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About Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I am an Endodontist ( root canal specialist ) and can answer questions about root canals and their treatment. I cannot diagnose or treat online, but can answer general questions. I have been a specialist for 25 years and am Past President of the Washington State Association of Endodontists.

Experience
25 years practicing as a specialist

Organizations
American Association of Endodonists, Past President Washington State Association of Endodontists.

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Dentistry > Dentistry

Questions Answered By Expert Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD
In Category Dentistry

Subject	Date Asked

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 ...
cavities	8/17/2008
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 examination	8/17/2008
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 Stone	8/16/2008
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 canal	8/16/2008
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 ...
infection	8/15/2008
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 nerve	8/15/2008
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 ...
abcess	8/14/2008
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 canals	8/13/2008
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/pulpectomy	8/12/2008
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 Endodontists	8/12/2008
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 toothache	8/12/2008
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 pulpitis	7/31/2008
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 issue	7/31/2008
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 procedure	7/31/2008
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 resorption	7/30/2008
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 resorption	7/29/2008
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 canal	7/28/2008
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 canal	7/28/2008
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 Canal	7/25/2008
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 off	7/25/2008
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 canal	7/25/2008
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 pain	7/24/2008
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 Tooth	7/23/2008
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 options	7/23/2008
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 Trauma	7/23/2008
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 canal	7/22/2008
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 Molar	7/22/2008
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 pain	7/22/2008
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 tooth	7/22/2008
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 canal	7/22/2008
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 #30	7/21/2008
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 cone	7/21/2008
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 pain	7/20/2008
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 canal	7/20/2008
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 reabsorption	7/19/2008
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 tooth	7/19/2008
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 canals	7/18/2008
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 Issue	7/17/2008
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 canal	7/16/2008
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 tooth	7/16/2008
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 canals	7/16/2008
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 abscess	7/15/2008
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 canals	7/15/2008
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 tooth	7/15/2008
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 teeth	7/14/2008
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 teeth	7/14/2008
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 canal	7/14/2008
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 teeth	7/14/2008
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 pain	7/13/2008
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 hurts	7/12/2008
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 pain	7/12/2008
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 canal	7/12/2008
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 palsy	7/11/2008
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/pins	7/11/2008
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 canal	7/11/2008
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 pain	7/11/2008
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 tooth	7/10/2008
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 treatment	7/9/2008
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 canal	7/9/2008
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 Canal	7/8/2008
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 canal	7/7/2008
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 Retreat	7/7/2008
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 needed	7/6/2008
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 canal	7/5/2008
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 swelling	7/5/2008
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 still	7/4/2008
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 apicoectomy	7/3/2008
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 & numbness	7/2/2008
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 reactiom	6/30/2008
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 & numbness	6/30/2008
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 & numbness	6/30/2008
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 reactiom	6/29/2008
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 Canal	6/28/2008
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 ...
pain	6/26/2008
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 Filling	6/24/2008
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 ...
Calcification	6/23/2008
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 canal	6/22/2008
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 later	6/22/2008
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 canal	6/20/2008
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 root	6/18/2008
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 root	6/18/2008
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 procedure	6/18/2008
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 root	6/18/2008
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 resorption	6/17/2008
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 canal	6/16/2008
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 canal	6/16/2008
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 Op	6/15/2008
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 water	6/15/2008
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 ...
dentistry	6/13/2008
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 molar	6/13/2008
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 Retreat	6/12/2008
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 Tooth	6/12/2008
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 Retreat	6/12/2008
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 ...
cavity	6/11/2008
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 canal	6/11/2008
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 Apicoectomy	5/30/2008
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 CANAL	5/30/2008
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. crown	5/28/2008
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 placed	5/28/2008
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 placed	5/27/2008
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 Recovery	5/25/2008
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 Palsy	5/24/2008
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 out	5/24/2008
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 pain	5/22/2008
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 pain	5/22/2008
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 problems	5/22/2008
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 canal	5/21/2008
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 canal	5/21/2008
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 Recovery	5/20/2008
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 canal	5/20/2008
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 infections	5/20/2008
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 canal	5/17/2008
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-Treatment	5/16/2008
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 problems	5/16/2008
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-Treatment	5/15/2008
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 retreatment	5/14/2008
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 canal	5/14/2008
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 crown	5/13/2008
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 question	5/13/2008
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 pain	5/12/2008
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 canal	5/11/2008
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 root	5/7/2008
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 canal	5/7/2008
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/crown	5/6/2008
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 reabsorbtion	4/30/2008
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 pain	4/30/2008
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 canal	4/27/2008
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 mishaps	4/26/2008
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 perforation	4/25/2008
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 ...
