you've been through all this....must be really trying on you. I guess I would ...
Infection on Bone5/11/2009
  Q: Backlund, I see that you are an endodontist which is perfect, because you may know this. I had a ...
  A: No, what you are going through is not normal, but it does happen. It's one of the reasons root ...
Infection on Bone5/10/2009
  Q: Backlund, I see that you are an endodontist which is perfect, because you may know this. I had a ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. Unfortunately, this can happen. The reason is that the ...
x-ray question5/10/2009
  Q: Please see the following question and reply. Dr. Finnk is now on vacation and I have a few more ...
  A: An abscessed tooth results when the nerve dies in the tooth. Until there is loss of bone at the end ...
Subcutaneous Emphysema5/9/2009
  Q: I recently had dental work done for 2 upper teeth, right and left side. Once the work was completed ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Assuming the diagnosis was correct, there really should be ...
CRACKS5/9/2009
  Q: Gary Backlund, Hi, I'm Susie, and I would like to ask you a question regarding the pain that I ...
  A: The only way a crack could make the fibers and nerves hurt would be if you bite into something and ...
Root canals and MRI's5/9/2009
  Q: I recently had a brain MRI because of possible seizures. When they asked me if I had any metal in ...
  A: Since I don't know for sure what kind of root canal filling material was used on your root canal, I ...
CRACKS5/8/2009
  Q: Gary Backlund, Hi, I'm Susie, and I would like to ask you a question regarding the pain that I ...
  A: Susie. Your symptoms pretty much rule out other teeth, which is what I wanted to do. What you ...
stain after rc5/6/2009
  Q: Hey Doctor Backlund, I wanted to ask you a question about a recent root canal procedure that I just ...
  A: What I am saying is I don't know where the gray is coming from. I have no idea what is REALLY inside ...
FILLINGS5/6/2009
  Q: Hey Dr. Gary Backlund, How are you today? 1. I just wanted to know when a patient has a root ...
  A: I'll try to answer your questions, but some of the answers are not black and white. If you have ...
abcess below 6 yr old root canal5/6/2009
  Q: When I went for my cleaning 2 months back, I was told that they saw a shadow below a molar in which ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. When you have a bone graft, uit takes time for the ...
stain after rc5/6/2009
  Q: Hey Doctor Backlund, I wanted to ask you a question about a recent root canal procedure that I just ...
  A: Yes, a leaky filling could allow "stuff" to get inside the tooth, but since this was recently done, ...
Root Canal Pain (intermittent)5/5/2009
  Q: In 2002 I had a root canal on top molar #3 as a result of much pain in that area after having a ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. You're right, I can't diagnosis your situation with ...
Root canal and crowns5/5/2009
  Q: I had a root canal done two weeks ago, but before the root canal I had ZERO pain. Is this normal to ...
  A: Pain is not necessarily a determining factor in needing a root canal. Abscesses can develop due to ...
stain after rc5/5/2009
  Q: Hey Doctor Backlund, I wanted to ask you a question about a recent root canal procedure that I just ...
  A: If the tooth did have internal bleeding, that certainly could cause the tooth to develop a gray ...
teeth decay5/4/2009
  Q: I have really large fillings on my big molars, top and bottom. I really do not want to get root ...
  A: You are on the right track! To avoid root canals, you need to prevent decay and fillings. ...
Root canal, antibiotics5/4/2009
  Q: I am due to have a root canal on one of my top front incisor teeth, next to my central incisor (on ...
  A: Actually, it doesn't make much difference. This is really a question of style and preference rather ...
Tooth Pain4/27/2009
  Q: I had a root canal done on my front tooth about 40 yrs. ago. It has now got infected, and a pus ...
  A: I'm sorry your having this problem. Since I can't exam you, I can't say for sure, but it certainly ...
root canal4/27/2009
  Q: Dr. Gary Backlund, Greetings, I have a couple of general questions regarding root canals, since ...
  A: Here we go..... 1. If there is a missed canal, like my son's dentist said, how is the doctor able ...
root canal4/27/2009
  Q: Dr. Gary Backlund, Greetings, I have a couple of general questions regarding root canals, since ...
  A: You raise a number of issues here. Let me try to explain. First, infection and inflammation are two ...
Root Canal4/26/2009
  Q: I went to an endodontic specialists a 11 days ago and had to go back to get the temp filling out and ...
  A: Sometimes, we use some pretty strong medications inside the tooth. If the temporary filling has ...
Root Canal 2 Months Old Tooth Still Hurts To Touch4/24/2009
  Q: I had a root canal done 2 months ago. The procedure was done in about 4 visits. Prior to the ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. If I were you, at this point I would ask for a referral to an ...
root reasorption4/23/2009
  Q: I recently had a root canal done on tooth #13 while the dentist was taken X-rays she saw a shadow on ...
  A: I'm sorry your faced with this problem. Let me give you the short story on resorption. There are two ...
Non-stop pain after root canal plus sickness4/23/2009
  Q: Well, I had a root canal done on Monday (today is Wednesday) and I immediately felt relief, until ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. NO, this is not normal. I suspect you have an infection and ...
worried4/22/2009
  Q: three weeks ago me dentist,put a crown, on of my tooth that was already filled, and didnt perform ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going thorough all this. It is easy to drill through the metal of your crown, but ...
Painful Tooth4/22/2009
  Q: I have had a root canal and a crown. Ever since this was done in 2006, from time to time I have ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. While popcorn may have contributed to your problem, ...
Root Canal4/21/2009
  Q: Gary Backlund, My name is Stephanie and I am 25 years old. I had my very first root canal a few ...
  A: First, since I can't exam you, I can only speak in generalities. If your symptoms don't fit the ...
Root Canal4/20/2009
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal performed on the furthest most back, lower molar, in October. I have ...
  A: Unfortunately, the only way to be certain would be to do a sensitivity test. However, it would be ...
My Infection4/20/2009
  Q: How are you Dr. Backlund? I have a question regarding my infection on my front tooth. My front ...
  A: You would feel hot/cold sensations, achy pain. Possibly sore to bite. If it were severely inflamed ...
My Infection4/20/2009
  Q: How are you Dr. Backlund? I have a question regarding my infection on my front tooth. My front ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Let me try to help. First, if your tooth is cold ...
bad filling/radiating pain4/19/2009
  Q: In Sept, I began having facial pain for a few weeks which caused me to see a gp and a dentist. It ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. It is not unusual for pain in one area to refer pain to ...
calcified tooch and infection4/19/2009
  Q: Backlund, The filling dropped out of one of my tooth (#28) several years ago, and I left it ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. When a tooth calcifies, it closes down the root canal. ...
sodium hypochlorite reaction4/19/2009
  Q: I had a root canal in my canine tooth a little over a week ago. My dentist told me he had some ...
  A: I'm sorry you had this happen. Unfortunately, this sometimes occurs...as you found out. To answer ...
Fillings4/19/2009
  Q: I have been hearing that fillings inside a root canalled tooth that still feels pain can have a bad ...
  A: Hope these answers help.... So, if there is a leakage OR problem in filling, then we can't just ...
Residual Sensitivity following root canal4/18/2009
  Q: Dr. Backlund: I had a root canal on an upper front tooth about 1 year ago, and it continues to be ...
  A: First, you need to keep checking ALL the teeth around there until you can duplicate your cold ...
Fillings4/18/2009
  Q: I have been hearing that fillings inside a root canalled tooth that still feels pain can have a bad ...
  A: You raise a number of issues here. Let me try to help... Problems with root canals do not spread to ...
Root Canal4/18/2009
  Q: Gary Backlund, My name is Stephanie and I am 25 years old. I had my very first root canal a few ...
  A: ...that helps. I suspect you have more than one problem going on here. I believe the root canal ...
Root Canal4/17/2009
  Q: Gary Backlund, My name is Stephanie and I am 25 years old. I had my very first root canal a few ...
  A: Before I try to help, can you describe your pain? Hot, cold, day, night, sweets, do you grind or ...
a temporary filling after root-canal, before crown4/17/2009
  Q: I've been reading through some of these questions and answers and couldn't find my specific problem. ...
  A: The critical thing with your temporary is to get it filled with something permanent before it starts ...
Residual Sensitivity following root canal4/17/2009
  Q: Dr. Backlund: I had a root canal on an upper front tooth about 1 year ago, and it continues to be ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. I can't tell you for sure what is going on, but I can tell you ...
Root Canal4/16/2009
  Q: I have had a root canal on a big molar and it has been having problems. There's sensations that I ...
  A: here you go.... Is the main concern of not doing anything about a root canalled tooth that is ...
root canal4/16/2009
  Q: Backlund, I emailed a question a few days ago about tooth pain I was having. I have been back to ...
  A: What you are going through is NOT normal. We do have this type of post op problem and that's why ...
Root Canal4/16/2009
  Q: I have had a root canal on a big molar and it has been having problems. There's sensations that I ...
  A: ...I'll try to address your concerns... 1. Well, sometimes if I leave it alone or I drink cold or ...
Pain after apicoectomy4/14/2009
  Q: My problem is a little complicated. I have had three bouts with c diff. Each time, it occurred after ...
  A: You're more than welcome, but I didn't really help much I don't think. Maybe I can be more helpful ...
Lump still after apicectomy4/13/2009
  Q: I have had an apicectomy done a year ago , I had a severe reaction to the surgery when my cheek ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Since I can't examine you, I can't give you real specific ...
Crown vs amalgam "cover"4/11/2009
  Q: A month ago I had a root canal on a back moler. Six days ago, a part of the tooth cracked and today, ...
  A: In my practice, we ALWAYS suggest to our referring dentists that a crown be placed on back teeth ...
apicoectomy vs implant4/10/2009
  Q: Dr. Backlund, Many thanks for your prior response regarding my inquiry. I have attached the xray of ...
  A: There are a number of problems with that tooth. Any one of which could cause the tooth to be lost. ...
Pain after apicoectomy4/8/2009
  Q: My problem is a little complicated. I have had three bouts with c diff. Each time, it occurred after ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. If you really want your tooth removed, then a referral from ...
2 root canals4/8/2009
  Q: Dr.Backlund, I have a 4 month long story. It started with a left ear pain (when I was biting). Have ...
  A: What I mean is to call specialists....not general dentists, because your right, they want you to ...
my root canal4/8/2009
  Q: I just recently had a root canal, and I was wondering about something. The reason why I had my root ...
  A: You ask a great question and one I get all the time. Yes, having a root canal does make a tooth ...
2 root canals4/8/2009
  Q: Dr.Backlund, I have a 4 month long story. It started with a left ear pain (when I was biting). Have ...
  A: What you really need is a good general dentist you can trust to do what's necessary and nothing ...
root canal or have tooth pulled?4/7/2009
  Q: Two teeth in my mouth, #18 and 19, have root canals which have "failed." I.e., there are ...
  A: I'm sorry you're faced with this dilemma. Let me start by saying ultimately, this is a VERY personal ...
Painful to Pressure4/7/2009
  Q: Backlund, I have a question about a tooth that's bothering me. About a year ago on of my back molars ...
  A: Pain on release is almost 99% evidence for a crack. If it were my tooth, I would not wait. Waiting ...
Painful to Pressure4/6/2009
  Q: Backlund, I have a question about a tooth that's bothering me. About a year ago on of my back molars ...
  A: Since I can't exam you, it's really hard for me to diagnosis your problem. That said, the symptoms ...
How Long Can I Wait to get my Root Canal4/5/2009
  Q: I am a college student, and there is a dental school at my university. I went there for my initial ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're in this dilemma. Unfortunately, your question doesn't have an easy answer. ...
Root canal swelling4/5/2009
  Q: Backlund, almost done, but I really need to ask 2 short questions. You said in your last message ...
  A: Sorry..I guess I'm not making myself very clear. The bone expands due to the pressure of the ...
