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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

SubjectDate Asked

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 abscess4/13/2008
  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 abscess4/12/2008
  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 misery4/12/2008
  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 canal4/11/2008
  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 treatment4/10/2008
  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 pain4/10/2008
  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 Tooth4/9/2008
  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 canal4/9/2008
  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 pain4/8/2008
  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 resorption4/7/2008
  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/$$$4/7/2008
  Q: Backlund, I have a composite question which I hope you can at least partially answer for me. It ...
  A: I'm glad I could help with your problem. I appreciate you taking the time to write back. It is hard ...
Root canals4/7/2008
  Q: My dentist told me that I need 2 root canals on molars 2&18. Does a root canal mean that the tooth ...
  A: WOW...you really are dealing with several issues here. Let me see if I can at least help with some ...
pain after root canal4/5/2008
  Q: I had a perfectly fine bottom right molar lose a little piece of filling and since it would have ...
  A: J., Thanks for the additional info...it helps a lot! While I can't really diagnosis your problem ...
Put gold crown on cracked molar before root canal4/3/2008
  Q: I read with great interest your answer to "Jennifer" on 4/10/08 because her situation sounds very ...
  A: Well....your situation is very similar to Jennifer's. I'm glad to hear that patients are taking the ...
save a tooth4/2/2008
  Q: I have a cracked and slightly chipped top back (last) molar that has become painful to biting ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Since I can't examine you, it's hard for me to know exactly ...
Post Root Canal Swelling/Pain4/2/2008
  Q: I had a root canal yesterday, 8a.m. EST. The root canal was painless. My lower right tooth prior ...
  A: It sounds like the root canal certainly stirred up the infection. While we don't see this routinely, ...
Cracked Tooth Pain with Temporary Crown4/1/2008
  Q: I recently was diagnosed with a cracked tooth in one of my molars (32, I think). My dentist told me ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you are going through this. Cracked teeth are one of the hardest things we deal ...
Root canals/3rd molar buds/$$$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 ...
Apicoectomy3/27/2008
  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 later3/25/2008
  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 canal3/24/2008
  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 canal3/23/2008
  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 Canal3/22/2008
  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 hurts3/22/2008
  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 hurts3/22/2008
  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/pulpectomy3/20/2008
  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 canal3/20/2008
  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 canal3/20/2008
  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 canal3/20/2008
  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 ...
Apicectomy3/19/2008
  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 eruption3/17/2008
  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 tooth3/17/2008
  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 crown3/17/2008
  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 canal3/15/2008
  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, ...
dentistry3/15/2008
  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 caries3/13/2008
  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 tooth3/13/2008
  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 tooth3/13/2008
  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 braces3/12/2008
  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 pain3/12/2008
  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 antiobiotics3/12/2008
  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 canal3/11/2008
  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 Problem3/11/2008
  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 treatment3/11/2008
  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-Responsibility3/10/2008
  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 canal3/10/2008
  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 canal3/10/2008
  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 Canal3/8/2008
  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 treatment1/30/2008
  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 problems1/30/2008
  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 pain1/30/2008
  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 Apico1/29/2008
  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 canal1/28/2008
  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 canal1/28/2008
  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 treatment1/28/2008
  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 file1/28/2008
  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 Nightmare1/27/2008
  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-treatment1/26/2008
  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 CanalI1/26/2008
  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 Teeth1/25/2008
  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 Teeth1/25/2008
  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 canal1/25/2008
  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 canal1/24/2008
  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 needed1/24/2008
  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 Smell1/24/2008
  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 acid1/23/2008
  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 sensitivity1/23/2008
  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 canal1/22/2008
  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 problems1/20/2008
  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 canal1/19/2008
  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 Help1/18/2008
  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 Help1/18/2008
  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 endodontists1/17/2008
  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 canal1/17/2008
  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 Removal1/16/2008
  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 hole1/16/2008
  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 crowns1/16/2008
  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 tooth1/15/2008
  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 ache1/15/2008
  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 cap1/15/2008
  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 Canal1/13/2008
  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 perforations1/12/2008
  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 Canal1/12/2008
  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 NOT1/12/2008
  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 tooth1/10/2008
  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/crown1/9/2008
  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 canal1/7/2008
  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 filling1/6/2008
  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 Canal1/6/2008
  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 tooth1/6/2008
  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 canal1/6/2008
  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 Canal1/6/2008
  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 Pain1/5/2008
  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 question1/5/2008
  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. Extraction1/5/2008
  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 molar1/4/2008
  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 canal1/2/2008
  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 extraction1/2/2008
  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 tooth1/2/2008
  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 canal1/2/2008
  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 Tooth12/31/2007
  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 swelling12/29/2007
  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 swelling12/29/2007
  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 perforation12/29/2007
  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 Flying12/28/2007
  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 (?) Pain12/28/2007
  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 perforation12/25/2007
  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 Crown12/21/2007
  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 canals12/20/2007
  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 tooth12/20/2007
  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 canale12/19/2007
  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 crown12/19/2007
  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 crown12/19/2007
  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 Canal12/18/2007
  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 canal12/17/2007
  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 canal12/17/2007
  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 Resorption12/17/2007
  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 Canal12/17/2007
  Q: I had a root canal done on my bottom back right tooth 4 weeks ago. A permanent cap was put onto it. ...
  A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. It certainly sounds to me like you have a residual problem....no ...
swollen face result of infection?12/17/2007
  Q: i am having severe pain in the cheek, sinus area, gums, and tooth area. i had a root canal about 4 ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. It is very difficult for me to help here since I can't ...
Root Canal12/16/2007
  Q: I recently had a bridge put in. After the second day, I began to have severe pain underneath one of ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. Unfortunately, what sometimes happens when bridges or crowns ...
root canal treatment12/15/2007
  Q: .. i had pain in my lower first molar and my doctor told me that i need to do endodontic treatment ...
  A: I think that you weren't numb enough. Your friend is right. When you are numb on the lower, your lip ...
similar problem w/root canal12/13/2007
  Q: I am currently having a similar problem with a root canal performed this Monday on my top right ...
  A: It is really hard for me to help here since I can't exam you, but I can make a few general ...
severe facial pain after root canal12/12/2007
  Q: Backlund, I went to the dentist last Friday complaining of an overly sensitive tooth, particularly ...
  A: You ask a great question, but it doesn't have an easy answer. It all depends on the amount of trauma ...
severe facial pain after root canal12/12/2007
  Q: Backlund, I went to the dentist last Friday complaining of an overly sensitive tooth, particularly ...
  A: I'm really sorry to hear you're going through all this...not a good way to have a root canal. It's ...
pain after root canal and permanent crown12/12/2007
  Q: What are some causes of pain and heat and cold sensitivity even after I have had both root canal and ...
  A: Situations like this are really difficult. You may not believe me, but 99% of the time, it's another ...
Root Canal12/10/2007
  Q: My dentist had recommended for the past two years that I replace an old crown due to a gap that was ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. Situations like this can be very stressful and it ...
route canel12/10/2007
  Q: my dentists found a abucces on my tooth i have no pain or any other problems can i hold off on ...
  A: Unfortunately, abscesses don't go away or heal themselves. While you have no pain now, that is ...
Wisdom Tooth Root Canal12/9/2007
  Q: I saw dentist who told me small cavity in wisdom tooth needed filling – ˝ hour appointment – appt ...
  A: Sorry to hear things haven't gone well with that filling. It is hard for me to give really accurate ...
root canal for abcess at tooth #3112/3/2007
  Q: 66 yeas old; had tooth #31 and tooth above filled in September 2006; have had continual problems ...
  A: Sorry to hear that your having this problem. To answer your question, let me be up front and say I ...
Extreme Pain 2 Months After New Bridge12/2/2007
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I'm in extreme pain and don't know where to turn. I had a 3-tooth bridge put in two ...
  A: I'm sorry you are going through all this. You raise several issues here...let me try to help. First, ...
Pain after cap12/1/2007
  Q: I had a cap done about two to three months ago and no problems after. Starting a week before ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you are going through this. When your dentist said it can take sometime to settle ...
pain and swolling12/1/2007
  Q: I have swelling in the bottom left of my back teeth.it's red, and I've been taking Tylenol for it ...
  A: It sounds like you might have wisdom teeth that are partly exposed and the gum over them have become ...
Trouble Getting the Tooth Numb11/30/2007
  Q: I went in to the Endodontist about 3 weeks ago for pain in my lower left molar. He tried several ...