MTA	4/25/2008
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 canal	4/25/2008
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 canal	4/25/2008
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 healing	4/24/2008
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 sensitivity	4/23/2008
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 canal	4/23/2008
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 sensitivity	4/22/2008
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 abcess	4/22/2008
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 bad	4/21/2008
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 Crown	4/20/2008
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 Crown	4/19/2008
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 canal	4/18/2008
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 filled	4/18/2008
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 pregnacy	4/16/2008
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 canal	4/15/2008
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 canal	4/14/2008
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, ...
help	4/14/2008
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 pain	4/14/2008
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 Postnatal	4/13/2008
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	4/13/2008
Q: My dentist found that I had an abscessed tooth. He performed a root canal. Four months later, I had ... A: Clinamycin is not a commonly prescribed antibiotic for dental problem, but it is broad spectrum ...
reoccuring abscess	4/12/2008
Q: My dentist found that I had an abscessed tooth. He performed a root canal. Four months later, I had ... A: Sorry to hear you are going through all this. While I can't really say for sure since I can't ...
root canal misery	4/12/2008
Q: I had sensitivity in a tooth and my dentist started a root canal. he left the hole open for 2 weeks ... A: Sorry to hear you are going through this. The good news is, you shouldn't need the tooth extracted. ...
Severe pain prior to root canal	4/11/2008
Q: I just got on antibiotics for my root canal which isn't for another full week. The pain is the ... A: WOW...you sound like you are in a bad way. While I don't know exactly what is going on with your ...
3 weeks after root canal treatment	4/10/2008
Q: About 3 weeks ago an infection was diagnosed and treated by my dentist. After a week I went for ... A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. It is not unusual for a tooth to be a bit sore for awhile after ...
root canal pain	4/10/2008
Q: I had a root canal completed on tooth #19 6 weeks ago. This tooth had an old silver filling and had ... A: You're welcome Stephanie, I think that doing an apico should be considered a last attempt to save ...
Radiolucent #8 Tooth	4/9/2008
Q: Greetings Dr. Backlund, Two weeks ago, I went to the dentist (my first time with this dentist) for ... A: From the link you sent, I would agree with your endodontist....watch it and check in 6 months. If I ...
pain after root canal	4/9/2008
Q: I had a perfectly fine bottom right molar lose a little piece of filling and since it would have ... A: J., Glad to hear you may be getting some answers. I really don't have anything to add. Sounds like ...
root canal pain	4/8/2008
Q: I had a root canal completed on tooth #19 6 weeks ago. This tooth had an old silver filling and had ... A: Stephanie.... Since I can't examine you, it's very difficult for me to help here. However, I can ...
external resorption	4/7/2008
Q: I have visited my dentist today and have been told that i have external resorption. The tooth in ... A: I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Resorption is a tough situation to deal with. There are two ...
Root canals/3rd molar buds/$$$	4/7/2008
Q: Backlund, I have a composite question which I hope you can at least partially answer for me. It ... A: I'm glad I could help with your problem. I appreciate you taking the time to write back. It is hard ...
Root canals	4/7/2008
Q: My dentist told me that I need 2 root canals on molars 2&18. Does a root canal mean that the tooth ... A: WOW...you really are dealing with several issues here. Let me see if I can at least help with some ...
pain after root canal	4/5/2008
Q: I had a perfectly fine bottom right molar lose a little piece of filling and since it would have ... A: J., Thanks for the additional info...it helps a lot! While I can't really diagnosis your problem ...
Put gold crown on cracked molar before root canal	4/3/2008
Q: I read with great interest your answer to "Jennifer" on 4/10/08 because her situation sounds very ... A: Well....your situation is very similar to Jennifer's. I'm glad to hear that patients are taking the ...
save a tooth	4/2/2008
Q: I have a cracked and slightly chipped top back (last) molar that has become painful to biting ... A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Since I can't examine you, it's hard for me to know exactly ...
Post Root Canal Swelling/Pain	4/2/2008
Q: I had a root canal yesterday, 8a.m. EST. The root canal was painless. My lower right tooth prior ... A: It sounds like the root canal certainly stirred up the infection. While we don't see this routinely, ...