Teeth4/4/2009
  Q: Dr.Backlund, I have two questions A) Can a tooth die and B) I've heard an abcess can become serious, ...
  A: Yes, a tooth can die. That is when a root canal is needed. However, only the inside of the tooth ...
2 root canals4/3/2009
  Q: Dr.Backlund, I have a 4 month long story. It started with a left ear pain (when I was biting). Have ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Unfortunately, since I can't exam you, I really can't help ...
ROOT CANAL & ZOMETA4/3/2009
  Q: Follow-up to previousMy wife just had 3 root canals in lower right jaw to correct a massive ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your poor wife is going through all this. This must be very frustrating for you ...
Root canal swelling4/2/2009
  Q: Backlund, almost done, but I really need to ask 2 short questions. You said in your last message ...
  A: ..it makes this worthwhile. It's the only "pay" I get....:-).... The infection/abscess would have ...
Antibiotics after root canal4/2/2009
  Q: I had root canal 4 wks ago due to abscess. I had small swelling under cheek bone before RC which got ...
  A: I'm glad you get some answers. What you were told is pretty much what I had said. The process has ...
second root canal4/1/2009
  Q: when i was eight years old I broke my two front teeth. I had to see a root canal specialist. ...
  A: I'm so sorry you're having all this go on. It's hard for me to really answer your questions since I ...
pain in filling4/1/2009
  Q: I had to have the last 3 teeth in the lower left side of my mouth refilled. This was last Thurs ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. You raise a couple of issues, let me see if I can ...
root canal3/31/2009
  Q: a few wks ago i had a root canal done and my nerve extracted on my front tooth and the tooth filed ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. While I can't say for sure, I suspect what your dentist is ...
Root Canal Pain3/31/2009
  Q: I just had a root canal done yesterday on my # 14 molar. I have to go back to get my crown put on. ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. Usually, a root canal on one side does not make teeth on the ...
Antibiotics after root canal3/30/2009
  Q: I had root canal 4 wks ago due to abscess. I had small swelling under cheek bone before RC which got ...
  A: The expansion of the bone is caused by the original pressure INSIDE the bone from the infection ...
Antibiotics after root canal3/30/2009
  Q: I had root canal 4 wks ago due to abscess. I had small swelling under cheek bone before RC which got ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. To answer your question...it really depends on the type of ...
root canals3/28/2009
  Q: I have some general questions in regards to root canals. I will number them to make it clear for ...
  A: Here we go..... 1. So after a root canal, when people start complaining about pain, they always say ...
three crowns and lots of pain3/28/2009
  Q: About 1 1/2 years ago my dentist put three crowns on. Two on the lower right and one on lower left. ...
  A: Where you go for help is really up to you. If you like your dentist, then you need to be a bit ...
root canals3/28/2009
  Q: I have some general questions in regards to root canals. I will number them to make it clear for ...
  A: I'll try to answer these well as I can...here we go.... 1. During a root canal, if all the nerves ...
three crowns and lots of pain3/28/2009
  Q: About 1 1/2 years ago my dentist put three crowns on. Two on the lower right and one on lower left. ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. I agree, 1 1/2 years is WAY too long to be suffering. What ...
root canal through a crown3/26/2009
  Q: I had my 2 front top teeth with root canal treatment. When i had to have it capped, my dentist ...
  A: Since I can't examine you, I don't know your situation exactly, but we routinely do root canals ...
APICETOMY3/26/2009
  Q: About six years ago I had an apicetomy that failed. The surgeon that did the original operation ...
  A: If you are having that much pain, it can't be phantom pain. Either the root canal really isn't ...
root canal issues3/26/2009
  Q: ...I had a root canal done on #3 about 2 years ago. It has never been right since the procedure was ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. Yes, I would most definitely suggest you see an ...
swollen lymph node after root canal retreatment3/25/2009
  Q: I had a root canal retreated almost two months ago. The original root canal was done about 4 and a ...
  A: Some overfilling of a root canal occurs often when we do root canals. That's why the filling ...
endodonist3/24/2009
  Q: I went back to endodonist last week for follow up, he now wants me to see an oral surgeon because ...
  A: There are really only two other options. One would be to retreat the root canal and the other would ...
Temperature sensitivity after rct3/24/2009
  Q: I had a root canal yesterday and had expected that I wouldn't feel any pain in that tooth anymore, ...
  A: I'm sorry this is all going on. I think you are right on! Once a root canal is done, there is no ...
sinus condition3/24/2009
  Q: Approx. one year ago my dentist did a root canal along with a post and partial cap of one tooth. ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Yes, it is possible that your teeth could be causing your ...
can't have epinephrine3/23/2009
  Q: I have been taking an MAO Inhibitor for over 25 years and cannot have much epinephrine. The dental ...
  A: There are a number of different concentrations of epinephrine used in dentistry, including some that ...
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and dental issues3/23/2009
  Q: Hey there - me again. Thank you very much for your very timely answer. I'd like to follow up with ...
  A: Actually, I had already "Googled" EDS to learn more about it. It is rare and I don't remember ever ...
swollen lymph node after root canal retreatment3/23/2009
  Q: I had a root canal retreated almost two months ago. The original root canal was done about 4 and a ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having trouble. No, a swollen lymph node 2 months later is not normal following ...
Root Canal3/22/2009
  Q: I have been experiencing some growing dull pain from one of my top front teeth. I recently had a ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this is going on. It's hard for me to really help without being able to exam you, ...
Root canal filling extends outside root3/21/2009
  Q: I just had a root canal done and before the dentist put the final filling in, he showed me an x-ray ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through this...hopefully I can help. Most filling material we use today to do ...
condensing osteitis3/20/2009
  Q: backlund 8 months ago i experienced a severe sudden onset of pain in my lower right molars. the ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having all this going on. You ask some great questions, some I can't even ...
Heat reaction to a tooth3/19/2009
  Q: I had a crown on a tooth (had root canal) maybe 7 years ago. Not always but recently hot food or ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this trouble, especially right before vacation! I'm afraid I have some bad ...
tooth pain3/18/2009
  Q: I had a crown prep 12 days ago on a upper first molar that had symptoms of a cracked tooth and a ...
  A: When a tooth has become extremely irritated on the inside, we call that hyperemic. What that means ...
tooth pain3/17/2009
  Q: I had a crown prep 12 days ago on a upper first molar that had symptoms of a cracked tooth and a ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having all this go on. You ask great questions, but they don't have easy ...
root canal3/17/2009
  Q: How long does it take a root canal treatment for an abcess to completely heal?
  A: We recall all our patients at 6 months to evaluate healing. Complete healing depends on the size of ...
dentinal sensitivity3/16/2009
  Q: Sir, I would like to know if it is possible for a non-vital tooth to have dentinal sensitivity. ...
  A: If by dentinal sensitivity you mean hot, cold and pain from INSIDE the tooth, like decay, the answer ...
pain under chin3/16/2009
  Q: I have had 2 root canals done (by the same dentist). One in 2000 and one in 2004. The first 1 ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. I really doubt your symptoms are related to your tooth ...
crown over root canal work3/14/2009
  Q: I had root canal treatment one year ago.The tooth has not given me trouble since.The treatment was ...
  A: Actually, there should be no problem replacing the crown. Our dentists that refer to us do it all ...
root canal3/14/2009
  Q: my 13 year old daughter has pain and needs a root canal in one of rear molars. My insurance covers ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your daughter is going through all this. The situation with crowns on root canals ...
root canal issue3/14/2009
  Q: I had a root canal 2 years ago in #30 tooth and the following week #31. Due to deep cavities. ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. The only effect all this should have is a local reaction, ...
Continuing issues after root canal3/13/2009
  Q: Backlund, I have been having an ordeal with tooth #14 (2nd to last upper back molar) for the past 6 ...
  A: Well, sounds like at least you're getting some action. What your endodontist is not unreasonable. ...
root canal pain3/13/2009
  Q: THAT WAS INFECTED AND BROKEN OFF I HAD A PARTIAL ROOT CANAL. THE PAIN ACTUALLY STARTED ON A TUESDAY ...
  A: I'm really sorry to hear you are going through all this. I suspect your pain is coming from all the ...
Crown over Root Canal3/12/2009
  Q: I recently had a root canal done on my upper left rear molar. In addition, the tooth directly below ...
  A: It sounds like you are getting excellent advice. The primary reason we suggest crowns on back teeth ...
Post Root Canal Pain3/12/2009
  Q: In November of 2008 I had a crown placed on my lower left back molar, next to where my wisdom tooth ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. Unfortunately, X-rays don't don't show soft tissue ...
novocaine - root canal3/12/2009
  Q: When receiving a root canal, I was given novocaine, which immediately made my chin feel as if it was ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on. I assume from what you are saying that it is a lower tooth. If that's ...
Continuing issues after root canal3/12/2009
  Q: Backlund, I have been having an ordeal with tooth #14 (2nd to last upper back molar) for the past 6 ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have gone through all this. You must really be frustrated and I don't blame ...
Retreated Rootcanal3/11/2009
  Q: Backlund I'm an anesthesiologist who had a recent retreatment of #30 through a gold crown by an ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. No wonder you're frustrated! Let me see if I can help ...
Pain after root canal3/9/2009
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I had a root canal and then one week later had it crowned(actually part of a bridge). ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Let me answer your questions first.....when a root canal ...
RCT on Tooth #3 - Core Build Up or Crown?3/9/2009
  Q: I had rct therapy on tooth #3. My dentist states that since my tooth is "dead", she's not going to ...
  A: When a root canal is done, the nerve is removed from inside the tooth...that's the sensitive part of ...
root canal results3/7/2009
  Q: I had a root canal in the #12 tooth which was also loosened by infection. Will the root canal and ...
  A: Sorry about the first time, I hit the wrong "button"....:-(.. To answer your question, if the tooth ...
Fistula over third molar after root canal on 2nd molar3/7/2009
  Q: Approximately 6 weeks ago, I had a root canal performed on my right second molar. About ten days ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. When a tooth drains via a fistula, the drainage goes ...
Crowns3/6/2009
  Q: Is a crown REALLY necessary after a root canal, or is it more of a money thing? I know I can get an ...
  A: Tooth #12 is a premolar. Premolars are especially susceptible to fracture because of the way they ...
Superglue?3/6/2009
  Q: Help please - Can I use superglue to fix a cap that fell out? I live on a small island that doesn't ...
  A: Wow...that is a tough spot to be in. Super glue won't hurt you. The only problem I foresee is being ...
Sensitivity due to implant trauma3/5/2009
  Q: A couple of weeks ago I had implant surgery on two adjacent teeth. ( bottom right - 2nd and 3rd ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. There really isn't anything you can do to help matters ...
Crowns3/5/2009
  Q: Is a crown REALLY necessary after a root canal, or is it more of a money thing? I know I can get an ...
  A: You ask a GREAT question and one I'm asked daily...here's the scoop. After a root canal is done, the ...
Crown and post keep coming out3/4/2009
  Q: Doctor: I'm 52 with many crowns, most with posts. I've had a reoccurring problem with tooth 28 ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. It would be highly unlikely any medication you are ...
Root Canal Treatment3/4/2009
  Q: Jay gain ,my did my Root Canal Treatment on Last Tuesday, my dentist did root canal treatment and ...
  A: I'm gal to hear you're doing well. In most cases, doing the root canal will allow the body to heal ...
Second Question3/3/2009
  Q: It is really much appreciated. The other question is how much time do I have to get it taken care ...
  A: This really depends on how much tooth & temporary are left. The critical thing is to keep the root ...
Trying Again3/3/2009
  Q: Two questions: Is it likely I really needed a root canal given the no pain, and no signs on the ...
  A: Unfortunately, without being able to exam you, there is no way for me to know whether you really ...
Root Canal Extraction3/2/2009
  Q: After a thorough root canal 15 years ago, an absess begins just two weeks ago and was treated with ...