  A: There are a number if issues here that need to be addressed. Let me first try to explain why this ...
swallowed a crown11/30/2007
  Q: I have swallowed a metal tooth crown by mistake with the food. What should I do now? Shall I visit a ...
  A: WOW....sorry to hear you're going through this. It is highly unlikely that this will cause any ...
Root Canal Muscle Spasm11/29/2007
  Q: I had two root canals retreated by an endodontist. They were both infected and done within the past ...
  A: I'm sorry you're going through all this. Unfortunately, what you are experiencing has nothing to do ...
additional inquiry on when a root canal is needed11/28/2007
  Q: Gary: first, I'd like to compliment you on the common sense approach I see in your answers to other ...
  A: First, thank you for the kind words. I have always tried in my practice to answer questions directly ...
infections11/26/2007
  Q: Where dental infections are concerned. I understand they can cause pretty serious health issues. ...
  A: Basically you are absolutely correct. The infections that cause problems are the acute ones. Chronic ...
root canal discoloration11/26/2007
  Q: I had root canals done on my front two top teeth. The work is 10 years old. The tops of the teeth ...
  A: Unfortunately, without being able to examine you, it's hard for me to say, however, sometimes ...
root canal11/23/2007
  Q: I WENT TUESDAY AND MY DENTIST DRILLED AND MADE MY HOLE BIGGER THEN PUT A TEMPERARY FILLING IN AND HE ...
  A: Sorry to hear this is going on. Yes, you should be concerned. Perhaps the local dental society has ...
post apicoectomy11/22/2007
  Q: I had an apicoectomy on tooth #3 on 10/26/07;I was on clindamycin 5 days before and 5 days after.As ...
  A: Sorry I didn't answer sooner, we were gone for the Holiday. Let me try to deal with each of your ...
Post root canal11/21/2007
  Q: Yes, my questions how long until the swelling of the cheek comes down? I have a severe infection on ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're going through this...especially with Thanksgiving coming up. Usually, we expect ...
Root Canal11/21/2007
  Q: Re a reply received re my root canal and whether he just did the first part. He did the root canal ...
  A: No bother....usually a well placed temporary will last some time...certainly weeks and sometimes ...
post root canal infection - way, way post11/21/2007
  Q: i had a root canal in my last upper molar over 4 years ago. it healed uneventfully at the time, but ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this trouble. Le me try to answer each part...one at a time. Root ...
Trouble Getting the Tooth Numb11/21/2007
  Q: I went in to the Endodontist about 3 weeks ago for pain in my lower left molar. He tried several ...
  A: Yep...you got it. I would suggest, however, that you use this as a last resort. You might try ...
Root Canal11/21/2007
  Q: Re a reply received re my root canal and whether he just did the first part. He did the root canal ...
  A: There are usually two parts to a root canal. One is cleaning out the inside of the tooth and the ...
Trouble Getting the Tooth Numb11/20/2007
  Q: I went in to the Endodontist about 3 weeks ago for pain in my lower left molar. He tried several ...
  A: I'm really sorry to hear you are going through all this. I don't think you'll like my answer ...
When is a root canal neccessary?11/19/2007
  Q: I have been to dentist before and unfortunately had some bad experiences with some in regards to ...
  A: Actually, you ask a VERY good question. The problem is, it doesn't have an easy answer. When a ...
Root Canal11/18/2007
  Q: I'm scheduled for a root canal on a molar and I think, I drove over 100 miles to see this guy ...
  A: Let me try to answer each of your questions as best I can... I'm scheduled for a root canal on a ...
gray tooth11/16/2007
  Q: my 14 yr old son just got his braces off a month ago and we noticed his front tooth (#9) is a light ...
  A: You ask great questions...and they have complicated answers! Before you do anything, I would get a ...
crown after root canal11/15/2007
  Q: Backland, Two questions. I had a root canal ( my first) on #15 2 days ago and after 24 hrs. of ...
  A: Since you had an infection in the tooth, it is not unusual for things to actually get worse for ...
jaw soreness and stiffness after root canal11/14/2007
  Q: Backlund, About 7 days ago my endodontist completed a root canal on tooth #19. My problem is that ...
  A: You're no bother...I'm sorry to hear you're not improving. Usually, things like this do take time. ...
Drill bit to remain in mouth?11/14/2007
  Q: I recently went to a new dentist about a problem I was having with a crown (sat too high). She ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this has happened to you. Unfortunately, it is the most common technical problem ...
Root Canal Payment11/14/2007
  Q: I just found out yesterday that I am going to need a root canal. I do not have dental insurance and ...
  A: We can usually do an emergency procedure to buy some time, but 1 year is really pushing it, and get ...
tooth pain after temporary crown11/14/2007
  Q: I have read many questions/answers already and can't seem to find the exact topic I have. I have a ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear this is happening to you. I can certainly understand your frustration. You also ...
failed root canal(s)11/13/2007
  Q: Within past 3 months I've had to redo a root canal with a repeat procedure. It is still ...
  A: It is very hard for me to give you good treatment planning advice without examining you, but I can ...
jaw soreness and stiffness after root canal11/12/2007
  Q: Backlund, About 7 days ago my endodontist completed a root canal on tooth #19. My problem is that ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're going through this. It sounds like you have a condition called "Trismus", which ...
Severe Pain Post Root Canal11/12/2007
  Q: I was hoping you could help me. I had the 2nd phase of my root canal on 10/8/07 8AM(almost 4 days ...
  A: Glad to hear you're moving on this. I guess from everything you tell me, I sort of wonder why you ...
Severe Pain Post Root Canal11/12/2007
  Q: I was hoping you could help me. I had the 2nd phase of my root canal on 10/8/07 8AM(almost 4 days ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. It's hard for me to say for sure why you are having all this ...
old apicoectomy11/11/2007
  Q: I am 48 with an apicoectomy of the front tooth that is over 40 years old, Suddenly I have pressure ...
  A: Sorry this is going on just when you were taking the next step! While I really can't diagnosis ...
Son's Abscess - Need Root Canal?11/10/2007
  Q: My son (aged 7) had bilateral dentigerous cysts removed from two molars this summer. He has ...
  A: While it is hard for me to diagnosis online, I would certainly agree with you that being sure of a ...
Root Canal on crowned tooth11/9/2007
  Q: Is it pretty common for a dentist to do a root cancal on a tooth that has a crown or is typical ...
  A: Actually, doing a root canal through is really not too big of a deal. Any dentist who is well ...
root canal retreat possible extraction11/9/2007
  Q: I had a root canal done over 25 years ago with silver points and a porcelain crown. It has never ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're going through all this. You didn't say whether the dentist was an endodontist. ...
root canal 3 days ago, now swelling above the bone9/22/2007
  Q: I had a root canal 3 days ago, now I have a swelling above the bone in the front, which applies ...
  A: Sorry you are having this reaction. It is not too unusual to have some swelling post treatment... ...
after root canal9/21/2007
  Q: I have a question regarding my recent 1 week ago root canal. Prior to the root canal, my tooth ...
  A: Sorry you're going through this. The problem is, prednisone is an anti-inflammatory and it will work ...
root canal infection9/21/2007
  Q: I went in for an emergency appointment 36 hours ago... doc said i had an infection in the space ...
  A: I would absolutely call your dentist and let him know what you are experiencing and ask for better ...
root canal infection9/21/2007
  Q: I went in for an emergency appointment 36 hours ago... doc said i had an infection in the space ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're going through all this. When a root canal fails and becomes acute, like yours, ...
Sorry.. forgot question9/20/2007
  Q: From before. so i have a tooth eche im 19 years old so no insurance anymore:(. about a couple weeks ...
  A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. It sounds to me like the bite on your crown may not be right. If ...
Lump years after root canal.9/20/2007
  Q: 4 months ago I developed a hard lump in my gums above a tooth on which I had a root canal years ago. ...
  A: In a simple answer, yes, this is something I would follow up on. Pain and /or swelling is "Mother ...
Root Canal Fear9/20/2007
  Q: I am afraid of a root canal. I need one and have to get one and am in a great deal of pain. Can ...
  A: Wanda.. I can certainly understand your fear...I'll bet I see 5-6 patients a week who are literally ...
How long can I survive without a root canal?9/18/2007
  Q: I accidentally poked the gum at the base of my lower jaw with my finger really hard. After a few ...