Cracked Tooth Pain with Temporary Crown	4/1/2008
Q: I recently was diagnosed with a cracked tooth in one of my molars (32, I think). My dentist told me ... A: I'm sorry to hear you are going through this. Cracked teeth are one of the hardest things we deal ...
Root canals/3rd molar buds/$$$	3/31/2008
Q: Backlund, I have a composite question which I hope you can at least partially answer for me. It ... A: WOW...you have a lot going on. Since I can't examine you, it's hard for me to give you specific ...
Abscess after root canal?	3/30/2008
Q: I had a root canal on my #17 molar one week ago. The endodontist said it was a "hot tooth", and the ... A: Anything that is not getting better is NOT a good thing. Since you are on antibiotics and have just ...
Apicoectomy	3/27/2008
Q: Backland, My tooth #5 has had two root canal treatments and is now infected, which will require an ... A: Sorry to hear you're having this problem. I think all endodontists are comfortable working in a ...
2 root canals done and STILL pain 3 weeks later	3/25/2008
Q: i got 2 root canals and 4 fillings done at once (i was put to sleep, whatever that's called) and I'm ... A: I sorry to hear all this is going on. I need some more information before I can help...please ...
Broken Tooth requiring root canal	3/24/2008
Q: The dentist cleaned it up and put in a temporary filling on Thursday. Since then, my cheek is ... A: Did your dentist decide it was a hematoma? If so, then you really don't have anything to worry ...
To Crown or not?	3/24/2008
Q: I wanted to know what the concerns or downsides of crowning are, as I’m trying to decide if it’s ... A: You ask good questions....and raise basically two issues, I think. One is your continued slight ...
pain after a root canal	3/23/2008
Q: I recently had a root canal 3 days ago, and the pain is still lingering around (especially where the ... A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. When a root canal is done, we expect mild symptoms ...
Jaw stiffness after root canal treatment.	3/23/2008
Q: Gary, Here is the description of my problem. I had the first sitting of the root canal on tooth 31 ... A: Sorry to hear you're going through this. I suspect you have trismus which is a condition where the ...
Root Canal	3/22/2008
Q: I had a root canal done because of a fractured tooth. There was no abscess. It was performed on a ... A: I'm sorry to hear you had this bad experience. Most root canals don't go like this. As for your ...
Tooth with Crown/Root Canal still hurts	3/22/2008
Q: I had a crown and root canal done on my top right tooth a year ago. The crown never felt right and ... A: You are more than welcome...that's why I volunteer here. It's tough sometimes, because without being ...
Tooth with Crown/Root Canal still hurts	3/22/2008
Q: I had a crown and root canal done on my top right tooth a year ago. The crown never felt right and ... A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. Unfortunately, it sounds to me like you may be dealing ...
Root Canal/pulpectomy	3/20/2008
Q: Greetings Dr. Backlund, I have a tooth that one dentist says I need a root canal for. The thing it ... A: You're right.....pulpotomies are for children. There is a procedure called a pulp cap that is used ...
tooth trauma and root canal	3/20/2008
Q: I injured my tooth when skiing 22 years ago. The ski-pole came up and hit me in the mouth leading ... A: Since I can't examine you, it's hard for me to give good advice here, but I can make a few comments ...
root canal	3/20/2008
Q: When a crown is fitted and cemented on a tooth is this done in such a way that it is supposed to ... A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Unfortunately, even the best fitting crown is not a perfect ...
infected root canal	3/20/2008
Q: I am 7 months pregnant and had a root canal done, sealed with a temporary filling due to an ... A: WOW....sorry to hear all this is going on! It usually takes 24-48 hours for the antibiotics to start ...
Apicectomy	3/19/2008
Q: Good Afternoon, I am 25 weeks pregnant and was wondering if this procedure can be done on the NHS? ... A: Congratulations on your pregnancy! It sounds like you are non- US since you refer to NHS. ...
64yr old experiencing impacted wisdom tooth eruption	3/17/2008
Q: all of my teeth have been extracted for many years I had 1 lower left impacted wisdom tooth that ... A: Unfortunately, what you are experiencing is not real unusual. It sounds like you really need to have ...