  A: There are many reasons why root canals fail, even after this long period. The most common is leakage ...
root canal hell3/2/2009
  Q: I had a root canal on Tuesday 2ndary to a molar breaking. I woke the next day in excrutiating pain. ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. My all means call again! What you are going through is not ...
root canal3/2/2009
  Q: I had a root canal on one of my top front teeth last year; I am in my early 20s, so this has been ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have gone through all this. Unfortunately, without being able to exam you and ...
Lip and Chin Still Numb after Root Canal3/1/2009
  Q: I had a root canal 3 days ago on left lower molar (last one on that side) and my lip and chin on ...
  A: If it is damage to the nerve, it will not have been severed...just injured. 99.9% of these ...
Lip and Chin Still Numb after Root Canal3/1/2009
  Q: I had a root canal 3 days ago on left lower molar (last one on that side) and my lip and chin on ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Since I can't examine you or know exactly what happened ...
apicectomy vs. extraction3/1/2009
  Q: I had a root canal about 18 months ago. After the procedure I had to take antibiotics for possible ...
  A: The reason I say this is that I firmly believe nothing is better than your natural teeth. Anytime ...
Root Canal Treatment3/1/2009
  Q: I had pain on my upper tooth,i got first time pain on july- 2008 and it lots of water secretion from ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. The swelling on the gum is a result of the infection. Once ...
Root Canal with no tooth pain beforehand?3/1/2009
  Q: I went to the dentist to day and they told me that I have to get a root canal. My tooth has not ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. In most cases, where there is a sinus tract like you have, ...
pain after retreatment of a root canal2/28/2009
  Q: The endodontist said that there was a lesion beneath the root. He said one side healed and one did ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. You raise a number of issues...let me see if I can help ...
apicectomy vs. extraction2/28/2009
  Q: I had a root canal about 18 months ago. After the procedure I had to take antibiotics for possible ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. It sounds like you have been given good information ...
apioaectomy2/26/2009
  Q: .thanx in advance for answering this if you can. basically, i have bben told i may have to have an ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Basically, when we do an apicoectomy, we make a small ...
Root canal2/25/2009
  Q: I have a quick question. Back in 11/08, my general dentist suggested that I get a crown done over ...
  A: Your hot/cold sensitivity was probably due to the crack. The only options would be to do the root ...
Root canal2/25/2009
  Q: How can confirm root canaling was done or not? Due to tooth ache I had to remove my bridge. It had ...
  A: The easiest way is with an Xray. If a root canal was done, there will be "white" spaces down the ...
tooth under the crown after the root canal2/25/2009
  Q: I had a crown put on a tooth (lower molar) where filling had cracked. 2mo after that I started ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having problems with this tooth. When a root canal is done and it is successful, ...
Pain after root canal2/24/2009
  Q: I am trying to understand my tooth (#19). And to the extent that is impossible I want to thoroughly ...
  A: Let me see if I can help you here... 1. It seems from the article I read ...
Root canal2/24/2009
  Q: I have a quick question. Back in 11/08, my general dentist suggested that I get a crown done over ...
  A: I'm sorry this is all going on. Cracked teeth are probably the hardest things we have to treat and ...
Bone infection/root canals and pain2/24/2009
  Q: What appeared to be a pimple on my chin, turned out to be an infection in my jaw bone and it was ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Obviously, since I can't examine you I can't help with why ...
Pain after root canal2/23/2009
  Q: I am trying to understand my tooth (#19). And to the extent that is impossible I want to thoroughly ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this has gone on. You have really been through it! In situations like yours, ...
Problems that began with cavity to root canal.2/23/2009
  Q: I made the mistake of letting a cavity go without going to the dentist. I let it sit for over a year ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. When a tooth has bad decay and is broken, it can be difficult to ...
Apicoectomy2/22/2009
  Q: I had an apicoectomy two years ago. It failed one year later. Went to new endodontis who did a ...
  A: Ever time we treat a tooth over again, no matter what the procedure, the chances of success ...
recurring gum abscess after root canal2/22/2009
  Q: I appreciate your vast amount of knowledge and expertise. I have a molar - bottom right, second ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have had all this trouble with that tooth. That can be really frustrating! ...
jaw throbbing2/22/2009
  Q: I have been getting pain in my jaw for a week now and its getting worse. It doesn't seen to be from ...
  A: Sorry to hear your going through all this. It's a tough call where to start, but I think I would see ...
Longevity and side effects of root canal and capping of teeth2/21/2009
  Q: What are the side effects of capping done after root canal? how long will the capping persist?
  A: Actually, there are no side effects of capping a tooth after a root canal that are anymore than a ...
wisdom tooth and 2nd molar removal1/20/2009
  Q: I am having my 4 wisdom teeth removed and the two bottom wisdom teeth have effected my 2nd molars ...
  A: Basically, the only concern will be decreased chewing efficiency. When you lose the 2nd molars, the ...
loss of root canal1/19/2009
  Q: what is the procedure when you loose a crown on a root canal is their a process of removing the ...
  A: When a crown comes off a root canal, it is usually possible to create some sort of temporary using ...
Root Canal - INFECTION1/19/2009
  Q: I had a root canal done on an eye tooth over a year ago and now have an infection that developed 3 ...
  A: It's really hard for me to help here since I can't examine you. However, it sounds like things just ...
Infection around a root that had a root canal1/19/2009
  Q: On January 10, 2009, I had a small bump on my upper right gum above the second tooth from the back. ...
  A: Actually, an abscessed tooth is where the nerve and blood supply have died. You can have a sterile ...
Infection around a root that had a root canal1/19/2009
  Q: On January 10, 2009, I had a small bump on my upper right gum above the second tooth from the back. ...
  A: I'm sorry you have gone through all this...especially during the holidays! It is highly unlikely ...
File Broken Off in Tooth During Root Canal Procedure1/17/2009
  Q: Had root canal done on #18 tooth after my dentist could not give me a crown because my tooth was ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. At this point, there really is nothing to worry about with the file ...
root canal1/17/2009
  Q: Backluund I am sorry you didn't understand my question perhaps I was to long in telling the ...
  A: No problem...thanks for the clarification!You ask good questions, but neither has an easy answer. ...
root canal1/16/2009
  Q: .almost a week ago i underwent a reconstruction of a molar..i had a large and deep cavity in between ...
  A: When a tooth is worked on, especially a deep one like yours, it is frequent that the nerve & blood ...
Second attempt at a root canal1/16/2009
  Q: Had a root canal in april 2008 on a tooth that already had a crown. When the endodontist started the ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. You ask a great question and it doesn't have an easy answer. ...
increasing pain after root canals1/16/2009
  Q: Im currently deployed to iraq, and an old injury from 6 months ago (i got hit in the face with a ...
  A: First, thank you for your service. We all appreciate what you are doing and support our troops, even ...
Cracked Tooth1/16/2009
  Q: I had a root canal and crown placed on my bottom right molar (3rh from eye tooth) about 6 months ...
  A: I apologize for "missing" the fact this tooth has had a root canal and I am not really suggesting ...
Cracked Tooth1/15/2009
  Q: I had a root canal and crown placed on my bottom right molar (3rh from eye tooth) about 6 months ...
  A: There are a number of reasons a tooth can be sore to biting after a crown. One of them is the ...
Hot and cold sensation.1/15/2009
  Q: I had a tooth RC and followed by crown in 2005. Jan 2009 I went to a dentist with a broken tooth ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having problems. Your temperature sensations are coming from someplace ...
Part of root canal done.In terrible pain!1/15/2009
  Q: Okay,this all started a few weeks before Christmas.My upper tooth on the left side second from the ...
  A: I'm REALLY sorry you are going trough all this. I can certainly understand your fears and concerns. ...
Teeth decay1/14/2009
  Q: Please, how can I manage my teeth decay and avoid the spread?
  A: The absolute best way to control decay is with daily, EFFECTIVE, brushing and flossing and watching ...
root canal needle in canal1/14/2009
  Q: After a root canal treatment, the dentist told me the instrument broke at the end of the treatment ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you had this happen. Unfortunately, it is a pretty common occurrence when doing ...
severe pain after root canal1/13/2009
  Q: Please excuse me, my first question to you was written in a haze of pain, and now I realize...I sent ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. There are many reasons you could be having this pain. It's ...
cleft babys1/13/2009
  Q: I have a one year old son who was born with a cleft lip and palate. He has had reconstructive ...
  A: I think you are very thoughtful and considerate to ask this question. I would advise you to see a ...
my tooth!!1/12/2009
  Q: so within the last two months i have woken up with a toothache and my back gum and been extremely ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. It sounds like you have an infection going on. ...
Root canal/crown1/12/2009
  Q: I had a root canal two days ago. A piece of my tooth fell out today and now my gum hurts. Is that ...
  A: It sounds like either a piece of filling or a piece of tooth has broken off. Unfortunately, this ...
second root canal or apico1/11/2009
  Q: I had a root canal 7 years ago on one of my upper tooth (no.3, canine I believe). 2 years ago there ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're facing this problem. Let me try to answer your question, but a little ...
Pain after filling..a new query1/11/2009
  Q: I understand its difficult for you to give me advice without having a look. I was just wondering if ...
  A: These questions I can answer....:-)... Decreasing pain can either mean things are healing or the ...
How Common is a Bottom Second Molar with Just One Root?1/9/2009
  Q: I have just been through a painful ordeal with an abscess tooth and root canal. About a month ago, ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. Your dentist is right, this is pretty unusual. I only see ...
Roots Disappearing1/8/2009
  Q: Four years ago, I had braces, which significantly shifted my teeth in all sorts of directions to ...
  A: Unfortunately, since I can't exam you, it's hard for me to give you good advice about your specific ...
Infant root canal1/7/2009
  Q: My girl is 3 years old and the dentist recently advised that she may need root canal on her 3 front ...
  A: My best advice to you would be to find a good children's dentist..a pedodontist..and let him/her ...
Nickel allergy1/6/2009
  Q: I have a 16 year old daughter who a few years ago developed at lot of problems with her teeth ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your daughter is going through all this. It is highly unlikely her rash is related ...
Infant root canal1/6/2009
  Q: My girl is 3 years old and the dentist recently advised that she may need root canal on her 3 front ...
  A: Actually, that is the best thing for her permanent teeth. It will eliminate infection which can ...
Pain after root canal1/6/2009
  Q: Dr. Backlund Let me start from the beginning. I had an MOL composite done on #2 two months ago ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. What you are feeling is not unusual. There are many ...
Root Canal1/5/2009
  Q: I went for a checkup last Feb 2008. My dentist gave the ok, but advised me to start replacing my old ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this! You raise a couple of issues...first, your dentist ...
root canal1/4/2009
  Q: was at the dentist 1 week ago to have a filling replaced in my back molar tooth. the filling had ...
  A: I'm sorry you had to go through all that. First, since I can't exam you, it's hard for me to give ...
Root canal1/4/2009
  Q: I have just seen an endodontist about a painful tooth #31. No response to tapping and cold tests. ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. To answer your questions, the primary reason we do root ...
Root Canal Infection1/4/2009
  Q: A few months ago I had a root infection and an abscess for which my dentist referred me to an ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. I can certainly understand your concern. In most cases, once the ...
antibiotics1/3/2009
  Q: i've been on penicillin vk for 12 days , i got an abcess on a back molar on dec 21 and started ...
  A: You're welcome. Obviously, I can't diagnosis your problem without being able to exam you, but ...
antibiotics1/3/2009
  Q: i've been on penicillin vk for 12 days , i got an abcess on a back molar on dec 21 and started ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. What you are describing could be a serious situation. DO NOT ...
Post Root Canal1/1/2009
  Q: My husband had two root canals and 4 posts put in last Friday, 12/26, because his bottom bridge ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your husband is going through all this. I would agree that what is going on is not ...
tooth1/1/2009
  Q: half of my tooth is broken and i got a filling for it. However, the filling fell off, and the half ...