  A: Sorry to hear you are dealing with all this. Unfortunately, you ask a great question that doesn't ...
intermittent pain9/18/2007
  Q: Backlund, A few months ago I had recieved root canal treatment on my upper right canine. After the ...
  A: Sorry you're going through all this. Since I can't examine you or see your X-rays, it's hard for me ...
cyst?9/17/2007
  Q: My question is regarding cysts on x-ray. How can you differentiate between a cyst versus an ...
  A: Good question. Actually, there is no way to tell the difference between a cyst and an infectionon an ...
broken tooth9/17/2007
  Q: I broke the tooth that is second to the last on the bottom of my jaw while eating a snickers. It ...
  A: Unfortunately, since I can't examine you, it is really hard for me to make any evaluation of your ...
pain after root canal9/16/2007
  Q: My mother had a root canal 10 years ago. Right now she is in a lot of pain and the tooth is ...
  A: Sorry to hear your Mom is having this problem. While I can't be sure since I can't examine her, it ...
Sore lump above old root canal-How urgent?9/14/2007
  Q: I had a root canal on a top molar 3 or four years ago. In the past few months a lump has developed ...
  A: Sorry to hear this is going on. You ask an excellent question...the problem is, it doesn't have an ...
front tooth trauma9/14/2007
  Q: Dr, Two weeks ago my eleven year old daughter fell and loosened her front tooth. We took her to the ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your daughter's accident. That is really traumatic for all involved. It sounds ...
root canal problems9/14/2007
  Q: I am having problems with a tooth that needs a root canal. The dentist has tried twice but can't ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. From what you are telling me, things don't add up. ...
Root canal through a gold crown9/6/2007
  Q: Is it possible to go through a gold crown for a root canal? If not, can the crown be removed and ...
  A: Yes, in most cases it is easy to go through a gold crown. We do it several times each day. Then a ...
Trauma9/6/2007
  Q: I was reading your responses to Marianna and thought that I would certainly appreciate your input on ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your accident....not a fun thing to go through. Let me see if I can help with ...
recommended hemisection9/5/2007
  Q: My dentist says one of the roots to my last lower molar on the left has a vertical crack. He is ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. If you don't feel you will miss this tooth, since it ...
stress related pain9/5/2007
  Q: i hope i havent asked you this question already but i have had root canal treatment twice on a ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're experiencing this. While stress can certainly cause you to clench or grind your ...
Residual Root Tip Removal9/4/2007
  Q: I recently went to my local general dentist (DMD, MAGD) for a pain above tooth #9. He took an x-ray ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you are going through all this. Let me see if I can address some of your concerns. ...
Endodontist for possibly cracked tooth9/4/2007
  Q: Backlund (I am attaching my question from yesterday below). Just one more quick question -- if I ...
  A: In most cases, the endodontist would only exam you, to start with, and try to determine why you are ...
abscess9/3/2007
  Q: my husband has had severe abscessed teeth and whenever he gets to a dentist he always seems to pass ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your husband is going through all this. Unfortunately, what he really needs is ...
Root canal problems.8/31/2007
  Q: Backlund, I am asking your opinion on behalf of my partner who is totally exsasperated by his pain ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your partner is going through all this. It sounds to me like this whole issue ...
Nerve dyeing8/30/2007
  Q: Hope you can help.I have been in considerable pain for nearly aweek - unable to sleep,work, eat ...
  A: I'm sorry you're having so much pain. It sounds to me like your dentist is unable to make a ...
endodontic x-rays8/30/2007
  Q: I am a fairly new dental assistant working at an endodontics office in Johnson City NY. I have been ...
  A: Congratulations on choosing a wonderful career path. You women are greatly needed in our profession. ...
apicoectomy...I am so upset...8/29/2007
  Q: I have just returned from a visit with an Endodontist where I received news regarding tooth #30 (1) ...
  A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. I don't think much would be accomplished by returning or even ...
Tooth suddenly sensitive to cold & pressure8/29/2007
  Q: I had a filling replaced in tooth #2 9 weeks ago. It was not bothering me, but the dentist said it ...
  A: Sorry all this is going on....first, I need to say, it is very difficult for me to help with ...
root canal surgery8/29/2007
  Q: My dentist tried to do a root canal on my canine tooth. He couldn't complete it because he said it ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your complication. When root canals are calcified, the only real option, short ...
old crown replacement8/28/2007
  Q: Years ago I had a root canal and post crown put on tooth #20 My dentist recently x rayed this area ...
  A: Sorry to hear you have this problem. It's really hard for me to say whether this is necessary ...
biposy after root canal8/28/2007
  Q: I had a surgical root canal on tooth #11 today. (It necessitated surgery due to a root canal on ...
  A: Hope you're feeling OK tonight...must not be toot bad if you're on the 'net....:-)... Biopsies of ...
have a bump over the left side upper tooth8/27/2007
  Q: have a bump over the left side upper tooth If I don't touch it no pain, and pain a bit when I touch ...
  A: Sorry to hear this is going on. While your problem could certainly be an abscessed tooth, there are ...
"my 3 year old has an abscess"8/27/2007
  Q: "my 3 year old hit his tooth about 2 years ago its dead now he has been to Loma Linda school in of ...
  A: If the infection in the baby tooth is not eliminated, whether by extraction or a root canal, it can ...
root canal8/26/2007
  Q: I had a root canal treatment 4 days ago.Actually i went to the dentist to build up my chipped off ...
  A: The most common cause of biting sensitivity after a root canal is that the tooth is "high". If you ...
Pain after root canal and crown8/25/2007
  Q: I had root canal and crown done about a month ago. The past few days I have had very bad pain in ...
  A: Sorry to hear this is going on. It's hard for me to say for sure since I can't examine you, but ...
root canal permanant crown8/24/2007
  Q: I had a root canal finished with permanent crown in place. This crown has fell out 4 times, my ...
  A: Sorry to hear this is going on. Unfortunately, when a crown is done, what keeps it in place is the ...
pediatric tooth extraction vs. root canal8/24/2007
  Q: My daughter had a cavity in her "2 year old molar" when she was 3. The pediatric dentist I took her ...
  A: It is pretty normal treatment to place spacers when a primary tooth needs to be extracted. While we ...
nearly negative xray, very positive cavity8/24/2007
  Q: no cavities until my third decade. great dentist in my home state(really miss him). on my second ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're going through this. Unfortunately, when a tooth becomes really sensitive like ...
Apicoectomy8/22/2007
  Q: Backlund, I wrote to you on Aug. 20, and have a follow up question regarding having an apicoectomy. ...
  A: In my opinion, I would have an endodontist do the procedure. We are trained to do this and are ...
Root Canal8/22/2007
  Q: I recently took a baseball to the teeth, I had 3 teeth displaced. My dentist wants to do a root ...
  A: Good morning Marianna, Discoloration of teeth usually occurs only after some time that the broken ...
Root Canal8/22/2007
  Q: I recently took a baseball to the teeth, I had 3 teeth displaced. My dentist wants to do a root ...
  A: You are in sort of a tough spot. I guess I don't see any reason to do the root canals when they are ...
gum8/21/2007
  Q: I've written to you twice before about the gum issue I had after my crown was replaced. I went to a ...
  A: Sorry to hear the bad news. I guess my basic feeling is that confidence in your dentist is REALLY ...
internal resorption8/21/2007
  Q: My husband has been treated for a cancerous eye tumor 3-1/2 yrs. ago, with a radiation implant. ...
  A: It really depends on where the tissue is that needs to be biopsied. If is surrounding the tooth, ...
internal resorption8/21/2007
  Q: My husband has been treated for a cancerous eye tumor 3-1/2 yrs. ago, with a radiation implant. ...
  A: If you have any questions at all about the diagnosis you were given, I think it would be reasonable ...
Apicoectomy8/20/2007
  Q: One year ago I had a root canal performed by an endodontist on tooth #13. The tooth was extremely ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. Let me try to answer your questions as best I ...
Root Canal8/20/2007
  Q: I recently took a baseball to the teeth, I had 3 teeth displaced. My dentist wants to do a root ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your accident. I would be VERY careful about what is done to your front teeth. ...
tooth # 98/19/2007
  Q: Can you pls tell me specifically where tooth # 9 is? Also do dentists refer to them as numbers or as ...
  A: Tooth # 9 is the upper front tooth on your left side. It is a central incisor. Most dentists refer ...
jaw pain after freezing8/19/2007
  Q: I had a filling replaced last fall and had sensitivity ever after.Three attempts were made to fix ...