Abscess tooth	3/17/2008
Q: I have an abscess tooth and I will be getting some antibiotics from my boss who is a doctor. The ... A: Sorry to hear you're having this problem. Usually it takes 24-48 hours for the swelling to begin to ...
abcess with crown	3/17/2008
Q: I have been diagnosed with an bad infection of my 2nd front tooth. It had a root canal and crown ... A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. To answer your questions, I don't know how your crown is ...
Broken Tooth requiring root canal	3/15/2008
Q: The dentist cleaned it up and put in a temporary filling on Thursday. Since then, my cheek is ... A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. There are really two possible reason you have this problem. One, ...
dentistry	3/15/2008
Q: Two days ago I began feeling a lot of pain above a dead canine tooth upper right, my reg. dentist ... A: I'm really sorry to hear all this is going on. I can understand why you feel out of it! ...
2 yr old has nursing caries	3/13/2008
Q: My 2 yr old daughter has nursing caries and 4 of her front teeth have rotted. I took her to the ... A: Unfortunately, there isn't anything made to stop decay once it is started short of being treated by ...
rotten tooth	3/13/2008
Q: I had a root canal, done. It was only partially done about 2 1/2 years ago. I have not gone back ... A: You're welcome....you are doing the right things. When you have a burn on the roof of your mouth, ...
rotten tooth	3/13/2008
Q: I had a root canal, done. It was only partially done about 2 1/2 years ago. I have not gone back ... A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. Unfortunately, there is really nothing you can do to stabilize ...
sudden gray tooth with braces	3/12/2008
Q: I have had braces on for 3 months (3 to go)and it just happened one day... I noticed my tooth (two ... A: Sorry to hear you're going through all this. Without being able to examine you, it's hard for me to ...
Ongoing tooth pain	3/12/2008
Q: Let me try and lay out my situation briefly: I had a silver filling replaced with a composite about ... A: Congratulations for working so hard to overcome your apprehension...I wish more patients were like ...
root canal & preventative antiobiotics	3/12/2008
Q: My dentist says that I need a root canal for a tooth that hasn't been bothering me. I'm fine with ... A: You ask a good question. It's hard for me to help since I don't know your history, etc., but, in ...
Pain after root canal	3/11/2008
Q: I had my third root canal treatment yesterday, where the dentist cleaned out the canals some more, ... A: Sorry to hear this is going on. It's not unusual for a tooth to be a little tender for 24-48 hours ...
Root Canal Problem	3/11/2008
Q: Backlund, I hope that you can please help me out with my situation. Please bear with me as I tell ... A: WOW...you have a lot going on! It's really impossible for me to help with a diagnosis here, but I ...
6 yr old, nerve treatment	3/11/2008
Q: my 6 yr old has 2-3 cavities in his upper molars, which the dentist says may need nerve treatment ... A: It sounds to me like you are getting good advice. The purpose of saving these teeth is to maintain ...
Surgery-Responsibility	3/10/2008
Q: I had a root canal and crown (with a post) done on my #2 tooth. After the procedure, I started ... A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. First, I have some bad news for you.....the heat sensation is ...
heat sensitivity in retreated root canal	3/10/2008
Q: Backlund, Due to heat and cold sensitivity in teeth #16 and #15, I saw an endodontist in January. ... A: ...actually, the only symptoms from teeth that have had root canals is swelling and pain related to ...
heat sensitivity in retreated root canal	3/10/2008
Q: Backlund, Due to heat and cold sensitivity in teeth #16 and #15, I saw an endodontist in January. ... A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. On top of that, I have some bad news....you are ...
Failed Root Canal	3/8/2008
Q: About 6 years ago I had a root canal on my lower 1st molar. Six months ago I began having extreme ... A: WOW...you have really been through it with those teeth!!! Let me try to answer each of your ...
Extraction of #2 - should I pull #31 as well?	1/31/2008
Q: I have been having recent abscesses on my #2 tooth. This had been a previous root canal (more than ... A: Let me start by saying that saving teeth or not is a VERY personal choice...there is no right ...
Pain after endodontic treatment	1/30/2008
Q: B, I am a 68 year old woman in good general health. Last August, I went to my general dentist ... A: Using calcium hydroxide can be very helpful in situations like this....as long as the root isn't ...
Tooth Abscess or Jaw problems	1/30/2008
Q: How can I tell if pain symptoms are the result of an Abscess or my jaw hurting. I have pain near the ... A: Unfortunately, there is no good way for a patient to diagnosis a abscess themselves. You really need ...
tooth pain	1/30/2008
Q: i am experiencing pain when chewing and applying pressure to a tooth(back molar) which underwent a ... A: It hard for me to help since I can't examine you, but after 6 years with no problems, it sounds to ...