  A: Since I can't exam you, I really can't answer your question. You need to see a dentist, let him/her ...
sensitivity 1 year after root canal and apicoectomy12/31/2008
  Q: I had a root canal 1 year ago and ended up having an apicoectomy afterward. I have noticed this ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having a problem again. Since I can't exam you, it's hard for me to say for sure, ...
Root Canal - Possible Nerve Damage12/30/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done on 12/19/08 and when he injected the gum around the tooth a sharp ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. Unfortunately, we do this this from time to time ...
cracked tooth12/29/2008
  Q: Should a cracked tooth be repaired immediately? My husband's dentist has know about a cracked tooth ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your husband may lose his tooth due to a crack. To answer your question, a cracked ...
tooth color change years after root canal?12/29/2008
  Q: I have noticed that my upper right bicuspid is beginning to turn dark gray at the base. This tooth ...
  A: More than likely, your color change is due to staining inside the tooth due to the cement used for ...
root canal12/29/2008
  Q: I know that you can not diagnose my problem but here goes..I went to the dentist because I chipped a ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. I can understand your concern. If I were you, I would ...
tooth/jaw pain12/28/2008
  Q: My daughter - 22 yrs. old started out having tooth pain so we thought. She went to the dentist and ...
  A: I'm sorry your daughter is going through all this. I doubt there is any connection with her pain and ...
Old Root Canal12/27/2008
  Q: Six years ago I had a root canal and crown on my upper third tooth from the back on my left. It has ...
  A: I'm sorry you are still having pain. You are very smart to want to resolve this before you get new ...
upper back molar ..concerned about nerve dying12/26/2008
  Q: i have been going through a whole mouth makeover..11 implants,six bonegrafts,two root canals..the ...
  A: Before I try to answer, are you talking about extracting the last tooth and whether that should be ...
terrified of root canal12/25/2008
  Q: I may need to get a root canal in the near future, and I am terrified (I've never had one before). ...
  A: I can certainly understand your concerns. I can't speak for all dentists, but in our office, we are ...
Temporary crown fell out12/24/2008
  Q: My temporary crown fell out and a piece of it broke off. It still fits over the part of the tooth ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem during the holidays....bummer! The material you have ...
root canals12/23/2008
  Q: calcified canals... whats the best on the market today?? using a rcprep right now and let it set for ...
  A: Actually, not much else. I don't find RC Prep left in the tooth to be very effective, although I ...
dental abcess/ severe facial swelling12/23/2008
  Q: I started getting severe pain from what i suspected to be an abcess on friday night above a capped ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this with the Holidays so near...bummer! No, what is happening ...
broken tooth12/22/2008
  Q: my 10 year old son has just broken his two front teeth, a small pin prick of pulp was showing. We ...
  A: I'm so sorry to hear about your son's accident. There are a number of factors to consider when a ...
root canals12/22/2008
  Q: How long can a 2nd root canal in the same tooth last? Does it have the same chance as a tooth that ...
  A: Actually that is a great question and one I get asked almost daily. The truth is, whenever there is ...
Root canals and referred pain.12/21/2008
  Q: This is the short version of a long story. I've had a painful tooth (#3) for over a year. It has had ...
  A: I'm sorry you have been going through all this for so long.....that can become VERY frustrating. ...
Follow up Root Canal Question12/21/2008
  Q: Backlund, Yesterday, I came over my dentist to get the referral to see an endodontist, and I had a ...
  A: While those X-rays may be helpful, what you really need are the X-rays from the first dentist who ...
Tooth Decay12/21/2008
  Q: Backlund, I'd like to know if tooth decay or abscess can spread to another tooth? Thank you.
  A: No..they can't. Each tooth is independent of other teeth. Sometimes, decay can start between two ...
Old root canal hurts up through face12/21/2008
  Q: I had a root canal a couple of years ago (tooth #12) and have had not problems with it since. Today ...
  A: I'm sorry this is going on...especially with the holidays upon us. Since I can't exam you, I can't ...
fluid after root canal12/20/2008
  Q: I had a root canal 5 days ago (monday) on both of my front teeth. Was prescribed 500 mg of ...
  A: I'm SO sorry to hear all this is going on during your vacation and so far away from help. First, my ...
Root Canal12/19/2008
  Q: Backlund, I had root canals on tooth 18 & 31 9 years ago. I never had any symptom since then. On ...
  A: In situations like this, we try to get some old X-rays of these teeth right around the time the root ...
Terrible pain after root canal12/19/2008
  Q: About a year ago I was having terrible pain in one of my back right bottom molars, and of course, ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you are going through all this! It sounds like the final treatment has caused your ...
toothache on molar?12/18/2008
  Q: I had a question concerning one of my molars. A few years back, I had a tiny cavity on my back molar ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. First, my disclaimer..:-)....since I can't exam you, I ...
Root Canal12/17/2008
  Q: I had a root canal a few years back and think that the nerve above the eye tooth(which had the root ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having problems. Your sinus actually is a bit farther back than the eye ...
pain in tooth12/17/2008
  Q: I am wearing a parchial denture that has been made and it has been overextended so im having a new ...
  A: Sounds like things aren't going well. Your are right on....sounds like your pain could be either a ...
root filling12/17/2008
  Q: i am so thankfully for this, I am 19 and have an absolute fear of tooth removal. I had an abscess ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. Basically, when we do a root canal, we numb the ...
Molar Tooth queries12/16/2008
  Q: Around a year ago I had emergency root canal surgery, with a temporary filling on an upper jaw molar ...
  A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. You have a couple of issues here. First, any hot & cold will be ...
root canal of a front tooth12/14/2008
  Q: My 15 year old son had a blunt impact injury to his two upper front teeth during wrestling practice. ...
  A: I'm really sorry to hear this has happened to your son. Unfortunately, we see this a lot with kids, ...
second molar extraction12/12/2008
  Q: All of my third molars were removed in my twenties. I am 45 now. Instead of having a root canal on ...
  A: The only problem with losing both teeth is your ability to chew. You won't really know until one is ...
pulpotomy12/12/2008
  Q: how long does it take to recover from a pulpotomy? i had one on my lower back molar last week and it ...
  A: Actually, I'm a little mystified by the treatment you're getting. I really don't know what your ...
root canals12/12/2008
  Q: Is a capped tooth more prone to needing a root canal in the future than an uncapped tooth? (In this ...
  A: You're right, Dan, it's usually the back molars because they are often tipped. However, if front ...
root canals12/12/2008
  Q: Is a capped tooth more prone to needing a root canal in the future than an uncapped tooth? (In this ...
  A: The answer to both your questions is "yes".....anytime a tooth is worked on, there is a slight ...
Root canal for cosmetic crowns12/11/2008
  Q: I'm 33 yrs male living in India. I've had a bad toothless smile since teenage due to deep bite ...
  A: I can understand your confusion. Unfortunately, since I can't exam you, there is no way for me to ...
root canal12/11/2008
  Q: Regarding my last lower molar on my right side: About 15 years ago it was capped and 10 years ago it ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this is going on. Pain is Nature's way of telling us something isn't right. Root ...
lump on my gum12/11/2008
  Q: I had my tooth removed 3 weeks ago and now a red lump that bleeds is in the tooths place, it doesnt ...
  A: If you have white stuff coming out, that could be pus. If that's the case, you may have an ...
Problems after Root Canal12/10/2008
  Q: I wonder if you can help. I had a root filling done about 5 months ago on an upper molar which had a ...
  A: Sorry...I hit the wrong button..... I'm sorry you're having this problem. Unfortunately, without ...
pulpotomy12/10/2008
  Q: how long does it take to recover from a pulpotomy? i had one on my lower back molar last week and it ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're still having problems. Usually a pulpotomy makes things better pretty ...
Root Canal on #1512/9/2008
  Q: Gary Backlund, I'm a 28 year old female who recently got an HMO dental insurance plan through my ...
  A: WOW....you have a lot going on here. I can certainly understand your concerns. Some of your ...
bridgtework - Wisdom tooth involved12/9/2008
  Q: I had a chewing tooth extracted on the right side between 2 other teethes (The tooth that was ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is happening. The simple answer to your question is, yes. Anytime ...
root canal retreatment following retreatment12/9/2008
  Q: I had a root canal on #19 about 17 years ago. I continued to experience pain and was told I was ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. You have a lot of issues here, but let me start with the big ...
lump on my gum12/9/2008
  Q: I had my tooth removed 3 weeks ago and now a red lump that bleeds is in the tooths place, it doesnt ...
  A: It sounds like what you re describing is a blood clot that forms in the socket to allow healing to ...
ROOT CANAL12/8/2008
  Q: I HAD ROOT CANAL 5 DAYS AGO AND AFTER 2 DAYS I FELT PAIN SHOOTING UP MY TOOTH EVERY TIME I TOOK A ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. On top of that, I have some bad news for you. The problem ...
Root Canal Sensitivity12/7/2008
  Q: I had an infection in my front left tooth that was drained last Sunday and had a root canal on ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. On top of that, I have some bad news for you. The problem ...
Root canal12/7/2008
  Q: I need a root canal and need to decide between two options: Option 1: An endodontist who has 30 ...
  A: The real issue of a microscope is seeing things that aren't visible to the naked eye....obviously. ...
Root canal failure or nerve damage12/7/2008
  Q: One year ago I had a crown put on my lower back molar (right side). It became infected with an ...
  A: WOW...sounds like things are not going well at all! I agree, you can't go on like this. Pain is an ...
Swollen Gum/Filling and Root Canal12/7/2008
  Q: I noticed that my gum was swollen on the side if my right molar. I visit the dentist regularly and ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. First, my disclaimer....since I can't examine you, it's ...
Loss of gum tissue around bridge support12/7/2008
  Q: I'm writing about an upper incisor root that supports a fixed bridge spanning the gap of my missing ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is happening. Yes, I think you need another opinion. It seems to me you ...
Root canal12/6/2008
  Q: I need a root canal and need to decide between two options: Option 1: An endodontist who has 30 ...
  A: Your question is a good one and really doesn't have a black & white answer. Let me just give you a ...
infected teeth roots under preexisting bridge11/21/2008
  Q: After getting xrays of the bridge on the lower right, last 3 teeth of jaw (middle tooth was a prior ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. I can understand your concern! leaving the roots untreated ...
Endodontics11/21/2008
  Q: what effect does the intraoral & extraoral application of heat & cold have on an oral abscess. ...
  A: When dealing with a dental abscess, it is never a good idea to use cold in or out of the mouth. The ...
Reabsorption11/21/2008
  Q: When I was 9 my #9 was knocked cleanly out of my mouth. It was placed back in where they performed ...
  A: I'm SO sorry to hear this going on. That can be a very traumatic thing to go through, especially at ...
Dental Abcess/Cellulitis11/21/2008
  Q: I developed pain in my front right tooth last Friday and could not get into my dentist until Sunday ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. WOW...you have had a tough time. I don't blame you for being ...
Molar pain...sinus infection, grinding teeth or infected tooth?11/20/2008
  Q: Last friday (today is 11/20/08) I started having an extremely bad ache in my jaw/teeth on the right ...
  A: WOW...sounds like you have a pretty complicated situation going on. Let me try to help and make some ...
Root canal question11/19/2008
  Q: I have two questions. 1) How would you do a root canal on a tooth with a porcelain onlay on it? ...
  A: Actually, it could be done either way. Without being able to see your situation, I really can't tell ...
Tooth ache post filling replacement11/19/2008
  Q: I went to my dentist for my annual check up. He replaced an old amalgam filling,telling me that it ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. Leaving the cracked filling would not be a good option. ...
Apicoectomy then loose Crown11/18/2008
  Q: I had a root canal on my tooth (3rd from the back, lower right) about 9 years ago. In January this ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. It sounds like the bump is a result of a failure of the ...