  A: WOW...no wonder you're concerned. What you have is called trimus...it results from trauma to the ...
Tooth problem?8/18/2007
  Q: I'm in the process of getting some root canals done- however, I have tooth that has had a hole in it ...
  A: While it is VERY hard for me to help in situations like this since I can't examine you, I can say ...
infections from root canals8/18/2007
  Q: Three weeks ago I was rushed to get two root canals. My jaw was visibly swollen and the surgery was ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you are going through this! I get asked this question often, so you are not the ...
root canal 3 times still sensitive!8/17/2007
  Q: I have had a root canal done 3 different times on the same tooth,by an endontist, it does have a ...
  A: Actually, this is a different issue. The hot & cold is coming from someplace else, but the ...
root canal 3 times still sensitive!8/17/2007
  Q: I have had a root canal done 3 different times on the same tooth,by an endontist, it does have a ...
  A: WOW...no wonder you're frustrated. Not just the money, but the time and effort and still having ...
cementoma8/16/2007
  Q: A panoramic x-ray last week revealed a black half-circle under 23 and some slight blackness under 24 ...
  A: If the teeth test alive, I would definitely not have a biopsy. It is highly likely that you do have ...
post root canal paiin8/15/2007
  Q: I am 35 y/o female with my 1st root canal procedure in molar #15 L side performed 1 & 1/2 weeks ago. ...
  A: I really sorry you are going through all this. I'm afraid I have some bad news for you. Hot & cold ...
apicoectomy8/15/2007
  Q: I recently had an apicoectomy after a root canal performed one year ago. The DDS did NOT use any ...
  A: I don't know exactly what his reasoning was. In our office, we routinely place some type of filling ...
crown build-up with pins8/15/2007
  Q: I would like to ask you if it is a general procedure to do crown buildup-INCPIns in a redone root ...
  A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. You raise several issues here. I'll try to help as best I can. ...
Crown still attached to post, coming out of mouth8/15/2007
  Q: I had had numerous root canals and crowns. I have one in particular that is giving me trouble. This ...
  A: Sorry to hear this is going on. In my experience, when a post comes out with the crown attached, it ...
root canal8/15/2007
  Q: Backlund, My dentist said i needed two root canals in my front teeth. He cleaned out one root and ...
  A: Sorry to hear you ran into complications, but it sounds like your dentist is making the right ...
Abscess on tooth that had root canal8/14/2007
  Q: My tooth #30 had root cnal 5 years ago. There is no pain and I can not feel any uncomfortable by ...
  A: Sorry to hear this is happening. Unfortunately, you only have 3 choices....live with the problem, ...
Just had a root canal8/13/2007
  Q: I just had a root canal last week. Immediately after the root canal I felt fine (was numb and took ...
  A: Unfortunately, I have some bad news for you. When a root canal is done, the pulp of the tooth ( ...
Sensation in Root Canal Tooth8/13/2007
  Q: I have a question about my lower back molar...I had it filled with composite filling about 2 years ...
  A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. I can understand your frustration when you don't have many ...
Can I have a crown redone if it has a root filling underneath?8/10/2007
  Q: I had a lot of dental problems in the last year which led to me losing a lot of teeth. Various ...
  A: Anytime you have decay, the sooner it is removed, the less the damage. Without an examination and ...
Can I have a crown redone if it has a root filling underneath?8/10/2007
  Q: I had a lot of dental problems in the last year which led to me losing a lot of teeth. Various ...
  A: There is really no problem replacing a crown over a root canal and post. The real issue is how much ...
i can't feel my ttung8/9/2007
  Q: my dentist gave me novicane. when he was giving me the shot I could feel jaw pain. the next day the ...
  A: Sometimes what happens is that when the dentist gives you a shot, he/she actually hits the nerve ...
time between phase one and two of root canal8/9/2007
  Q: I went in for a filling, and in the middle of the process, my dentist discovered he needed to do a ...
  A: These are excellent questions and I am asked them often. You actually are being given very good ...
root canal8/8/2007
  Q: I had a root canal done on Monday...the Friday before they did an x-ray and did not have time to get ...
  A: Unfortunately, when you have pain & swelling post-op, there is really not much to be done except ...
root canal8/8/2007
  Q: I had a root canal done on Monday...the Friday before they did an x-ray and did not have time to get ...
  A: Sorry to hear you had this happen. Let me try to help. usually the best way to treat a root canal is ...
Lump on gum after abcess & root canal8/6/2007
  Q: This is a long story, but I'll try to be brief. About 2 months ago, my dentist advised me I had ...
  A: WOW....sounds like you have been going through it! It is very hard for me to really help here or ...
deep cut in gums8/5/2007
  Q: I went to my dentist last week to get a crown replaced on a root canaled tooth. Afterward I noticed ...
  A: Usually gun cuts heal very well by themselves. The gum has LOTS of blood supply, so that helps. I ...
Sensitive tooth after Root Canal8/4/2007
  Q: How long can it take a root canaled tooth to "settle down"? I had a lower molar root canaled 3 1/2 ...
  A: Usually a tooth settles down in a week or two...max. What you are experiencing is NOT normal. If you ...
root canal pain8/3/2007
  Q: I went to my dentist a month ago to get prepped for 2 crowns (upper left 14 and 15). I had NO ...
  A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. NO, this is not normal, however, it does happen, especially when ...
Front tooth root canal8/3/2007
  Q: I know I need a root canal on a front tooth. The tooth is dead and has turned an off-white color. ...
  A: I certainly have heard about this method. As a matter of fact, it was one of my projects in Graduate ...
healing 4 days post apicoectomy8/2/2007
  Q: I had a root canal that failed on my next to the last upper tooth on my right side (sorry I don't ...
  A: Sorry to hear this is going on. It could be that the surgical site is infected and the spots are ...
sensativity in both teeth after root canals8/2/2007
  Q: I had root canals done in both bottom eye teeth and then fittings attached to hold a bottom denture ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. I think you have good reason to feel you are ...
severe swelling after root canal8/1/2007
  Q: I had root canal of my left upper molar (not the very back one the second furthest back). I had ...
  A: Sorry your going through this. No it's not normal, but it certainly happens when you are dealing ...
Problems following root canal8/1/2007
  Q: Dr. Backlund, About four months ago my dentist replaced a deep filling that was failing in one of my ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're having this problem. From the way you write and document, I can tell you ...
Root Canal on a calcified molar7/30/2007
  Q: Backlund, I just had a root canal done this past Tuesday on tooth#26 and was, believe it or not, ...
  A: .... In my experience, literally anything is possible! However, gaining access to the canals is 95% ...
root canal on back tooth7/30/2007
  Q: A ex co-worker said I would be silly to get a root canal done on a back tooth. Molar?? She said to ...
  A: You are right on! Having a back tooth pulled makes no sense in the day & age unless it is so badly ...
Root Canal on a calcified molar7/29/2007
  Q: Backlund, I just had a root canal done this past Tuesday on tooth#26 and was, believe it or not, ...
  A: I'm happy to try to answer your questions...that's why I volunteer on this site. I would let the ...
Crown removed - tooth lost7/29/2007
  Q: I have asked this question in some form before, but am still so saddened, bewildered, and anxious ...
  A: Implants are a WONDERFUL alternative for people who are missing teeth. Prior to implants, patients ...
Seeking second opinion7/29/2007
  Q: I realize this is hard for you to answer without seeing x-rays but I will try to describe my ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're going through all this. Let me try to answer your questions one by one... 1. ...
Root Canal on a calcified molar7/28/2007
  Q: Backlund, I just had a root canal done this past Tuesday on tooth#26 and was, believe it or not, ...
  A: When a tooth calcifies, in most cases, a root canal is still necessary. If your tooth is already ...
crown7/28/2007
  Q: i had a root canal done on my lower 3rd molar(wisdom tooth) on 15th May.The dentist,then put a ...
  A: The risk of waiting is that if the temporary begins to leak, it will cause the root canal cement to ...
help7/26/2007
  Q: i need a root canal done and i am a heart patient on coumadin? no dentist wants my blood drawn to ...
  A: In our office, we treat patients on coumadin frequently. We always work with the patient's physician ...
Abscess and Root Canal7/25/2007
  Q: Hey there, Ok, here's the history... I had a root canal about 5 years ago and then last year, they ...
