root canal explosion
 

I had a root canal done and my general dentist informed my when he did the build up for the crown that the material used in the root came out the bottom and might cause an infection. This might require surgery to remove the extra material. Has this happened to anyone else?

Hello and Welcome
 

Hello LoriBell and WELCOME to NeuroTalk!

Here is a link that may be of help to you...

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/im...allink_ltr.gif Dentistry & Dental Issues
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum89.html

Please feel free to roam around all of the forums and join in any where.

If you have any questions or need any assistance please do not hesitate to ask. Someone will always be around shortly to help in any way that we are able.

I look forward to seeing you around the board.
:)
Abbie

Hello & Welcome!!
 

LoriBell,

Happy to see you have come to be with us. As you can see we have a great number and caring fellow members here, just let us know how we can assist, you will see we are are supportive and relaxing place. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Looks like Abbie has gotten you started. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. Happy Holidays to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene :hug:

Hi LoriBell!
 

It's great to have you here at NT!

The Dental forum that Abbie pointed you to is fantastic.
I've learned more from that forum than I have from my own dentist! :)

I hope you can get your tooth taken care of with minimal invasive procedure.

Caring,
Rae
:hug:

Hi, LoriBell:

I had a similar problem with the second tooth of my upper jaw, second tooth starting from the right side of my upper jaw. A root canal was done on this tooth and later, as my dentist was doing the crown to protect this tooth, the tooth on which the root canal was done broke off in several pieces. He did not tell me why this occurred despite my asking again and again. All he did was prescribe some antibiotic tablets for me. After his refusing to give me explanations on why this happened, I decided to change dentist. The new dentist told me the first dentist had done such a poor job that he (the new dentist) had no other choice than to remove the remains of this tooth. Result: I have NO tooth there anymore. Other result: I need a bridge (a new tooth to replace the missing one, with a crown to protect it, as well as two crowns to protect the two teeth next to the missing one). Unfortunately, I cannot afford this work (at least U.S. $ 3,000, if not more). I hope all will go well for you and your problem will be solved without much damage to your tooth.

Hi Lori Bell,

Welcome to Neurotalk!

I am in the dental field for many years as a chairside assistant. Most of my posts are on the dental forum ... if you are interested in seeing some of the conversations there.

Just to clarify what your dentist was trying to inform you of and to also inform you of the risks of what has occured....

A build up on a tooth is made from a composite material that is put on in layers on top of the piece of tooth that is sticking out of the gum. When it's done, it resembles the shape of a small tooth. This material does not go into the roots at all. The material he was referring to has to do with the root canal procedure and it is one of two materials..... #1) It could be the cement that was injected into the large canals inside of the roots and/or.... #2)It could be the filling material called gutta percha that is used to fill the large canals inside of the roots.

Here's what happens...
During the root canal procedure, the instruments called files/reamers are repetitively pushed in/out of the inside of the roots in an attempt to crush and remove the nerves located there. Sometimes a rotary file is used which serves the same purpose. During aggressive use of the files, or when a tooth is infected, it is easy to perforate the end of the root. Then when the cement and/or the gutta percha is pushed into these canals it is often pushed through this perforation into the jawbone. It can easily be seen on an xray.

The surgery he is talking about to remove the material in the bone is called an Apicoectomy. This procedure is rarely done anymore because it has NO positive effect on the tooth and in fact it can compromise the bone even further leaving you with more infection and because this procedure can irritate bundles of nerves within the bone it can cause other areas of referred pain. During this procedure, a drill is used to cut a window into the bone below the root of the tooth. Files (similar to root canal ones) are used to scrap out that material that was overshot through the root into the bone. The hole is patched up with a mercury filling or some similar type of material and the tissue is sutured closed.

When he mentioned a surgery might be needed he was forewarning you that this tooth is now compromised in spite of putting on the crown which only covers the top portion of the tooth above the gumline. This means that eventually this tooth may show signs of abcess, pain, mobility, deep pocketing in between the teeth on either side, jaw pain....... etc. He probably mentioned it in a casual manner, but in reality, this is not a good scenerio and the life expectancy of this tooth is guarded.

A lot of information to be given.... but it's only fair that you are properly informed of what has occurred because you do have the option at this point to forgo the crown and have the tooth extracted. This would avoid a costly problem in the future.