Root canal question11/18/2008
  Q: I have two questions. 1) How would you do a root canal on a tooth with a porcelain onlay on it? ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this! From what you describe, it sounds like you have ...
Root canal therapy11/5/2008
  Q: I had root canal therapy on my tooth and the dentist left the root canal open with some sort of ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this experience. Since I can't examine you or know exactly what is ...
trauma to 2 yr. old's primary teeth11/4/2008
  Q: 1 week ago my 2 year old hit his mouth on a step when he fell. We have been to the pediatric ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear about your 2 year old. These things are so traumatic...to the kids and parents ...
Root canal11/4/2008
  Q: Backlund, I am 38 weeks pregnant and I have been suffering with a toothache over the weekend. I went ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on so close to your delivery. I can certainly understand your ...
gums11/3/2008
  Q: i had a root canal a few weeks later a lump pops up on my gums right next to the tooth that i had ...
  A: More than likely, the bump is an area where the abscess is draining. The fact that it is draining is ...
At what point is root canal needed?11/2/2008
  Q: She was hit in the face and had her top front tooth pushed quite a ways back. We went to the ...
  A: You didn't wait too long!!! Usually we don't do anything for 7-10 days anyway, unless it is obvious ...
Root canal pain11/2/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done on my front number 3 upper tooth a week ago and am still experiencing pain. ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. Usually, when some material is pushed out the end ...
Root Canal Worries11/2/2008
  Q: I recently had a root canal on tooth number 19. I was told it would take up to four visit to ...
  A: You ask great questions! It's hard for me to give you specific answers since I can't examine you, ...
root canal and fever11/2/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done a week ago and two days after the root canal I started having a low grade ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear things aren't going well. There are a couple of issues here that maybe I can help ...
At what point is root canal needed?11/1/2008
  Q: She was hit in the face and had her top front tooth pushed quite a ways back. We went to the ...
  A: I am SO sorry to hear your daughter has had this type of injury. It is really traumatic to ALL ...
cracked tooth?11/1/2008
  Q: I've been having problems with my back molar ever since visiting the dentist 5 months ago. The ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. From what you tell me, I would also suspect a cracked tooth. ...
Crown vs. Root Canal11/1/2008
  Q: My husband is very traumatized by having to go to the dentist. Unfortunately though, he grinds his ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your husband is going through all this, especially when he hates going to the ...
Post root canal experience10/31/2008
  Q: I had a root canal performed yesterday in a rush b/c the tooth began hurting, like a toothache the ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. There are times, when a tooth is badly inflamed, ...
root canal cauterization and the dental dam10/30/2008
  Q: During the procedure the doctor failed to use a dental dam or a tooth brace to isolate the tooth or ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this happened to your friend. Since I wasn't there nor can I hear the "other ...
redoing root canals10/29/2008
  Q: My dentist suggested replacing a crown on a molar (#6) which had been made over 10 years ago. The ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're faced with this dilemma. Basically, the thing is this....anytime a new ...
tooth abscesses10/27/2008
  Q: Different dentists and endodontists have disagreed on whether I should get RCT on an upper molar or ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through this dilemma. I'll try to answer your questions as best I ...
root canal10/27/2008
  Q: I had a partial root canal (1 of the 3 nerves removed) and have a temporary in place 3 days ago. 3 ...
  A: I'm sorry you are experiencing this. We sometimes see this is our office. While I can't say for ...
infection after root canal10/26/2008
  Q: I have had a sore on my gum for several months. I had a root canal nearby shortly before I noticed ...
  A: Normally, no treatment is needed. If what you have is a drain through the gum from your abscess, ...
infection after root canal10/26/2008
  Q: I have had a sore on my gum for several months. I had a root canal nearby shortly before I noticed ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you went through this infection situation. From what you describe, it sounds like ...
root cana l treatment10/25/2008
  Q: i have 2 teeth at the bottom of my mouth that the dentist has\said have died. i clean my teeth ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you need two root canals. There really are no systemic diseases that would only ...
hole in gold crown in tooth that has a root canal10/24/2008
  Q: I have a worn gold crown (20yrs.probably)that now has a small hole in it. This occured about 7 weeks ...
  A: Good morning Stephanie, I can understand your concern, but I think it is highly unlikely you need ...
Flair-ups after deep filling10/23/2008
  Q: After a deep filling in early August, I had a painful flair-up a few weeks later. The dentist said ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your going through all this. What you are experiencing is NOT normal. ...
Root canal temporary filling9/26/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done about 2 years ago. In the past month it has been sensitive to hot and cold. ...
  A: Since it's been four days...I thought it was two, sorry...then I would call your endodontist. The ...
Crown vs. Root Canal9/26/2008
  Q: My dentist diagnosed me with needing a crown two years ago. I finally took care of it a month ago, ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have this going on. Unfortunately, there is really no way to diagnosis, in ...
Root canal temporary filling9/26/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done about 2 years ago. In the past month it has been sensitive to hot and cold. ...
  A: You actually have two issues here. First, the clove taste is the liquid that is used to mix the ...
Root Canal filling just disintagrated got it 4 hors ago9/25/2008
  Q: I'm half finished with a root canal. Part 1 was today. 3 hours after procedure, temp. filling just ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. Actually, now that the temporary is out, there really ...
tooth nerve dyeing9/24/2008
  Q: My left back tooth has a deep filing. I am feeling aches and pain in my left side near my tooth and ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. yes, eventually the pain will go away, but it will come back...and ...
root canal9/23/2008
  Q: I fell mouth first into a metal handrail June 4, 2008. My chiped and cracked teeth (top 6 front and ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear that you had this accident. You have already been through a lot. Trauma to teeth ...
Pain afer root canal9/23/2008
  Q: I had a root canal started on seven days ago. The pulp (nerve) was taken out, followed by temporary ...
  A: Since I can't examine you, it's hard for me to really help here. It does sound, though, like you may ...
Post injection spasm9/22/2008
  Q: On 25th Aug. I visited a dentist for RCT and after having antibiotics till 29th I saw him again on ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. You have several issues involved here. First, since I ...
pain after root canal /impression for splint9/21/2008
  Q: , I had a root canal on lower molar 5 days ago. The day after the root canal I had an appointment ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. It is possible the process of fitting the splint has caused ...
Tooth sore 3 months after root canal9/21/2008
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal on my bottom front incisor (no 13?) about 3 months ago. The tooth has ...
  A: It sounds like you could be dealing with one of two things....either a small crack in the tooth or ...
Root Canal Therapy9/20/2008
  Q: When I was told I needed a root canal, I went and got 2 other opinions from general dentist. All ...
  A: I'm sorry you feel like you were deceived. Unfortunately, it's not unusual in the summer, after ...
expose nerve9/20/2008
  Q: Sept 19,08 Dr.Backlund, This past week I went Densit office and got complete x-rays. Tooth # 30 was ...
  A: The real issue here is how much of the pulp was exposed, and since I can't examine you or know that ...
Heat test - false positive?9/19/2008
  Q: I have a tooth that's been showing some signs of needing a root canal due to spontaneous pain ...
  A: Actually, I would focus on the cold. As long as you are able to feel cold in the tooth normally, the ...
pain after root canal9/19/2008
  Q: I had o root canal on one of my molars on Monday, sept.15th. It was fine for about 3 days, and now ...
  A: It's hard for me to help without being able to exam you, but it sounds to me like you have an ...
Bump between my two front teeth9/18/2008
  Q: Backlund, A couple of months ago, I had my 6 month cleaning and check-up. All was well. I had 2 ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have this going on. Since I can't examine you, it's really hard for me to be ...
follow up ques9/17/2008
  Q: can i just ask....would you see an endodontist before or afer the periodontist? meaning can the ...
  A: It really seems to me you may have two entirely different issues here. One is the localized gum ...
Deep filling9/17/2008
  Q: I got a deep filling about 6 weeks ago, and the dentist said there's a 50/50 chance of needing a ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. There really is no right answer to your situation. ...
Heat test - false positive?9/17/2008
  Q: I have a tooth that's been showing some signs of needing a root canal due to spontaneous pain ...
  A: I'm sorry you're faced with this problem. Let me explain about hot/cold tests.....in both cases, ...
Root Canal and Crown9/4/2008
  Q: I had a root canal on my #29 tooth approximately 3 months ago, done by a specialist. Everything was ...
  A: WOW...sounds like you have a lot going on!Since I can't examine you, i's hard for me to give you ...
Root Canal9/4/2008
  Q: My background: I had a root canal done on my second molar from the back (upper left) in July of ...
  A: You're welcome....glad to answer a couple more questions.... It is always possible that the root ...
Pain of abscessed tooth not relieved by pain pills9/4/2008
  Q: Backlund, I think I have an abscessed tooth, in my lower right jaw. It started hurting about a ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Since this is the Internet, I can't help much, but first, I ...
Root Canal9/4/2008
  Q: My background: I had a root canal done on my second molar from the back (upper left) in July of ...
  A: WOW..it sounds like you have been through it! Unfortunately, I may have some bad news for you. Since ...
Internal Bleaching9/2/2008
  Q: Backland, This past March, I fell and unfortunately injured my front tooth. As a result, I needed ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your injury and subsequent root canals. Discoloration of the tooth comes from ...
Root canal9/2/2008
  Q: I had a root canal filling done about a year ago and since then have had lots of pain and swellings ...
  A: What you are describing sounds like a silver point root canal filling or a piece of instrument ...
Cause of Root Canal?8/27/2008
  Q: I am 24 years old, and just had a root canal last week on my #31 molar. I have very healthy teeth ...
  A: Actually, Allison, waiting is not an option. Decay doesn't stop until it is removed and once the ...
Cause of Root Canal?8/26/2008
  Q: I am 24 years old, and just had a root canal last week on my #31 molar. I have very healthy teeth ...
  A: While I can't be sure, I would doubt that your purging would be the cause of you needing a root ...
Pain after root canal retreatment8/26/2008
  Q: I had a root canal on #2 about 25 years ago. Beginning about 3 or 4 years ago, I began to have a ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're going through all this. First my disclaimer...since I can't exam you, it's hard ...
Curved root and abcess8/25/2008
  Q: Several years ago, in the UK, I underwent a root canal on the first molar. Instead of being ...
  A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. Yes, I would insist on X-rays. Something is not right and until ...
root canal issue8/25/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done approx 15+ years ago on lower left molar and it was crowned soon after. In ...
  A: It sounds like you probably have a failing root canal. It's not serious as you don't have pain and ...
apico8/24/2008
  Q: I just had an apico three days ago, although it still feels bruised, which is expected, should it ...
  A: It's a bit early to really know what is going on. It usually takes 3-5 days for things to really ...
Pain after temp crown?8/24/2008
  Q: I had a silver filling replaced in late June. Suddenly in early August I had intense pain in that ...
  A: I think your gut is probably right on. First my disclaimer...since I can't examine you, it's hard ...
Numerous Root Canals8/24/2008
  Q: I am a 33 year old female who has currently had 2 root canals (# 3 and #4) working on my 3rd (#19) ...
  A: WOW...sounds like you are really going through it. To answer your question, it certainly does seem ...
antibiotics for second root canal appt.8/23/2008
  Q: I have one more question for you DR. I was placed on anti-biotics for my first appt. for my root ...
  A: I can only speak for what we do in our office. We would not have you on antibiotics ever unless you ...
root canal8/23/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done on a left lower molar last week. It was abcessed and I took anti-biotics ...
  A: You are exactly right! If the upper tooth pain was referred pain, it would be gone by now. Usually, ...
Broken tooth / exposed filling8/23/2008
  Q: I have a back molar that was filled in childhood with a silver coloured metalic substance. The ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're having tooth problems. #30 years ago, amalgam fillings were THE filling of ...