  A: I don't blame you for being frustrated. When you hear all different stories and you're the one ...
apicectomy7/25/2007
  Q: I had an apicectomy redone - my original infection was small, the first apicectomy made it much ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have had these problems. I'm afraid I have bad news for you. If has been 10 ...
Root Canal or not7/24/2007
  Q: One side of my nose has been hurting for the past month. I went to see my dentist and was told I ...
  A: It is not unusual for a tooth that has abscessed to not feel any pain. You may have gone through a ...
facial pain related to root canal redo7/24/2007
  Q: last month at my regular dental check up my dentist saw a fistula present. At the time i was ...
  A: The easy part first..it is highly unlikely that there is any connection between your tooth and the ...
facial pain related to root canal redo7/23/2007
  Q: last month at my regular dental check up my dentist saw a fistula present. At the time i was ...
  A: Before I can help, I need some information. What tooth is being treated? At what point is the root ...
Abcessed tooth7/22/2007
  Q: I called my dentist friday. My pain was in my teeth and the pressure felt between tooth and gum, ...
  A: Unfortunately, you have an acute abscess and the antibiotics haven't had a chance to get things ...
root canal and swelling7/21/2007
  Q: Went in for tooth pain had to have a root canal I was given penicillin for the infection then the ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're having this problem. What is happening is NOT normal. You need to call your ...
trauma in recently root canal treated tooth7/21/2007
  Q: This may sound like a weird question, but my two-year old just head butted me in my front tooth ...
  A: Unfortunately, two-year olds do this kind of thing. We see too often. The good news is, things ...
Nerve Blocks for root canals7/21/2007
  Q: I had a root canal done due to an abcessed tooth beneath a crown. Anesthetic injections were ...
  A: Sorry to hear you had this experience. In our office, we don't work on patients unless they are ...
root canal failure vs. tmd pain7/20/2007
  Q: Dr. Backlund, Are they're any differences that can distinguish between whether symptoms are caused ...
  A: First, thank you for the kind words. The problem here, as I see it, is that you don't have symptoms ...
fistula over retreated root canal7/19/2007
  Q: I'd like your opinion on a root canal I've had retreated for the 3rd time . I have a fistula over it ...
  A: Sorry you're having this trouble. Usually, when a root canal is redone, it can stir up the infection ...
Shadow /Possible cyst over front tooth7/19/2007
  Q: I am 39 yrs old and ex-rays show a shadow/possible cyst over my top front tooth. I have seen an ...
  A: First, my disclaimer, since I can't examine you or see your xrays, it is very difficult for me to ...
tooth pain7/19/2007
  Q: I am a healthy, active, female. I had a root canal and 'caps'?? in 1978 on the upper middle 2 ...
  A: I have bad news for you. When a root canal is done, you are right, there is no nerve. As a result, ...
Pain following root canel7/18/2007
  Q: I have just had root canel work on my molar at the lower pack of my mouth. I had this treatment ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear that you are going through all this. What is going on is NOT normal. ...
One last question7/17/2007
  Q: doctor, for offering some encouragement on the implant. Is it usually successful for a lower molar, ...
  A: First, implants have a very high success rate and are a great alternative to a bridge when a tooth ...
Root-Canal recurring infection7/17/2007
  Q: The tooth I'm having problems with is upper right directly beside my front tooth it was filled & ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're going through all this.Sometimes root canal infection can be very difficult to ...
post root canal pain7/16/2007
  Q: I had a root canal five days ago. I was given a prescription for Loritab 7.5 mg for the pain but ...
  A: Sorry to hear this is going on. NO...these are not normal, especially after 5 days have gone by. I ...
still having pain 7 days later...7/14/2007
  Q: I recently had a root canal done 7 days ago on tooth number 14 (I think, its the top left molar, ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear things are still bothering you. Usually, after a root canal, the tooth is ...
PRE root canal7/13/2007
  Q: My boyfriend went in today to the dentist for pain and was referred for a root canal, we'll have to ...
  A: I don't know exactly what the condition of the tooth is, but usually there are temporary emergency ...
Multiple root canal treatments?7/13/2007
  Q: I am wondering if you may be able to point me in the right direction. I recently went to a new, ...
  A: I sorry to hear you're having all this happen. I don't blame you for being upset. While I can't ...
Root Canal - Post Pain6/21/2007
  Q: Gary Backlund, Thank you so much for your help. I read some of your replies and they were very ...
  A: I can help with these questions. A retreat involves exactly what you said. We reenter the tooth, ...
Cold sensitivity after Root Canal6/21/2007
  Q: I had a root canal done on #30.(about 3 weeks ago) The Endo. said the root was calcified so it ...
  A: I understand, but please try the test for yourself...see if it is really coming from #30.....only ...
Cold sensitivity after Root Canal6/21/2007
  Q: I had a root canal done on #30.(about 3 weeks ago) The Endo. said the root was calcified so it ...
  A: Sorry you are having this problem. Unfortunately, I think I have bad news for you.....you are ...
questions about root canal6/20/2007
  Q: About six weeks ago, I had two cavities filled on my back molars; according to my dentist they were ...
  A: Sorry you are going through all this. When you feel cold in a tooth, that is a sign that the tooth ...
Face pain after root canal6/20/2007
  Q: Backlund, You've answered several questions for me before, thank you very much for that. After ...
  A: I would agree with your dentist. Sometimes the tendency is to overtreat in trying to get rid of all ...
Can you chew on root fracture if you had one?6/20/2007
  Q: If one has an undetected, or suspected root fracture unseen by xrays on #30 of a crowned/rootcanaled ...
  A: Your pain could certainly be coming from your TMJ. Like I said, I don't think your fever and ...
Can you chew on root fracture if you had one?6/19/2007
  Q: If one has an undetected, or suspected root fracture unseen by xrays on #30 of a crowned/rootcanaled ...
  A: To answer your question...it all depends. Some root fractures are so slight, that there are ...
how long to do perm filling after root canal?6/19/2007
  Q: At my dentist's advice (and yours), I had a root canal done on #9 by an endo which had internal ...
  A: I bet you're glad this is almost behind you. Glad to hear the root canal came out well. As long as ...
Severe - I mean severe - post root canal pain6/19/2007
  Q: I have been reading what I now consider to be false propaganda on the Internet that it is a myth ...
  A: Glad to hear things are stabilized...I suspect you are over the worse and will slowly improve from ...
2nd Molar root tips in sinus cavity6/18/2007
  Q: Is it common to have a patient with the 2nd molar root tips in the sinus cavity? I ask that because ...
  A: It is not common, but it does happen, that a 2nd molar will have it's root tips in the sinus. If ...
Severe - I mean severe - post root canal pain6/17/2007
  Q: I have been reading what I now consider to be false propaganda on the Internet that it is a myth ...
  A: At this point, I would stay with the care of your endodontist....he/she is doing the right things. ...
Root canal re-treat6/17/2007
  Q: I have a "stupid" question. I had a root canal done on a lower right back molar (either #18 or19?) ...
  A: WOW....sounds like you have been through it!!! I don't blame you for being a little "gun shy". Let ...
Severe - I mean severe - post root canal pain6/16/2007
  Q: I have been reading what I now consider to be false propaganda on the Internet that it is a myth ...
  A: Sorry to hear you are having all these problems. Let me try to answer your 3 questions... 1) NO.... ...
Problem with tooth for a year6/15/2007
  Q: Dr. Backlund...I'll try to not make this too long but still explain where I am at. I have had ...
  A: You're welcome! If you were my patient, I would put you back on Amoxicillin 500 mg every 6 hours for ...
Problem with tooth for a year6/14/2007
  Q: Dr. Backlund...I'll try to not make this too long but still explain where I am at. I have had ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're going through all this. It is difficult for me to really help here since I ...
numbness in tooth after apico6/14/2007
  Q: I had an apicoectomy on a front tooth two months ago due to a bad infection on a tooth that's had ...
  A: With a cyst as large as you describe, it is not unusual for the nerve supply to be disrupted in the ...
Face pain after root canal6/14/2007
  Q: Backlund, I asked you a question before which you really helped me with, so I'm hoping you have an ...
  A: You're not taking my time...I volunteer here to try to help folks out... When a root canal is done ...
Face pain after root canal6/14/2007
  Q: Backlund, I asked you a question before which you really helped me with, so I'm hoping you have an ...
  A: Glad to hear you're doing somewhat better..hopefully this is the beginning of the end of your ...