Extraction done, now need implant or bridge....	1/29/2008
Q: I had an extraction of #14 on 1-18-07, I also had 4 roots removed all with just a local. ... A: I'm not too familiar with dentist in Seattle...I'm not from there. However, a classmate of mine is ...
Root Canal Followed by Apico	1/29/2008
Q: 10/2003 root canals were done on #30 & #31. #31 has never been a problem since but #30 (which was a ... A: I'm sorry to hear you have been through all this only to end up losing the tooth. I can understand ...
root canal	1/28/2008
Q: I had a large filling done on left upper bicuspid before Thanksgiving. About a week later I noticed ... A: Maybe nothing....however, the endodontist is objective and a specialist. Your dentist may not be. If ...
root canal	1/28/2008
Q: I had a large filling done on left upper bicuspid before Thanksgiving. About a week later I noticed ... A: Sorry to hear you're having this trouble. While I can't be sure what is going on since I can't exam ...
Pain after endodontic treatment	1/28/2008
Q: B, I am a 68 year old woman in good general health. Last August, I went to my general dentist ... A: Sorry to hear all this has been going on. I can understand your frustration. I would not suggest ...
broken file	1/28/2008
Q: I just had a root canal four days ago and it was a pretty rough experience. When my dentist was ... A: I'm sorry to hear all this has happened. There are a number of issues here...let me try to explain ...
Root Canal Nightmare	1/27/2008
Q: I went to a dentist to replace a bridge for my front teeth. Cost $8000 for 2 root canals, crown ... A: WOW...no wonder you call this a nightmare! The simple answer to your question is we would never do a ...
Severe pain after the root canal re-treatment	1/26/2008
Q: I had a re-treatment of root canal four days ago. The endodontist used some sticky stuff to remove ... A: It sounds like you are really having problems. It's hard for me to know what is going on since I ...
Root CanalI	1/26/2008
Q: I received a root canal three days ago. The dentist told me to take one advil three times a day for ... A: Sorry all this is going on. Usually we expect root canalled teeth to be a bit tender for 2-3 days, ...
Dead Teeth	1/25/2008
Q: I have been informed by my dentist that 3 of my teeth (23,24 & 26) are dead and that I should have ... A: The problem is, no one knows when you will have trouble...but I can guarantee you that you will. You ...
Dead Teeth	1/25/2008
Q: I have been informed by my dentist that 3 of my teeth (23,24 & 26) are dead and that I should have ... A: You are right...they could be cementomas. An easy way to tell is to put ice on the teeth in ...
sodium hypochlorite burn during root canal	1/25/2008
Q: I recently started with pain in a lower left side tooth(near the front)not a back molar. My dentist ... A: That is really a tough one. Nobody injects Sodium Hypocholrite intentionally. This was a terrible ...
sodium hypochlorite burn during root canal	1/24/2008
Q: I recently started with pain in a lower left side tooth(near the front)not a back molar. My dentist ... A: I'm really sorry all this is going. I'm not exactly sure how to answer you...you raise a number of ...
Tooth pain, canal needed	1/24/2008
Q: I had a deep cavity filled by my dentist and afterwards I developed a huge toothache and small ... A: Sorry to hear you're having this trouble. Since it has been to days, I would think that your ...
Drilled Tooth with Foul Smell	1/24/2008
Q: Last year when on vacation in Puerto Vallarta Mexico, I had 3silver filling's removed and replaced ... A: Since I can't exam you, I can't say for sure, but I suspect the foul smell & drainage is related to ...
Arsenic acid	1/23/2008
Q: please Dr. give us a clear answer about arsenic acid and their uses in dentistry . BC i am a dentist ... A: Here in the US, arsenic acid is not used as part of routine dental treatment. I doubt it is even ...
Front tooth sensitivity	1/23/2008
Q: I had a root canal on one of my front teeth i would say it has been maybe 8-10 years ago, its never ... A: Unfortunately, what is happening is related to another tooth. When a root canal has been done, the ...
re-root canal	1/22/2008
Q: I had a root canal done on my lower right molar when i was 20 yrs old.Now i am 40 and had some ... A: I guess the first question is "Did they do the right tooth?" If the symptoms are EXACTLY the same, ...