Hope you can speak with your dentist about your options and make your decision based on what you feel is in your best interest.

Bryanna

Hi Kitty,

So sorry you encountered this problem. It is a common one but a costly one, that's for sure.

It is typical for a root canaled tooth to break into pieces when it is drilled on because the root canal procedure severs the blood vessel that supplies nutrition to that tooth. So the tooth becomes very brittle and weak.

Is there any way your new dentist could work with you on the cost of the bridge? Perhaps he offers a financial plan through a company called Care Credit or Capitol One? Both of these companies will allow you to borrow money .... interest free.... for 12-18 months. Many healthcare offices offer these options through one of these companies. Just thought it was worth mentioning to you.

Take care,
Bryanna

Hi, Bryanna:

You are right; it is a costly, very costly problem because, not long after the dentist has repaired my tooth, it breaks again, even though I did not bite on hard food. I cannot afford to have this tooth, which is broken at the present time and has been broken for several months, repaired every time it breaks. I just wonder why dentists do not do a better job, by using fillings that do not break so easily and last years. When I was a child decades ago (I am now 37 years old), the tooth fillings lasted years and did not break easily. Now, all this has changed. Is it because dentists want us to come back again and again to have our tooth repaired so they earn more money than if we had come only one time because they did a good-quality tooth filling? It is the same thing with cars, for example. If car manufacturers make good-quality cars that last years, clients will not come back and buy a new car if their older car still works well. If car manufacturers, right from the beginning, made bad- or poor-quality cars that do not last long, clients will have to come back again and again to have their car repaired whenever it does not work and they will end up having to buy a new car.

Quote: "It is typical for a root canaled tooth to break into pieces when it is drilled on because the root canal procedure severs the blood vessel that supplies nutrition to that tooth. So the tooth becomes very brittle and weak."

I really did not know that. Thanks a lot for letting me know.

Quote: "Is there any way your new dentist could work with you on the cost of the bridge?"

My dentist agrees to do a credit for the bridge, but I do not see how a bridge could prevent fragile teeth from breaking again and again. Besides that, I only earn the minimum monthly wage (about U.S. $ 1,300). Every month, I spend at least U.S. $ 300 for my medications; I also have to count the primary care doctor's fees and the specialists fees, without forgetting the physical therapists fees, as well as the food, transportation, gas, electricity, water, rent... The minimum wage is not enough for me to live. Besides that, because of the financial crisis, I could lose my job tomorrow, who knows!?!?

Thanks for all your information.

Hi Kitty
 

I have a similar problem. Had two teeth removed, now I need a bridge. The tooth in front and in back need to be crowned, then the bridge put in etc. I can't afford it eithor! Quoted me $4,000. I am on medicare/medicaid. I think it a shame dental issues are so expensive it puts good care out of the reach of many people. Sorry you are going through this too. My empty space shows when I smile, and it makes me feel bad I can't do much about it. The teeth were pulled because I could not afford the gum surgery and three new crowns to the tune of $5,000. I am despondent over the whole mess. Sorry you are going through the money issues too. ginnie

Hi, ginnie:

The medical insurance I have is CPS (Caisse de Prévoyance Sociale), the French Polynesian public health system. It does not cover crowns or bridges, except for the people who work there, who are already over-privileged with their high salaries, including the cleaning people . The other people, including foreigners, who are lucky enough to be in France, can go to dentists' schools (the waiting list is extremely long) and have crowns and/or bridges done for a much cheaper price. Unfortunately, this is not where I am. So I have to live with this broken tooth, until other teeth, then other teeth, decide to break also. Than I can only eat baby foods or soft foods like mashed potatoes and yogurt, for example.

Quote: "I think it a shame dental issues are so expensive it puts good care out of the reach of many people."

This is even worse during celebrations like Birthdays, Father's or Mother's Days, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve Day, and January 1st celebrations. During these celebrations, the members of my family (parents, brother, sister-in-law, uncles, aunts, cousins, their husbands or wives, etc.) look at me with a murderous look in their eyes if I cannot afford to offer them an expensive gift or if they get a cheap gift. These members of my family are satisfied only when they get expensive gifts. The more expensive the gift a person offers, the more appreciated this person is. If some member in my family is poor (like me), this person will just have to accept being unappreciated because she is poor.