RCT without a crown6/14/2007
  Q: Bad experience. Went in because I was told I need my silver fillings replaced. #30 tooth (first ...
  A: I think you have reason to be concerned. In our office, we suggest crowns on ALL back teeth to ...
Decay under Crown6/11/2007
  Q: I had a root canal on a cracked tooth (cracked due to a cavity) back around 2000 when I was 19 yrs ...
  A: Good for you to question the advice you were given. I think you have reason to worry. Decay doesn't ...
Toothache in filled tooth6/11/2007
  Q: To whom it may concern I had a white filling put in my last molar tooth, top right side November ...
  A: It sounds to me like you need to get a definitive diagnosis of what your problem is and then you can ...
root canal and swollen cheek6/11/2007
  Q: I had my root canal two weeks ago- I thought it was normal to have swelling ( not pain-more ...
  A: usually when you start on antibiotics, it takes 24-48 hours before they start to work. When the ...
2 questions6/10/2007
  Q: Backlund thanks for taking the time to read my questions concerning endodontics. My first question ...
  A: It sounds like you have two very complicated situations. It is really hard for me to help much here ...
rootcanal crown paiin6/10/2007
  Q: I went to a the dentist for gum pain..he said my bone was receding and I would need a crown to save ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have gone through all this. It sounds like you are making a good decision to ...
Pain and swelling after temporary crowns6/8/2007
  Q: I recently had two temporary crowns done (rear molar and tooth next to it)4 days ago. I have been in ...
  A: WOW...you have been through it!!! Sounds like you are at least somewhat better...let's see if I can ...
RCT6/8/2007
  Q: for your reply.Yes i have begun on the RCT since yesterday.I would like to know the advantages and ...
  A: The main difference is silver is a bit stronger, but the real difference is looks. On a back tooth, ...
abcess tooth6/8/2007
  Q: I had what I think was a tooth abcess next to a tooth that has had a rooth canal. The tooth and gum ...
  A: Unfortunately, pain & swelling is "Mother Nature's" way of telling us something is not right. These ...
which filling material & crown and post required or not6/7/2007
  Q: i had written to you earlier in the day about the root canal treatment advised by my dentist on my ...
  A: I read both your questions and I'll try to answer your concerns here...then I will call the other ...
Redoing a Root Canal6/6/2007
  Q: I have to have a root canal done due to failure. My endodontist has indicated that he will redo the ...
  A: When a crowned tooth needs a root canal, the most common method is to drill through the existing ...
Root Canal/Prosthodontic Work for tooth with BONE LOSS6/6/2007
  Q: , I had a cavity filled in a rear, lower-right molar (2nd from the rear) about a year ago. The ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your problem. Thanks for the compliment also..... Let's see is I can address ...
root canal6/5/2007
  Q: But its just his associate who are doing the RCT for me i already have 3 sessions and they want me ...
  A: No problem taking my time...that's why I volunteer! There is no problem waiting for the apicoectomy ...
root canal abscess5/27/2007
  Q: I had a root canal performed approx. 4-5 years ago. The tooth started causing problems and my ...
  A: What has happened is that the pressure has caused to abscess to penetrate through the bone so now ...
Pain after root canal5/27/2007
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal treatment on a tooth that had already had a root canal about 20 years ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're going through all this. let me take each of your questions one by one and see ...
root canal abscess5/26/2007
  Q: I had a root canal performed approx. 4-5 years ago. The tooth started causing problems and my ...
  A: Sorry to hear your root canal may be failing. The real issue here, I think, is your comfort. If you ...
root canal infection?5/26/2007
  Q: Well its me again ,lol, the past couple of days I have had increasing pressure/soreness along the ...
  A: The infection is based on the fact that you have an abscessed tooth that has been partially treated. ...
root canal5/25/2007
  Q: Dr gary I have been having problems with one of my back teeth for some time. I recently visted my ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear all this is going on. When a root canal is done, what we normally see is that the ...
root canal5/23/2007
  Q: Sorry to bother you again but I had the root canal done on tooth #14 yesterday the endodontist ...
  A: Glad to hear things are going well....you'll be able to enjoy that cruise yet! Using Listerine is ...
severe jaw pain after root canel5/21/2007
  Q: On Friday I had to get an emergency root canal. I believe it was my canine tooth (the third one from ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're going through this. I would guess that you do, indeed, have an acute infection. ...
post root canal pain5/16/2007
  Q: I was wondering if you could advise me. I had RCT on a front tooth last Aug. I haven't had many ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're having this problem. Unfortunately. anytime you have dental pain, and ...
root canal5/15/2007
  Q: I saw my dentist today and he took out an old filling the filling was very wide and he then told me ...
  A: What you were told seems reasonable. The first step is designed to get you comfortable so you can ...
root canal failure options5/15/2007
  Q: I had root canals done on 2 molars 6 years ago. These were done by an Endontist, one that came ...
  A: When things go bad, they can go really bad...that's why root canals get their bad name. The level of ...
root canal failure options5/14/2007
  Q: I had root canals done on 2 molars 6 years ago. These were done by an Endontist, one that came ...
  A: WOW....you are going through it! I'm sorry to hear you're having all this going on. Let me say to ...
static internal resorption but gum pimple5/11/2007
  Q: My front tooth #9, shows some internal resorption, but unchanged in the last ~25 years x-rays. 2 ...
  A: First, crown vs. veneer is an esthetic issue really... veneers do not strengthen at all as they are ...
static internal resorption but gum pimple5/10/2007
  Q: My front tooth #9, shows some internal resorption, but unchanged in the last ~25 years x-rays. 2 ...
  A: Glad I could help. Let me try to answer these questions... 1. Since you are not an emergency, you ...
static internal resorption but gum pimple5/10/2007
  Q: My front tooth #9, shows some internal resorption, but unchanged in the last ~25 years x-rays. 2 ...
  A: When a tooth has "died", the only alternative to a root canal is extraction. There is no other way ...
healing after apicectomy5/9/2007
  Q: I recently had an apicectomy on one of my front teeth as I had a cyst/infection develop after RCT ...
  A: You may have answered your own question...*S*.... It is not unusual for a residual "awareness" after ...
completed & still infected root canal5/9/2007
  Q: I have recently had a root canal and the procedure is finished except for the crown, however the ...
  A: Sorry to hear you are having these problems. Let me start with the easy answers.....the antibiotics ...
ongoing dental pain5/9/2007
  Q: I have had dental pain for over a year in tooth # 3. tooth # 4 has been extracted. A bridge was put ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're going through all this. let me try to answer each of your questions as best I ...
root canal pain5/7/2007
  Q: I had a root canal done on an upper left molar about 4 years ago. Everything was fine until about ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're having this problem. It is difficult for me to know for sure what is going on ...
Sinus vs. Dental Pain5/7/2007
  Q: Dr. Backlund, I am having pain (feels like pressure) in teeth #'s 13-15. The pain tends to be the ...
  A: It is certainly possible that your sinus could cause problems with teeth # 13-15. In some people, ...
temp cap fell off5/6/2007
  Q: I just had a root canal and had a temporary cap put on. Three days later it just fell off. I am on ...
  A: Terrible timing, huh. I don't think using toothpaste will help much...it doesn't have much sticking ...
Should I expect pain after my 4th root canal?4/13/2007
  Q: Backlund, I've had 3 root canals and am expecting to have another one next week. Of the first three, ...
  A: Sorry to hear you are having all these root canals. I can understand your worry with the bad ...
how is a failed root canal determined?4/13/2007
  Q: When a tooth has had a root canal and has been permanently restored, if it is still causing ...
  A: You ask a great question! The truth is the symptoms can be very similar....pressure sensitive to ...
Antibiotics and root canal4/13/2007
  Q: My endodontist said I need a root canal. I was experiencing a lot of pain and I thought it was from ...
  A: Glad to hear you're doing better. The simple answer to your question is that is ALWAYS necessary to ...
Root canals4/12/2007
  Q: My dentist has advised me that I have a lower back Molar and Molar that need to come out. He ...
  A: It is difficult for me to give you good advice without an examination and xrays. However, you are ...
Several root canals4/12/2007
  Q: I have had a lot of dental work done on my teeth but never a root canal until 6 months ago. Now I ...
  A: Since I can't examine you or know your detailed dental history, I can only share a few general ...