Filling, Root Canal, Filling... and now tooth is cracked.	1/22/2008
Q: Backlund. I'm not sure if you can answer this, but here's my situation. In Nov 2007, my 3rd upper ... A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. Let me start by saying that since I can't examine you, ...
Normal pain after root canal or more problems	1/20/2008
Q: Several obscure x-rays over the last 6 months of #25 second premolar top left side showed a possible ... A: I'm sorry to hear you've been going through all this. It seems to me that the bump is probably a ...
followup to re-root canal	1/19/2008
Q: Good morning... again. Sorry to bother you... again. I woke up this morning and the right side of ... A: No problem, Michael....sorry to hear things have gotten worse. I would suggest that you call your ...
Apico Help	1/18/2008
Q: About six months ago due to a failed root canal I needed an apico on my top left molar. Since then ... A: If the procedure has failed, it would be necessary to try to figure out why. Is it the same roots ...
Apico Help	1/18/2008
Q: About six months ago due to a failed root canal I needed an apico on my top left molar. Since then ... A: Sorry to hear you're going through all this. It sounds to be like, unfortunately, you do have a ...
board certified endodontists	1/17/2008
Q: Does it offer more assurance to go to a board certified endodontist rather than one who is not board ... A: A board certified endodontist is one who has passed a series of tests...none of which measure ...
Broken tooth after root canal	1/17/2008
Q: I had a root canal done but couldn't afford the the crown. I went about 2 years with the cement in ... A: Sorry to hear you're going through this. It's difficult for me to give you good advice without an ...
Old root canal problem? Or sinus?	1/17/2008
Q: I had a root canal with a post and crown on #2 when I was a teenager. It was actually done 25 years ... A: Sorry to hear this is happening after all this time. In situations like yours, it can be very ...
Broken File Removal	1/16/2008
Q: I went in for a root canal around Christmas, and after basically finishing with the removal of all ... A: The procedure really depends on how far down the root the file is broken off and how firmly it is ...
Permanent Crown with hole	1/16/2008
Q: I received a porcelain/metal? crown on my #2 tooth (very back top tooth) in 2003. I check my teeth ... A: The poor margins mean that the connection between the tooth structure and the metal of the crown no ...
root canal and crowns	1/16/2008
Q: I have just found out that I have 2 cavaties side by side. Each of these teeth have root canals and ... A: Unfortunately, having root canals and crowns does not keep teeth from decaying. Decay can still get ...
pain in gum under root canal tooth	1/15/2008
Q: Two days ago i started to feel pain in my lower right jaw. The pain radiates from below the tooth ... A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. It seems to me that the first thing you need is a good ...
old crown/root canal ache	1/15/2008
Q: For the past week and a half, my right front tooth, root/crown done in the early 60's, has been ... A: Sorry to hear you're having problems. You may be experiencing a failing root canal. In most cases, ...
root canal without cap	1/15/2008
Q: I just had a root canal done on my lower front tooth and was wondering if it is okk to not cap it? ... A: Actually, it all depends..... The reason to cap a root canal tooth is to protect it from fracturing. ...
Root canal in central incisor 20 year after trauma?	1/14/2008
Q: About 20 years ago I fell on my upper incisors and chipped them. Since then I fell on one again and ... A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. You are in a bit of a problem with your dentist being so far ...
Alternatives to Root Canal	1/13/2008
Q: Less than a week ago, I met with a new dentist who showed concern with a deep cavity in one of my ... A: You raise a number of issues here...let me see if I can help a bit, one by one. First, needing to ...
tooth/strip perforations	1/12/2008
Q: To sort out confusion I have concerning what an actual "Strip Perforation," is, could you please ... A: I think we already talked about a strip perforation. In case you're not the same person, a strip ...
Swelling after Root Canal	1/12/2008
Q: My son had a root canal last year and apparently the dentist missed a canal because he had an abcess ... A: It sounds like your son has an infection starting. We sometimes see this when an old abscess is ...
Root Canal Or NOT	1/12/2008
Q: Backlund Thank you inadvance for your time. I had pain in my lower left side tooth the 5th one in. ... A: Everything you have been told is right on....you have a good endodontist. Since it has only been two ...
Recurring tooth infections?	1/10/2008
Q: I've had a number of fillings done over the past two years and in the past few months found my self ... A: Sorry to hear your having trouble. From what you describe, it certainly sounds like you will need a ...
my root canal tooth	1/10/2008
Q: I had root canal done on my back tooth (2nd to last on left side) about 10-11 yrs ago. the crown ... A: Sorry to hear you're' having this happen. I would guess that the root canal had failed, there is a ...