Post parcial root canal8/22/2008
  Q: My 14 yr old son has a number 7 tooth that grew with a cusp on it. He had that cusp shaved off. Just ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your son is going through all this. I don't think what is happening is a reaction ...
PAIN 11 YEARS AFTER A ROOT CANAL AND CROWN.8/22/2008
  Q: I HAD A ROOT CANAL AND CROWN ON A TOOTH 11 YEARS AGO. TODAY THAT SAME TOOTH IS HURTING LIKE IT IS ...
  A: Unfortunately, the answer is YES! About 5% of root canals fail. In most cases, it is possible to ...
general question8/21/2008
  Q: i'm dental student and my question is what the dentist can do to make the patient trsut him or her ...
  A: You ask a tough question! I don't really know how to answer you, but in my experience trust is THE ...
jaw pain8/21/2008
  Q: Dr. Backlund, Six days ago, I had two crowns replaced, on both sides of my lower jaw, with temporary ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. When you get those types of reactions to the ...
Dental infection8/20/2008
  Q: My wife has suffered from a long term dental infection. She had paid for a root canal and a ...
  A: WOW...your wife has really been through it! You ask a question that i get asked all the time. The ...
antibiotics before crown?8/19/2008
  Q: In June, a big cavity I had on a back tooth I use often to chew fell out and took a piece of my ...
  A: I think you have a reason to be concerned. While I can't know for sure since I can't examine you, I ...
cavities8/17/2008
  Q: how can i go to one dentist an have 0 cavities an another dentist says i have 5. i dont have ...
  A: You ask a GREAT question that doesn't have an easy answer. I will share my opinion...but it's only ...
Entodontist examination8/17/2008
  Q: A less than 2 year old filling that one dentist put on my molar, the #18, my last one back there, ...
  A: I can't speak for other offices, but in our office, we would most likely see you for an examination ...
Pulp Stone8/16/2008
  Q: One of my front teeth is slightly grey. I have been to many dentists and they couldn't find out why. ...
  A: Sometimes when the space inside the tooth gets smaller, it can affect the color of the tooth. The ...
toothache after root canal8/16/2008
  Q: I had a root canal procedure done on tooth #31. It was completed in two appointments. Before the ...
  A: The level of pain you are having is NOT normal! You may have an infection starting again. Even ...
infection8/15/2008
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I had a crown put in about four years ago. It never felt quite right and a year ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. It sounds like you are RIGHT ON! Since the tooth has responded ...
filling close to nerve8/15/2008
  Q: I had two silver fillings (two lower back molars) replaced with white fillings. The dentist told me ...
  A: I'm sorry all this is going on. When deep fillings are done, they can cause the pulp of the tooth to ...
abcess8/14/2008
  Q: I have an Iga/Igg immune deficiency which has led to COPD. Also bad teeth. Have had several root ...
  A: I really sorry to hear all this is going on. While I really can't help with a diagnosis since I ...
Root Canal w/ No Cavity or Pain.8/14/2008
  Q: I have a question... although I know you cannot diagnose an issue online. I visited my dentist ...
  A: Cold is our best way to test whether the nerve is alive or dead. Since you didn't feel cold and ...
Multiple root canals8/13/2008
  Q: Backlund, I recently had a root canal done on #30, and after a month of still feeling pain, my ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. When teeth are very sensitive to cold, that means the nerve ...
pulpotomy/pulpectomy8/12/2008
  Q: When a fistula forms shortly after a pulpotomy on a deciduous molar, why is extraction more commonly ...
  A: In most cases, it would be related to how long it would be until the tooth would come out naturally. ...
My endodontist is not listed in American Association of Endodontists8/12/2008
  Q: My dentist claims himself to be an endodontist, and his office is called XXX Endodontics. However, I ...
  A: You ask a great question that has a complicated answer, so bear with me.... Being an endodontist ...
post root canal toothache8/12/2008
  Q: My wife had a root canal last thursday on upper left 2nd tooth from the back. Dentist/root canal ...
  A: What your wife is going through is not normal. However, there is little likelihood that whatever is ...
DIagnosing irreversible pulpitis7/31/2008
  Q: I had an upper first molar with a cavity within a few mm of the pulp, so a sedative filling was put ...
  A: You ask some very good questions....first, it's hard for me to address your specific situation since ...
Root Canal/Crown issue7/31/2008
  Q: About 6 weeks ago I cracked a molar. There was no pain and I went to my dentist within the week to ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have gone through all this. To answer your questions, you can test whether you ...
Crown/root canal tooth pain after a medical procedure7/31/2008
  Q: First, thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I had a surgical procedure done two ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. It is certainly possible that the procedure could have ...
internal resorption7/30/2008
  Q: My 14yr old son came to me yesterday and said his tooth fell out while eating pancakes. I realized ...
  A: I think that infection would be highly unlikely to cause the resorption. It is almost always caused ...
internal resorption7/29/2008
  Q: My 14yr old son came to me yesterday and said his tooth fell out while eating pancakes. I realized ...
  A: WOW....I'm SO sorry you & your son are going through this! First, let me explain internal ...
crown replacement after root canal7/28/2008
  Q: I am about to have a root canal and I already have a crown on that tooth. The crown is 6 years old. ...
  A: The real issue in a situation like this is how well the present crown fits, whether it seals the ...
pain after root canal7/28/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done 5 days ago. I have considerable pain when I bite down on that tooth which ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this is going on. Everyone has varied abilities to heal. Some folks have no ...
Root Canal7/25/2008
  Q: Fifty years ago I had to have braces to straighten my teeth. Over the years one eye tooth started ...
  A: After 50 years, any bone that had been changed as the tooth moved would have healed itself. I don't ...
molar cap fell off7/25/2008
  Q: .. I had a temp cap put on a rear lower molar tooth and it fell off as I was leaving for vacation. ...
  A: Sorry this is going on...terrible timing, huh? One week with or without the cap won't make any ...
Flare-ups of pain after root canal7/25/2008
  Q: Over a month ago, I had a root canal treatment done on my left canine. The tooth was free of decay ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. First my disclaimer....since I can't exam you, it's ...
tooth/jaw pain7/24/2008
  Q: I had a couple fillings put into my left lower side of my mouth. About a week afterward I was ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. What is happening is NOT normal. Pain is "Mother Nature's" ...
Root Canal Treated Wisdom Tooth7/23/2008
  Q: I had a root canal treated wisdom tooth last year but one of the curved roots could not be cleaned ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. Yes, the uncleaned portion could certainly be ...
treatment options7/23/2008
  Q: i am a gen dentist and recently i had a 16 yr old boy who broke his upper front teeth 11, 21 and the ...
  A: Trauma at young age is something that can be very distressing to the patient but usually even more ...
Root Canal after Trauma7/23/2008
  Q: My 13 year old daughter was warming up for a softball game on Sunday and caught a ball in her front ...
  A: I am SO sorry to hear this has happened to your daughter. Trauma to teeth at such a young age can be ...
Post op pain from root canal7/22/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done about 5 weeks ago. I had an aching pain a few days after which was ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. You are right. There is no way for the root canal tooth to ...
calcified cured roots in Molar7/22/2008
  Q: I have a back molar that has the above problem. I have pain that feels deep and throbbing which ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having this problem. It is certainly possible that your pain is coming from that ...
Post Route canal pain7/22/2008
  Q: I have finished my antibiotics and have no more "pain" but there is still a bump on the gums and if ...
  A: You won't do any harm by waiting. Nothing much should happen. Worse case, the swelling starts ...
cracked tooth7/22/2008
  Q: Approximately 2 months ago I had a cracked molar (bottom left) repaired with a white filling. The ...
  A: Yes it is possible for the cracked tooth to make the others hurt....it's called referred pain and we ...
Not sure if I need a root canal7/22/2008
  Q: Here is my situation. A few weeks ago I started having pain in my jaw, upper and lower and sometimes ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Situations like yours can be hard to give black & white ...
Problems After Root Canal on Moler #307/21/2008
  Q: Backlund! Friday morning I had a root canal performed on my #30 molar due to an abscess. After my ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Unfortunately, after that many injections, there was ...
Root canal - gutta percha cone7/21/2008
  Q: I had a root canal, but the gutta percha kept bending and could not be inserted all the way. I was ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're being told this. I don't know how to put this diplomatically, but whomever ...
tooth pain7/20/2008
  Q: i have cold sensitivity in the left bottom area of my back molars. my dentist xrayed and with ...
  A: Cold sensitivity is caused by the pulp ( nerve and blood supply ) of the tooth being irritated. This ...
no crown after root canal7/20/2008
  Q: My daughter (20) had an accident while at college on a weekend and broke her front teeth. When she ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your daughter had this accident. Glad to hear all is going well, however. We ...
Tooth reabsorption7/19/2008
  Q: When a tooth reabsorbs, does it start from the bottom (root) or from the top (actual tooth). Also, ...
  A: I assume you are referring to resorption...which is a process where the tooth structure is "eaten" ...
Crowning a treated tooth7/19/2008
  Q: I received a root canal a little more than a year ago, but due to financial issues, wasn't able to ...
  A: The really critical thing is whether the temporary has maintained the seal in the root canal ...
root canals7/18/2008
  Q: A little history, my son had braces put on over 2 years ago and went faithfully to all appointments. ...
  A: I'm so sorry to hear your family is dealing with all this. The surgery alone is enough to stress you ...
Failed Root Canal & Apicoectomy?7/17/2008
  Q: In January 2008 I had a root canal on my left molar (2nd from the back). The Dentist informed me ...
  A: A cracked tooth will not always be sensitive to bite all the time. What usually happens is you are ...
Failed Root Canal & Apicoectomy?7/17/2008
  Q: In January 2008 I had a root canal on my left molar (2nd from the back). The Dentist informed me ...
  A: First, just because the endodontist didn't see a crack during the surgery doesn't mean there isn't ...
Failed Root Canal & Apicoectomy?7/17/2008
  Q: In January 2008 I had a root canal on my left molar (2nd from the back). The Dentist informed me ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Sounds like you have really been through it! First my ...
Pediatric Dental Issue7/17/2008
  Q: my 3.5 year old fell last week and hit his tooth. I took him to his pediatric dentist today. The ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your son is going through all this. When very young children have these kinds of ...
Root canal7/16/2008
  Q: after 12 years of a root canal done, my tooth got infected, swollen and lots of pain (saturday ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're going through all this. Once the tooth is reasonably comfortable, it would be ...
cracked tooth7/16/2008
  Q: Approximately 2 months ago I had a cracked molar (bottom left) repaired with a white filling. The ...
  A: Anytime a tooth is treated, there is some trauma to it. Preparing a tooth for a crown requires that ...
The case against root canals7/16/2008
  Q: Backlund My regular dentist is a "biological" dentist who does not believe in root canals. I do ...
  A: The area you draw where the dark area is seems to show bone loss between the roots rather than at ...
primary teeth abscess7/15/2008
  Q: Dr. Backlund, My 2 yr old experienced trauma to his two front primary teeth in feb. they both ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your son is going through all this. To answer your questions, it is certainly ...
The case against root canals7/15/2008
  Q: Backlund My regular dentist is a "biological" dentist who does not believe in root canals. I do ...
  A: I'm sorry I haven't answered sooner, but I wanted to check out the link to the website you sent. Let ...
cracked tooth7/15/2008
  Q: Approximately 2 months ago I had a cracked molar (bottom left) repaired with a white filling. The ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. To answer your question, yes, I would get a 2nd opinion. It ...
Rool Canal +bridge over still infected teeth7/14/2008
  Q: I have some dental work done overseas. This dentis started a root canal on 3 teeth but he said the ...
  A: I really can't help with what he is doing....we don't do root canals that way and it's not the ...
Rool Canal +bridge over still infected teeth7/14/2008
  Q: I have some dental work done overseas. This dentis started a root canal on 3 teeth but he said the ...