3 yr old tooth extraction....4/11/2007
  Q: my son is 3 yrs old and he has an abcess on his left front tooth possibly due to a nerve dying. The ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your son is going through this. I'm a bit confused. If they are doing a baby root ...
Root canal4/10/2007
  Q: I had root canal done on one of my back teeth and then had it filled but since then the filling fell ...
  A: Since I can't examine you, it's hard for me to really say what could be going on. However, if 1/2 ...
external resorption repair4/9/2007
  Q: Is there a way to repair and restore an area of external resorption? My tooth #23 had an area of ...
  A: You're welcome...glad I can help! Resorption is a tough thing to deal with. It is caused by a ...
external resorption repair4/9/2007
  Q: Is there a way to repair and restore an area of external resorption? My tooth #23 had an area of ...
  A: External is where the process "eats" away on the exterior of the root. Internal is where it occurs ...
Root canal lower left, last molar4/9/2007
  Q: I have had a recent root canal right side lower. I had pain following the procedure and a stiff ...
  A: In general, it is always best to save your teeth. If you start at a young age extracting them, you ...
external resorption repair4/9/2007
  Q: Is there a way to repair and restore an area of external resorption? My tooth #23 had an area of ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with external resorption. As you have found out, that is a tough ...
apicoectomy4/7/2007
  Q: I have had chronic (approx. once/year) swelling of my upper lip and area on the side of my nose, ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're having this problem. Actually, the specialist you should see is an endodontist. ...
Temp Crown for 6 months.4/6/2007
  Q: My endodontist wants to remove a molar crown, do the root canal, then replace the SAME temporary ...
  A: I not sure what type of temporary crown you are talking about, but in most cases a well made ...
Pain after root canal procedure - no crown4/5/2007
  Q: A couple of years ago, I had the first two parts of a root canal procedure done on the last lower ...
  A: First, you won't suffocate. The chances are 1,000,000 to 1. We just don't see this happening. If ...
Swelling after root canal4/5/2007
  Q: 4 days ago and the day after the procedure there was little swelling and pain, but yesterday the ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're having this problem. Unfortunately, it is not too unusual. Often if there are ...
Endodontist vs. General Dentist4/4/2007
  Q: I noticed that most general dentists will refer a patient to an endodontist for a root canal, but my ...
  A: You ask a great question. basically, all dentists are trained to do root canals. How well they do ...
Pain after root canal procedure - no crown4/4/2007
  Q: A couple of years ago, I had the first two parts of a root canal procedure done on the last lower ...
  A: While I can't examine you, it sounds like you have the options pretty well narrowed down. There ...
root canaled capped tooth4/4/2007
  Q: I am having severe pain in one of my 8 root canalled front teeth. the second one in beside the ...
  A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. First, don't worry about a chain reaction...that simply doesn't ...
Pain in # 8 After RCT4/3/2007
  Q: I had RCT on tooth #8 4 months ago, and then a post and core and crown placed on the tooth. ...
  A: If an apico is needed, the way they are done actually removes very little of the root length. A ...
Root canal filling4/3/2007
  Q: i had root canal filling 8 days ago and my lower left lip and part of my chin has gone numb, My ...
  A: From what you tell me, I would guess that you will be fine. When you have swelling like you did, it ...
Pain in # 8 After RCT4/2/2007
  Q: I had RCT on tooth #8 4 months ago, and then a post and core and crown placed on the tooth. ...
  A: You are exactly right. It could be bruxism or a problem with the root canal. I would suggest that ...
Root canal filling4/2/2007
  Q: i had root canal filling 8 days ago and my lower left lip and part of my chin has gone numb, My ...
  A: I need to ask you if you have any swelling or infection still present with the tooth and also, where ...
Pain in # 8 After RCT4/2/2007
  Q: I had RCT on tooth #8 4 months ago, and then a post and core and crown placed on the tooth. ...
  A: You are asking very good questions! You obviously know a lot about what has been going on in your ...
Root Canal + Crown4/1/2007
  Q: my story is a bit complicated so please bear with me. I got my root canal 4 months ago, when I first ...
  A: Unfortunately, this is one of the limitations of the internet. Without an examination and xrays, it ...
endodontist's assistant4/1/2007
  Q: I have seen my endodontist once a week now for 3 weeks to monitor whether or not I need to have a ...
  A: Well, you ask a good question...really with a couple of answers. First, most endodontic assistants ...
Redoing a Root Canal3/31/2007
  Q: I received a root canal about a year ago from an endodontist that came recommended by my former ...
  A: Without knowing your dentist, it is really difficult for me to tell you whether you are getting the ...
Dying tooth3/26/2007
  Q: How long does it take a tooth to die and cause an infection? This would be on a tooth that was ...
  A: There is no real time frame for this to occur. It varies wildly depending on the tooth and the ...
Pain from old root canal3/25/2007
  Q: I had a root canal done to a molar in 1979. It is now hurting incessantly. Since there's no "hole" ...
  A: Unfortunately, there is really no easy "fix" for situations like this. It sounds like your root ...
Root Canal3/25/2007
  Q: Today my dentist just pulled out my right bottom wisdom tooth because it was impacted and grew ...
  A: Sorry to hear you have this complication. First, let me assure you that root canals are standard ...
Oral Sedation and RCT3/22/2007
  Q: I never seem to get totally numb when my dentist works on my back teeth and I am going to go for a ...
  A: Oral sedation is a great addition in situations like this. I would suggest that you find an ...
root canal3/22/2007
  Q: I need a root canal done but cant have novacaine is it possible to go to an oral surgeon and be put ...
  A: Usually there are ways to resolve this, but this is a huge issue in a lot of ways. What keeps you ...
root canal/sinus perforation3/21/2007
  Q: can a root canal cause a sinus perforation? I normally suffer from sinus issues and had a ...
  A: It is absolutely possible that the roots of tooth #2 are in the sinus. What you are describing to me ...
root canal, thyroid, and tinnitus3/20/2007
  Q: I have a root canal that needs to be redone on left molar. I also have tinnitus in the right ear, ...
  A: Your tinnitus is on the other side from the root canal, so there would not be any correlation ...
Tooth pain3/20/2007
  Q: My name is Ryan Zembower and i have had pain on the upper left side of my teeth for about 6 months ...
  A: You are doing all the right things. I doubt you have a sinus infection because normally, 2 weeks of ...
Tooth pain3/19/2007
  Q: My name is Ryan Zembower and i have had pain on the upper left side of my teeth for about 6 months ...
  A: I suspect that you are dealing with referred pain form some area in your mouth. That is why it is ...
Root Canal Overfill3/19/2007
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal on tooth #5 a little over a week ago. At the time I had it done, I was ...
  A: WOW....you are really going through it! Let me start with the easy part. If a tooth is overfilled, ...
post root canal3/12/2007
  Q: I had a root canal done recently on my furthest bottom molar due to it being broken down and ...
  A: Having some residual tenderness is not unusual. The real question is why. If the 2nd root canal has ...
Cracked Tooth3/8/2007
  Q: If the crack was in the root area would a RC and crown still save it?When you are doing a root ...
  A: A root canal and crown will usually not help a cracked root. In almost all case, that is an ...
Cracked Tooth3/8/2007
  Q: When you are doing a root canal, how often do you actually see the crack? What determines if ...
  A: Actually, it is very rare to see a crack...even with a microscope. If the crack is visible, it often ...
Decision: Extraction or Root Canal3/7/2007
  Q: Top right #3 tooth, which had a substantial filling in it, has been broken for several years. There ...
  A: In general, I never recommend a tooth to be extracted when there is a way to save it, but in many ...
Root Canal3/6/2007
  Q: Backlund, Ok, so I wrote to you in the past about my left front eye tooth that needed a root canal ...
  A: Good for you! I think you are making a great decision. I know it is hard to face all this, ...
Determination3/6/2007
  Q: How does an endodontist determine whether a tooth needs a root canal if there is no sign in the xray ...
  A: In our office, we also use pulp testing....which tests to see if there is nerve supply in the tooth. ...
root canal3/6/2007
  Q: Backlund, I have a tooth (with crown) that has been sensitive to pressure for some time now. It ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're having this problem. Teeth like yours can be very difficult to tell you what to ...
root canal3/4/2007
  Q: Backlund, I had a root canal done several years ago and although the tooth was prepped for a ...