Tooth pain after a root canal/crown	1/9/2008
Q: My name is Colleen and recently, I had a root canal and crown replacement on an upper molar. After ... A: Unfortunately, you are exactly right. The root canal tooth will not be feeling the cold. It is ...
post root canal pain/extraction?	1/9/2008
Q: I had a root canal in my back upper right molar about 3 months ago and since it never quite got ... A: It certainly sounds like you are dealing with root canal problems...either a failing root canal or a ...
Tooth grinding, crown and a root canal?	1/7/2008
Q: I appreciate any insight you can offer. I grind and clench my teeth and now my gums have receded due ... A: It's very difficult for me to give you good advice here, without an examination, but it sounds to me ...
Post root canal	1/7/2008
Q: About 4 months ago, I had a root canal done on my top, front, tooth. This was excruciatingly ... A: I'm sorry to hear your going through all this. What we normally expect is for a tooth to be somewhat ...
Tooth pain following small filling	1/6/2008
Q: Three months ago I had a tiny dilling or veneer put over tooth brush erosion on one of my front ... A: I'm sorry to hear your having problems with your veneer. Unfortunately, what happens sometimes when ...
Root Canal	1/6/2008
Q: I've had stinging pain on the lower right side of my mouth. After consulting with an endodontist ... A: I'm afraid I may have some bad news. If you are having the same pain as before, then I would guess ...
dead tooth	1/6/2008
Q: I had a fall in school just after my braces came off. I hit my bottom teeth into my 2 front ones. ... A: The fact that the tooth has died and has turned gray tells me that you need a root canal. After that ...
Crown treatment halfway done, root canal	1/6/2008
Q: I broke one of my molars like a year and a half ago, I did get the necessary treatment like 13 ... A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. The reason you could be having pain is that the nerve inside the ...
Canine Root Canal	1/6/2008
Q: I have a lower canine that needs a root canal because of constant pain, no prior fillings or ... A: It really depends on how much good tooth structure there is. If you have no other fillings in the ...
Root canal pain - clenching issue?	1/5/2008
Q: Backlund, In had written to you earlier as well...about issues with root canals..I have had two root ... A: I'm sorry all this is going on...WOW..you have been through it! You raise a number of issues, here, ...
Root Canal / Temporary Filling Pain	1/5/2008
Q: I'm living in Beijing at the moment, and just before christmas I had quite bad toothache for a few ... A: Sorry to hear your in this predicament. What bothers me most is the cold sensitivity. If that is ...
root canal question	1/5/2008
Q: I recently had a root canal on a small,lower front tooth. My dentist attempted the root canal and ... A: WOW...you have really been through it! No wonder you are frustrated and confused. Unfortunately, ...
Capping vs. Extraction	1/5/2008
Q: Dr.Backlund I have two molars in the lower right back that had root canals a wile ago and the ... A: Sorry to hear you are faced with this problem. When the temporary filling comes out after a root ...
cracked molar	1/4/2008
Q: On my upper right jawline I have had my rear most molar removed de to cracking. Now the molar ... A: I'm sorry to hear you are going through all this. To answer your question, it is possible to save ...
root canal	1/2/2008
Q: i got root canal done about 5 years ago on my 2nd to last tooth on the right side. the cap kept ... A: Sorry to hear your having this problem. First, while I can't tell you what is going on without an ...
root extraction	1/2/2008
Q: I had a root canal done on my lower, left side farthest back molar, still felt it wasn't 'dead', so ... A: You ask a great question, but without being able to examine you, I can't really help. How long this ...
abscessed tooth	1/2/2008
Q: DEC 31st i broke the tooth to the right of my canine tooth, on my top right jaw . The 1st of Jan I ... A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. I would call today to find a dentist who can see ...
Problem with root canal	1/2/2008
Q: I had a root canal in lower tooth about 6 years ago. Periodically, I would feel pain, sometimes ... A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. It's really hard for me to give you good advice without being ...