  A: Abscesses always occur at the end of the root in the bone and heal very well after the root canal is ...
temporary crown after root canal7/14/2008
  Q: My friend just had a root canal done on one of the back teeth on the bottom (second from the last). ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your friend is going through this. You are right. Usually, when a temporary crown ...
Rool Canal +bridge over still infected teeth7/14/2008
  Q: I have some dental work done overseas. This dentis started a root canal on 3 teeth but he said the ...
  A: What you are being told is basically the truth. When a root canal is done well, the abscess at the ...
post root canal pain7/13/2008
  Q: My name is Latricia & i have a problem/question. I have to explain my situation and i'll start from ...
  A: Unfortunately, I can't really help here since I can't examine you. There are a lot of factors ...
Second root canal still hurts7/12/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done about three and a half years ago. (I believe it is tooth #20). My tooth ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. I think the first issue for me is your hot/cold sensitivity. ...
post root canal pain7/12/2008
  Q: My name is Latricia & i have a problem/question. I have to explain my situation and i'll start from ...
  A: I guess at this point, I would rule in or out the possibly failing root canal as a source of your ...
root canal7/12/2008
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I need to have root canal on left lower molar and have been told by one Dr. that he ...
  A: There is no "rule" about how many appointments are needed to do a root canal. In our office, we do ...
root canal and belles palsy7/11/2008
  Q: I went to a dentist for a root canal. He gave me novacaine and proceeded with the root canal. I ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you had this experience. Yes, I have even had it happen to a few of my patients. ...
crown w/pins7/11/2008
  Q: I recently switched from a highly competent dentist due to lack of insurance to a dentist who ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. First, my disclaimer...since I can't examine you, I can ...
retreatment on root canal and root canal7/11/2008
  Q: in early july 2008 i had a retreatmant on rt canal bottom front tooth and all was fine until tuesday ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. While I can't be sure what your problem is since I can't ...
post root canal pain7/11/2008
  Q: My name is Latricia & i have a problem/question. I have to explain my situation and i'll start from ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. Before I try to help, can you try to describe your pain to ...
root canaled tooth7/10/2008
  Q: Can you tell me how you assess whether or not to pull a root canaled tooth? My endodontist said ...
  A: There isn't really an easy answer here. It depends on the strength and health of the tooth and ...
Tooth Trauma - How Long To Wait?7/9/2008
  Q: Due to a failed root canal I had my 2nd molar extracted. My now retired dentist installed a bridge ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this has gone on. You ask a great question that really doesn't have an easy ...
dangers of root canal treatment7/9/2008
  Q: all my amalgum fillings were changed to white ones over a period of about two years,about 4-5 years ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. You ask great questions, but they don't have easy, ...
root canal7/9/2008
  Q: Here was my background information I sent yesterday... my questions is- 1. Is it better to just ...
  A: I've been answering these long enough that sometimes what I think is the question, really isn't what ...
Root Canal7/8/2008
  Q: I just came from a new dentist who informed me that my right front tooth is dead. Prior to this ...
  A: You ask a great question and one I get on a weekly basis. I always tell my patients that it is ...
small bump and some pain after root canal7/7/2008
  Q: I had a root canal on #4 tooth 5 days ago. The root had died by the time I had the procedure with ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have all this going on. Yes, the bump is most likely a localized infection as ...
Root Canal Retreat7/7/2008
  Q: Backlund, You were kind enough to respond to my last question regarding pain in a previously rct ...
  A: Well, it sounds like you are making progress in resolving all these problems...maybe not fast ...
is it safe to fly when a root canal is needed7/6/2008
  Q: I am due to fly on holiday which will be a 4 hour flight and my back molar needs root canal is it ...
  A: Usually there is no problem. The issue is the air space inside the tooth that can expand if the ...
continuing problems after root canal7/5/2008
  Q: I wrote to you several months ago, still having problems. Had root canal in Feb. on #3, right after ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're still not doing well. Unfortunately, since I can't examine you, I really ...
abscess and new swelling7/5/2008
  Q: First off let me thank you for all the wonderful responses I've read on your past questions. And I ...
  A: First, thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it. I'm sorry to hear you're having all this going on ...
root canal pain/numbness still7/4/2008
  Q: Backlund, I appreciate your responses. If anything, I feel worse today than before. The pain has ...
  A: First, you are NOT stuck. Any endodontist worth their "salt" will have an answering service for ...
root canal and apicoectomy7/3/2008
  Q: I have had a root canal on tooth#8 and an attempted root canal on tooth #7 (which was unsuccessful, ...
  A: Everything you said is accurate. Every time we need to treat a tooth and then retreat it, the ...
root canal pain & numbness7/2/2008
  Q: When it comes to teeth, I always have bad luck. I want to know if I should just give up on ever ...
  A: At 48 hours, the new antibiotics are just beginning to work. I would try to give it another day or ...
sodium hypochlorite reactiom6/30/2008
  Q: June 27th was the 3rd visit for a root canal on my lower back molar. The dentist has had a hard ...
  A: A perforation is a hole ....usually drilled...out side the tooth. It most often occurs when we are ...
root canal reinfected after permanent crown - is this possible?6/30/2008
  Q: I have been back to my dentist three times now for pain that I am experiencing in my bottom molar ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. Unfortunately, I think I have some bad news for you. ...
root canal pain & numbness6/30/2008
  Q: When it comes to teeth, I always have bad luck. I want to know if I should just give up on ever ...
  A: Absolutely! There are a number of antibiotics we use. We usually start with the one that works in ...
root canal pain & numbness6/30/2008
  Q: When it comes to teeth, I always have bad luck. I want to know if I should just give up on ever ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. What you have is an acute infection and the pressure from ...
sodium hypochlorite reactiom6/29/2008
  Q: June 27th was the 3rd visit for a root canal on my lower back molar. The dentist has had a hard ...
  A: WOW...that sounds like a nightmare.....first my disclaimer. Since I can't exam you or see your ...
Root Canal6/28/2008
  Q: I started to feel nerve pain in my tooth around the end of april. An abscess started to form about ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're in this predicament. I'm afraid I don't have the best news for you. These ...
pain6/26/2008
  Q: i have been having pain in the right side of my shoulder upper breast bone.a noring pain which can ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. I think it is highly unlikely that your tooth has ...
root canal or extraction.6/25/2008
  Q: I know you cannot be specif and only generalize. As a whole, is it better to try to save your tooth ...
  A: You ask a great question, but it doesn't have a simple answer. In general, however, if you can save ...
Pain after Permanent Filling6/24/2008
  Q: Had a root canal done on June 4th on tooth number 14 Had a very sensitive tooth to cold and ...
  A: ..it helps a lot. First the disclaimer....since I can't examine you, it's really hard for me to ...
Calcification6/23/2008
  Q: My endodontist said I had calcification, hence my RCT was more complicated and cost more. Can you ...
  A: When we talk about calcification, what that means is that the nerve and blood supply....the ...
Root canal still hurts?6/23/2008
  Q: About 2 months ago I got a root canal on a tooth in the back and it hurt for a couple days then it ...
  A: ..it helps a lot! I have some bad news....what is hurting is another tooth. When you have a root ...
Past root canal6/22/2008
  Q: I had a root canal a few years ago and I have yet to get a crown put on the tooth (I know, ...
  A: ..that helps. It sounds to me like you have a failing root canal. Unfortunately, the cement we use ...
Root Canal - Two weeks later6/22/2008
  Q: I had the first session of my root canal two weeks ago. It went fine and didnt hurt all that bad ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. No, what you are going through is NOT normal. It ...
Constant pain after root canal6/20/2008
  Q: Dr. Gary, A month ago I had the first half of 2 root canals performed on my 18th and 19th molars ...
  A: I'm sorry that you are going through all this. It sounds to me like you have an infection, but since ...
infection around the root6/18/2008
  Q: I have had pain and severe sensitivity in tooth #18 for 2 weeks. I went to my dentist this morning ...
  A: Let me try to answer each of these questions in order.... Having an implant and crown is always an ...
infection around the root6/18/2008
  Q: I have had pain and severe sensitivity in tooth #18 for 2 weeks. I went to my dentist this morning ...
  A: ..it helps a lot! I can tell you with 100% certainty you DO NOT have an infection. That's why ...
root canal procedure6/18/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done on bicuspid (#4, I think) Endodontist did not do any build up afterward, ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you are going through all this. In most specialist's offices, doing a temporary ...
infection around the root6/18/2008
  Q: I have had pain and severe sensitivity in tooth #18 for 2 weeks. I went to my dentist this morning ...
  A: Before I try to help, can you please describe your pain to me? Does it hurt to hot or cold? Biting? ...
external resorption6/17/2008
  Q: I am experiencing external resorption on one tooth. It has been diagnosed as such. My question is ...
  A: You ask a good question. Resorption does not spread from one tooth to another, but the most common ...
Pain after root canal6/16/2008
  Q: I had root canal on my lower left molar 10 weeks ago. About a month ago, the tooth began hurting ...
  A: You're welcome...glad I can help you out! Many people do very well without their last tooth. ...
Pain after root canal6/16/2008
  Q: I had root canal on my lower left molar 10 weeks ago. About a month ago, the tooth began hurting ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. What you are going through is not normal. Usually we ...
Apicoetomy - Post Op6/15/2008
  Q: 11 or 12 years ago I had a root canal performed on my #30 molar. Recently I had an x-ray done at a ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. It sounds like the milky white "stuff" may be pus, ...
1 or 2 teeth sensitive to cool water6/15/2008
  Q: I think one or two of my upper-left molar(s) are a little bit sensitive to cool water. I found out ...
  A: When teeth become sensitive to cold, that means the pulp, nerve & blood supply, of the tooth has ...
dentistry6/13/2008
  Q: I have a deep filling that goes down into the nerve around 3 years ago i went to the dentist ...
  A: Molar root anatomy can vary a lot. It is certainly possible that what you are seeing is just normal ...
upper molar6/13/2008
  Q: tooth #15 had a root canal a few years ago and I knew when he did it that something was wrong. He ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you are faced with this problem. I think it's important to remember that you need ...
Root Canal Retreat6/12/2008
  Q: Backlund, You were kind enough to respond to my last question regarding pain in a previously rct ...
  A: A fractured tooth is always a possibility, but you don't have those symptoms. If your dentist is ...
Root Canal/Abcessed Tooth6/12/2008
  Q: Is a root canal always necessary if you have an abcessed tooth?
  A: Unfortunately, yes. The only other option would be extraction. If you leave the tooth untreated, it ...
Root Canal Retreat6/12/2008
  Q: Backlund, You were kind enough to respond to my last question regarding pain in a previously rct ...
  A: ..glad I could help last time. Maybe I can make it two for two..... When a tooth has had a root ...
cavity6/11/2008
  Q: "i have a cavity just started stage need to know what strong toothpaste will cure it thanks in ...
  A: Unfortunately, toothpastes don't reverse or heal cavities once they get started. They only make ...
dental bridge/root canal6/11/2008
  Q: I want to know if a root canal is required before a dental bridge is put on teeth? I recently got a ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you are going through all this. In most cases, a root canal is not done on teeth ...
Tooth Pain and Sensitivity after Apicoectomy5/30/2008
  Q: Backlund, I've been having trouble with tooth #19 which has received three root canals and ...
  A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. Since I can't examine you, it's hard for me to give you a ...
pAIN AND SENSITIVITY AFTER ROOT CANAL5/30/2008
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal done in #12 one month ago. The reason for RCT was moderate pain (but ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're having this problem. Unfortunately, I have bad news...your endodontist is ...
hot/cold sensitivity post new crow and temp. crown5/28/2008
  Q: , Thank you in advance for your consideration of this question. I have a very concerned dentist and ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Since I can't examine you, it's hard for me to give you ...
how long after apico should crown be placed5/28/2008
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal done on tooth #19 (because of a fracture from an old filling) on March ...