  A: The only problem might be that without a crown...I assume you have a temporary crown on....that it ...
infection under dental bridgework3/3/2007
  Q: My husband´s dentist says that there is an infection (he has taken an X-ray) in the root canal. ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear your husband is going through this. Usually, when the tooth becomes abscessed like ...
root canal3/2/2007
  Q: I was wondering if a person can get sick from a root canal. A week ago yesterday I had to return to ...
  A: There are NO stupid questions and I'm sure you're wondering why you are sick and when you're going ...
5 1/2 yr old daughter's teeth3/1/2007
  Q: My daughter currently has 5 molar cavities that are not painful yet. I was told by our dentist that ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you & your daughter are going through this. Unfortunately, there is no inexpensive ...
childrens broken teeth2/28/2007
  Q: 1). What is it about milk that preserves a broken tooth? would it be the natural bacteria or the ...
  A: Good question...it's not so much that it preserves the tooth, but rather that it is a neutral medium ...
Constant nerve pain2/26/2007
  Q: I am no stranger to root canals, and was told by my dentist that my nerves are high in my teeth. ...
  A: WOW...sounds like you really are no stranger to root canals. I'm sorry you're having problems again. ...
Root Canal2/25/2007
  Q: I had a root canal on Friday, which didn't hurt one bit. My question is, the tooth I had the ...
  A: What is going on is that the infection is still present and the drainage is what is keeping you from ...
Root Canal for a 2 1/2 year old2/22/2007
  Q: My daughter is 2 1/2 and has a void in tooth B they said cap and root canal is this common in her ...
  A: I know it can be worrisome when you find out this type of problem in your child who is so young, but ...
root canal after 3 years of a crown2/21/2007
  Q: I'm going to have my dentist look at it before seeing an endo dontics, thanks. Now, my toothache ...
  A: Increasing pain is never normal. Unfortunately, without an examination I can't tell you why this is, ...
I'm not sure what to do!2/20/2007
  Q: Backlund, I'm sorry, I had one additional question that I forgot to ask. My primary dentist stated ...
  A: You're not bothering me...that's why I volunteer here. Often crowns are not necessary on front ...
I'm not sure what to do!2/20/2007
  Q: Backlund, I hope you can give me some insight on some options for a tooth that needs a root canal. ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear you have gone through all this. WOW...no wonder you're apprehensive! let me try to ...
root canal after 3 years of a crown2/19/2007
  Q: I just went to see my dentist this weekend. He said my gum there had 6 mm pocket because the ...
  A: First the easy answer....it is MUCH easier to do a good root canal after the tooth has been crown ...
Root Canal Pain2/19/2007
  Q: I am planning on getting an appointment with my dentist ASAP. Will he charge me for the follow up ...
  A: I can only speak for my office, as each office handles these things differently. We NEVER charge for ...
Root Canal Pain2/19/2007
  Q: "I had a root canal done on February 13 and five days later, I still have pain. I am always thirsty ...
  A: NO...this is not normal. Usually after a root canal, the tooth will be sensitive for a day or two, ...
root canal after 3 years of a crown2/16/2007
  Q: For the symptoms I descried to you, should I go directly to an endodontist or see regular dentist ...
  A: If I were you, I would go to your general dentist first. From what you have told me, it sounds like ...
root canal after 3 years of a crown2/15/2007
  Q: I had my crown done on a lower left molar without root canal 3 years ago. The third day of waiting ...
  A: Your English is fine! Thanks for writing. If you want an endodontist to do your root canal, you ...
half-completed ROOT CANAL2/13/2007
  Q: I had lost the filling in my lower left molar almost half a year ago. Several days ago, due to ...
  A: Sorry to hear all this is going on. I would guess that what is happening is you have developed an ...
front tooth root canal question2/8/2007
  Q: Dr. Backlund, My son's new dentist says he has to have a root canal on one of his two upper front ...
  A: The reason a root canal is done is to remove infected tissue inside the tooth to prevent an abscess ...
teeth knocked out2/6/2007
  Q: my son recently had his two front teeth knocked out. They were reincerted within 1 hour, stored in ...
  A: I'm really sorry to hear about your son....that is VERY traumatic to all involved. To answer your ...
pain after root canal2/2/2007
  Q: I had a root canal done on Tuesday and up until today(friday) it had ached , but now it is sore to ...
  A: Sorry to hear this is going on. What you are experiencing is unfortunately a fairly common post ...
Post root canal question/concern?2/1/2007
  Q: I had a root canal yesterday and the pain I am in today is severe. I had a previous root canal ...
  A: Your not crazy!!!! Unfortunately, when a root canal has this kind of post op problems, it almost ...
baby root canal2/1/2007
  Q: We have 3 yrs and 5 months old daughter, We have visited 2 pediatric dentist and the results are the ...
  A: In the hands of a pedodontist, root canals on baby teeth are simple and not traumatic for the child. ...
root canal - pain with permanent cap1/30/2007
  Q: Three days ago I had a permanent cap put in place, after a root canal and temporary cap from three ...
  A: When a crown is made, the lab puts some grooves and bumps on the biting surface of the tooth to ...
root canal - pain with permanent cap1/29/2007
  Q: Three days ago I had a permanent cap put in place, after a root canal and temporary cap from three ...
  A: Usually when this situation occurs, it not really a poor fit of the crown, but certainly the bite ...
Apicoectomy1/28/2007
  Q: I am scheduled to have an apicoectomy in two weeks with an oral surgeon who I felt was knowledgable ...
  A: Since I don't practice in your area, it is hard for me to really be a good judge of who does the ...
Apicoectomy1/28/2007
  Q: Could you recommend a good endodontist in Manhattan? Thanks MitchHi- I had root canel treatment ...
  A: Sorry but I practice outside Seattle, WA and really don't know any of the East Coast endodontist. ...
Apicoectomy1/28/2007
  Q: I had root canel treatment more then thirty years ago on my front tooth. A few years later I needed ...
  A: Sorry to hear this is happening. Unfortunately, there is no way to redo the root canal unless you ...
Pain after root canal1/27/2007
  Q: I had a root canal on a lower molar months ago. The pain on biting persists. No pain other than on ...
  A: Sorry your going through all this. First, I think there is a bit of a misunderstanding. The roots of ...
Pain after root canel1/25/2007
  Q: I had a root canel on one of my upper right molars two days ago. My previous pain has been reduced, ...
  A: Usually a tooth that has had a root canal can be tender for 2-3 days after treatment, but it ...
Root Canal/Crown1/24/2007
  Q: I just wanted to let you know that they cancelled my appt that was for Dec 20 because the ...
  A: Sounds like you are getting good advice and treatment. After all you have been through, it can take ...
tooth pain during flyin g1/24/2007
  Q: I have not been on an aeroplane for 6 years due to excrutiating pain. The pain I can best describe ...
  A: Good morning Mrs. Price, I'm sorry to hear you are having this problem. It is quite rare and is ...
Pain with cold/hot water/food1/22/2007
  Q: So, how could a crack be detected? I heard it could not be detected through x-ray.. is it true? ...
  A: You're absolutely right, Charles, you can see a crack on an xray. Usually the best way is to bite on ...
teeth1/22/2007
  Q: I have a problem but this is only sometimes. My tooth on the left bottom side hurts everyonce in a ...
  A: Anytime you have pain, even if it's temporary, something is not right. That's Mother nature's way of ...
Pain with cold/hot water/food1/21/2007
  Q: There is pain in the lower second molar(have been patched long time ago) whenever I bite hard stuffs ...
  A: WOW...sounds like you have really gone through it. Basically it sounds like you have an inflamed ...
root canal and wisdom tooth1/21/2007
  Q: To start with (no offense) I hate dentist, to give you some background: The second to last dentist I ...
  A: Sorry you're having this problem. Unfortunately, it is not possible for the wisdom tooth to push the ...
RE: Calcified root1/20/2007
  Q: I had two endos. look at my #7? (Canine) tooth recently. They both determined the tooth was dead ...
  A: Let's deal with each question...first, do you need a root canal....unfortunately, without an ...
Root canal not working1/20/2007
  Q: I had a root canal last year and it still hurts...Here is a description of the problem.. 1. first ...
  A: WOW...sounds like you are going through it! First the disclaimer....without xrays and an ...
root resorption1/19/2007
  Q: I am scheduled to see a endodonist on Monday for root canal consultation. I was told by my dentist ...
  A: Sorry to hear you're having this problem. The most common reason for resorption is trauma to the ...
Pain after root canal treatment12/22/2006
  Q: wha