Bruised Tooth	12/31/2007
Q: I remember eating an m&m and I think I bit down to hard because ever since then my tooth is sore ... A: Since you aren't having any real pain or any sensitivity to hot or cold, I would guess you are just ...
root canal swelling	12/29/2007
Q: my husband had a root canal on Wed the 26th. he awoke to some serious swelling including his eye. ... A: No problem, Gwyn, your not a pest....I would give it a day or so more. Like I said, it takes that ...
root canal swelling	12/29/2007
Q: my husband had a root canal on Wed the 26th. he awoke to some serious swelling including his eye. ... A: I'm sorry to hear your husband is going through all this. NO...it is not normal. Usually, it takes ...
tooth perforation	12/29/2007
Q: I have another question. What about an actual perforation of the tooth structure? One that extends ... A: It really depends on the level of the gum attachment and whether the perforation is in an area that ...
Root Canal and Flying	12/28/2007
Q: I had a Root Canal done yeseterday but there was too much bleeding to fill the canals. So, instead ... A: In most cases there is no problem, but it is possible for pressure inside the tooth to increase when ...
Crown/Root Canal (?) Pain	12/28/2007
Q: Dr. Backlund, I had a root canal done on my upper, right side farthest back molar and a crown put ... A: I'm REALLY sorry to hear this. When you have a fractured root, if is basically breaks the tooth into ...
Poss. root canal???	12/26/2007
Q: Dr. Backlund, I had two lower left molars prepped for crowns on 12/19/07. After the procedure I ... A: Infections can occur very rapidly...but often the crown preparation is just the "final straw"....the ...
Poss. root canal???	12/26/2007
Q: Dr. Backlund, I had two lower left molars prepped for crowns on 12/19/07. After the procedure I ... A: What a way to spend Christmas!!! I can certainly understand your frustration. When a crown is ...
is a root canal necessary?	12/25/2007
Q: I have been experiencing alot of pain in the back bottom tooth (molar?) and its kind of loose and it ... A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. Unfortunately, I really can't help here without being ...
strip perforation	12/25/2007
Q: Can you please tell me what a strip perforation is? Is that a perforation to a root, or to the ... A: Usually a strip perforation refers to an area of the root where a hole is created in the side of the ...
how should i keep my mouth clean after a root canal?	12/22/2007
Q: I had two root canals done last Friday and I have heard different things on how to keep it clean. ... A: When you are cleaning root canal teeth, you should clean them just like any other teeth. The only ...
Tooth and Jaw Pain after Crown	12/21/2007
Q: I had a permanent crown put on about 10 days ago on the top right side (very last tooth, not Wisdom ... A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. What you are experiencing is not normal. The reason ...
tooth painful after 2 root canals	12/20/2007
Q: A year ago I started having very bad headaches and my capped tooth - upper left side - the 2nd ... A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. I can understand your frustration and desire to keep your ...
Root Canal - 3 times on same tooth	12/20/2007
Q: Root canal done by my regular dentist, 3 years later he saw something on the xray and sent me to a ... A: I can certainly understand your frustration. Every practice deals with these situations differently. ...
metal taste before/after root canale	12/19/2007
Q: I had a root canale about the 5th Nov 07 before & after I taste metal on the right side (right side ... A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. It sounds to me like whatever is causing your metal taste ...
root canal and crown	12/19/2007
Q: Backlund, I had a crown and then several month later had to have a root canal all done by my dentist ... A: If, in fact, this was all caused by irritation from treatment, then that should resolve in a matter ...
root canal and crown	12/19/2007
Q: Backlund, I had a crown and then several month later had to have a root canal all done by my dentist ... A: Sorry to hear you are going through all this. I can see why you are frustrated. Since it has been a ...
Jaw Infection Following Root Canal	12/18/2007
Q: I had a root canal done about 2 months ago. It took several rounds of antibiotics and several ... A: I'm sorry you are going through this...yes, it's a big deal! You have been in pain for 2+ ...
Sudden need for root canal	12/17/2007
Q: Buckland, I had a tooth with a filling close to the nerve - its been two years since hte filling and ... A: Sorry to hear you're going through this. When a deep filling is done, it can irritate the pulp of ...
Broken tooth from root canal	12/17/2007
Q: I had a root canal done on a tooth that was not crowned. The tooth weakened and broke. I have not ... A: It's hard for me to say for sure what's up without being able to examine you, but it doesn't sound ...
Internal Resorption	12/17/2007
Q: Backlund, My #19 tooth has had internal resorption. The endo who looked at it right after the crown ... A: I'm sorry to hear you have resorption in your tooth. That is one of the hardest problems for us to ...
Root Canal	12