  A: You're welcome Stephanie....if cost is not a consideration...check with your dentist about ...
how long after apico should crown be placed5/27/2008
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal done on tooth #19 (because of a fracture from an old filling) on March ...
  A: I'm glad to hear that things are starting to feel better. I doubt you will irritate the tooth by ...
Root Canal Recovery5/25/2008
  Q: Backlund: Last Thursday, May 22nd I had my fourth root canal on the top left side of my mouth. It is ...
  A: Since I can't examine you, it's hard for me to know for sure, but it sounds like you just have a ...
Bell's Palsy5/24/2008
  Q: What problems will a dentist go through when he has a patient with Bell's Palsy? What will make the ...
  A: Actually, not much difference. The problem becomes that the patient doesn't have control of some of ...
Decay after root canal?5/24/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done in a lower molar with a crown less than a year ago. Now my dentist is ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this is going on. Unfortunately, root canals don't prevent decay. They only remove ...
temp root canal filling fell out5/24/2008
  Q: Please advis. Just finished a two part RCT yesterday, and the whole filling just popped out! Called ...
  A: The biggest risk is that the cement we use to seal the root canal is soluble in saliva. Usually a ...
root canal still having pain5/22/2008
  Q: ! had a root canal on tooth number 10 my regular dentist took an Xray after i complained of minor ...
  A: What you are going through is NOT normal. You need answers because things should not be going on & ...
root canal still having pain5/22/2008
  Q: ! had a root canal on tooth number 10 my regular dentist took an Xray after i complained of minor ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. Your swelling may well be a post op reaction to the ...
Root canal with problems5/22/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done on 5-6-09. The pain became unbearable and on 5-9 the dentist gave me ...
  A: The only reason an endodontist would redo your root canal was if there were some problem with the ...
apicoectomy root canal5/21/2008
  Q: I recently visited an endodontist for a root canal on my front lower tooth, #25, I think. The ...
  A: I can certainly understand your frustration with this situation...I see this situation from time to ...
Please Help, possible infection on apico or need root canal5/21/2008
  Q: Since the middle of March I have been dealing with this tooth infection. I had my wisdom teeth ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. While I really can't diagnosis your problem without being ...
Apicoectomy Recovery5/20/2008
  Q: Back in January, I had root canal (endodonist) and permanent crown (primary dentist). After some ...
  A: Normally, we think of 5-7 days of post op tenderness. After 3 weeks, I am suspicious there may be ...
Root canal5/20/2008
  Q: A few months back my tooth was sensitive to hot and cold, went to my regular dentist and he didn't ...
  A: The problem with a high bite is that it keeps the tooth from healing. Every time you bite together, ...
gum infections5/20/2008
  Q: my question is,is there a known reason that you would know of that may be causing this. My last ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you are having trouble again. Root canal problems develop because the nerve and ...
Root canal5/17/2008
  Q: A few months back my tooth was sensitive to hot and cold, went to my regular dentist and he didn't ...
  A: I'm glad everything went so well for you. Now you can tell ALL your friends how easy root canals ...
Post Op Root Canal Re-Treatment5/16/2008
  Q: Backlund, I just received retreatment therapy for a Root Canal I had done 10 years ago. Seems I ...
  A: Usually these draining areas will resolve in 3-5 days, but that assumes the underlying problem is ...
Root canal with problems5/16/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done on 5-6-09. The pain became unbearable and on 5-9 the dentist gave me ...
  A: I'm glad you resent your question...it did get through....don't know what happened the first time. ...
Post Op Root Canal Re-Treatment5/15/2008
  Q: Backlund, I just received retreatment therapy for a Root Canal I had done 10 years ago. Seems I ...
  A: It sounds like you are getting good advice. Flare ups like this mean that you are beginning to heal. ...
troubling symptoms post RC retreatment5/14/2008
  Q: Backlund: First, thanks for being there - it is a great service. I had a root canal retreatment 2 ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. The good news is, it sounds like your symptoms are ...
Pain in tooth adjcent to tooth with recent root canal5/14/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done on my upper left tooth, third from the back, yesterday, after experiencing ...
  A: Sometimes when treatment is done in the area, it can cause other temporary problems....sometimes due ...
chin swollen under root canal, loose crown5/13/2008
  Q: I noticed that i had a small puss filled lump on the inside of my gums around my root canal/crown. ...
  A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. The "lump" is a result of your failing root canal and is pretty ...
Root canal procedure.5/13/2008
  Q: I began having trouble with a tooth (bottom left last tooth) and the dentist I was going to put a ...
  A: It sounds like you are receiving EXCELLENT treatment. The key in treating cracked teeth is to ...
apicoectomy question5/13/2008
  Q: I had an apicoectomy done on #3 and #4 in conjunction with a root canal on #4 done on May 7. I was ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this! NO, this is not normal. Unfortunately, without ...
three root canal attempts and still in pain5/12/2008
  Q: Backlund, I have been dealing with a painful tooth for 8 months now. Tooth #3 - pain with tapping ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have gone through all this....very frustrating, I'm sure! Without being able ...
after RC: persistent pressure sensitivity (temp issue resolved)5/12/2008
  Q: I had a root canal last week on my lower back right molar and it resolved the cold sensitivity and ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you are still having problems. When there is biting sensitivity after a root ...
Root canal5/11/2008
  Q: A few months back my tooth was sensitive to hot and cold, went to my regular dentist and he didn't ...
  A: I'm sorry you are feeling like this. First, it does sound like you will need a root canal. Second, I ...
Calcified root5/7/2008
  Q: I recently had a root canal attempted by an Endodontist. He complained that the tooth was giving ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. Your residual pain & sensitivity sound like it ...
root canal5/7/2008
  Q: Is it true that when one gets a partial denture that some of the good teeth you have that have to be ...
  A: Unfortunately, that's true. It really depends on how badly the teeth are leaning. Partial dentures ...
Root filling/crown5/6/2008
  Q: I have a crown already. My dentist has xrayed the tooth and I need a root filling. He says he can do ...
  A: In most cases, doing a root canal through a crown is no problem. In addition, there aren't too many ...
in need of a root canal?5/5/2008
  Q: This past November, I went to the endodontist for a root canal on two molars. I had been having ...
  A: I guess the real question is "do you want to spend the rest of your life like this?". I think you ...
root reabsorbtion4/30/2008
  Q: I am 41 years old. About ten years ago I had 4 wisdom teeth removed that were impacted against my ...
  A: Putting in an implant is really a personal decision. Many people get along fine without that tooth, ...
front teeth pain4/30/2008
  Q: I have been experiencing bottom front teeth pain for 3 weeks. I went to my general dentist for my 6 ...
  A: Sorry to hear this is going on. I would agree with you...it's highly unlikely that all those teeth ...
pain after root canal4/27/2008
  Q: I recently had a root canal done. It took two appts to complete (2 days in a row)...the last appt ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you are going through all this. You are right, root canals should make things ...
root canal mishaps4/26/2008
  Q: Just had a root canal by my new dentist, however, he has been practicing since 1971..anyway, the ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you had this happen. Unfortunately, this is one of the risks of root canal therapy ...
teeth have become extremely painfully sensitive after extensive dental work last few months.4/26/2008
  Q: Backlund, I have recently been to the dentist (several visits) for multiple fillings on several ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your going through all this. First my disclaimer, since I can't exam you, it's ...
MTA in repair of lateral perforation4/25/2008
  Q: i was treating an upper lateral incisor that had had a previous attempted endo;as soon as i tried to ...
  A: Are you, per chance, the dentist that Nuru wrote about earlier today? It seems to me you did just ...
MTA4/25/2008
  Q: I had a root canal and then endodontist filled it with MTA my tooth. I have a lot of pains and feel ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. First, MTA is pretty widely accepted now and would not ...
Old root canal4/25/2008
  Q: I had a root canal done about 10 years ago. Only tooth I ever had a filling in but the dentist said ...
  A: In essence, my feeling is that unless your dentist is VERY good at root canals, questionable ...
root canal4/25/2008
  Q: I have just been diagnosed with a root canal infection of tooth No. 14 (upper left molar). I would ...
  A: In situations like this, the only real risk is your level of pain. When you have an abscessed tooth, ...
apico healing4/24/2008
  Q: i had an apicocectomy done on tooth #7 three weeks ago. The swelling and pain has gone away but I ...
  A: Since I can't examine you, I can't say for sure, but it sounds like normal healing. After an ...
post root canal sensitivity4/23/2008
  Q: but aggravating), almost like gumline sensitivity, but the whole tooth when it is flaring up is ...
  A: To answer part of your first question....the reason you feel something in a tooth without a nerve is ...
Temporary Filling after root canal4/23/2008
  Q: Good Morning, my partner has this morning had half of his root canal treatment, and has been given a ...
  A: Congratulations on your marriage!!!! In almost all cases, the temporary should be fine. My only ...
post root canal sensitivity4/22/2008
  Q: but aggravating), almost like gumline sensitivity, but the whole tooth when it is flaring up is ...
  A: Can you describe your sensitivity? Hot? Cold? Pressure? what time of day? Does anything make it ...
re root canal treatment and abcess4/22/2008
  Q: Last Friday night i started experiencing some toothache on one of my side molar teeth. This ...
  A: WOW...sounds like you had a rough weekend....to say the least! While I can't exactly diagnosis your ...
root canal gone bad4/21/2008
  Q: I had a root canal preformed on Friday, April 18th...on Sunday I felt a lot of pain in the mouth and ...
  A: WOW....sounds like things have gone downhill fast for you! I'm sorry to hear you're having this ...
Painful Crown4/20/2008
  Q: My husband had a crown placed in Thailand in August 2007. He already had a root canal and temporary ...
  A: Yep.....you said in one sentence what took me four paragraphs...:-). I think that is really a good ...
Painful Crown4/19/2008
  Q: My husband had a crown placed in Thailand in August 2007. He already had a root canal and temporary ...
  A: WOW...sounds like your husband is going through it! First my disclaimer....since I can't exam your ...
nerve damage/root canal4/18/2008
  Q: I had a crown done last summer. The tooth had a fairly large filling, but the dentist said it ...
  A: I'm sorry you have gone through all this for so long. While I can't say for sure, I would doubt you ...
abcessed tooth after cavity filled4/18/2008
  Q: My son had a cavity filled recently. 2 weeks later he started saying that the tooth hurt. I took ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear that your son is going through all this. Let me try to answer your questions.... ...
Tooth Ache - Should I have a Root Canal?4/17/2008
  Q: Should I have a Root Canal? Recently I have experienced severe discomfort (throbbing pain) in my ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. First, my disclaimer....since I can't examine you, ...
root canal and pregnacy4/16/2008
  Q: I had a root canal approximately 6 years ago but was never able to afford a crown on it; ...
  A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. It sounds like your root canal is failing. We sometimes see this ...
fracture after root canal4/15/2008
  Q: Dr. Backlund. Thank you for taking the time to answer the many questions that we all seem to have. ...
  A: First, thanks for the kind words...they're the only "pay" we volunteers get, so it's appreciated. ...
Excruciating pain 2 days after root canal4/14/2008
  Q: I went to see my dentist for the second 30 min root canal treatment. She had already drilled my ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. There are two primary reason for your pain and, ...
help4/14/2008
  Q: Please help me...I recently got 5cavities filled...I had major sensitivity but most has gone ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. In situations like this, the overriding factor is a ...
facial pain4/14/2008
  Q: After seeing your response to the person who questioned if sinus infection could cause tooth pain ...
  A: WOW...you have been through it! Since I can't examine you, I really can't tell you what the source ...
Tooth Decay during Pregnancy and Postnatal4/13/2008
  Q: I'm afraid that I've never had much luck keeping cavities at bay. And now during my recent pregnancy ...
  A: Congratulations on your new addition! I'm sorry to hear all this is going on....you probably have ...
reoccuring abscess