Quote: "The teeth were pulled because I could not afford the gum surgery and three new crowns to the tune of $5,000."

I hope that we and all the other persons who need it get the money we need. In my case, no one seems to understand I have a serious disease (generalized internal chronic RSD), whose treatment (maybe a cure) in Germany costs at least U.S. $ 50,000, not including treatments that have to be done in case of complications caused by this treatment, which is the inpatient RSD Ketamine Coma Procedure.

Oh Kitty....
 

I sure do hear you. I too am in that situation as you are. This issue of expensive gifts to your family should not happen. It isn't about gifts, or the expence of am item. They are making you feel worse than you already do, because you cannot afford the gifts. I can't eithor, but in my case the good souls I have in my life, just want me to be there, and don't care at all about the gift. The gift is getting together with each other. Your culture sounds like it is putting alot of pressure on you to do something you can't do. I am sorry you are going through this. I am poverty stricken too. My government took every dime I had from two generations, before I received any kind of help. I was forced to poverty after working 30 years. I am dealing with it, as I have friends who really do understand my family and finacial problems.
As for our teeth, we suffer. I feel lousy when I feel the big empty space in my mouth because I could not afford the dental care I needed. My first cervial fusion took priority, as did the second and 6 other surgeries. I know things are tuff for you too Kitty. Keep in touch with me. I am here to listen to you too. Maybe you should just tell those people who expect a big gift to back off, that their hearts are not in the right place. RSD is horrible to live with and they should show you compassion. ginnie

Hi Kitty
 

Thank God we can choose our friends. Family we are kind of stuck with. It is a sad commentary that your family wants expensive gifts in order for them to be satisfied. The whole world seems so material oriented these days. Is your whole country the "culture" bent on expensive gifts, or is it just your family?
Jesus wouldn't expect you to give an expensive gift when you could not afford it. In fact he would insist on no gift. Don't except the gifts from your family, if they are going to make you feel bad about what you can offer. Your health is more important than what they want from you. Medical costs everywhere are through the roof. I want you to know I care, I am sorry your family seeks earthly material goods at the cost of your feelings. Not everyone is that way. My family isn't like that. At least the part of the family who is still with me. I have some close friends, none of us exchange expensive things. We are all hurting financially, so it is not expected. We enjoy each other, and have a simple meal, no pressure, just joy. I really hope that your family will learn to be compassionate toward you, and under stand the true meaning of christmas, and all the other holidays. It is never about gifts. Take care Kitty, be good to yourself. I hope you have peace in your life over the holidays. I will be thinking of you. ginnie

Hi, ginnie:

Thank you so much for understanding my feelings. This morning, when I read both your messages, I felt so touched it brought tears to my eyes. There is nothing worse than being rejected by one's family because one is disabled, sick, and poor. I agree so much with you when you say it is not the gift or its cost that matter, but the presence and love this person can offer. Obviously, in my family, my presence is not desired, nor is my love wanted. I hear almost every day comments like: "When are you going to live us alone? Are we going to have to stand your presence for the rest of our lives? When are you leaving?..."

Quote: "They are making you feel worse than you already do, because you cannot afford the gifts."

This is why I hate celebrations like Birthdays, Father or Mother's Days, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve Day... I feel left out, rejected, hated, and criticized so much. My family thinks I am greedy, when I am just poor. They just forgot (and they want to forget) I have a health condition very expensive to control, called generalized internal chronic RSD. They prefer to say RSD is in my mind.

One thing that shocked me is when my mother offered to buy a U.S. $ 50,000 luxury SUV to my brother who is already rich (he earns at least between U.S. $ 4,000 and $ 5,000 every month) while, at the same time, refusing to give me the same U.S. $ 50,000 I must have to go to Germany to see Dr. Rohr for the inpatient RSD Ketamine Coma Procedure I really need to expect getting better someday (I earn a little less than U.S. $ 1,000 every month). My mother tells me something like: "What if this treatment is ineffective? What a waste of money!" but she does not tell my brother: "What if you wreck the luxury SUV? What a waste of money!" It is so easy to see who is loved most between me and my brother. No need to be a rocket scientist to see this.

Quote: "Your culture sounds like it is putting a lot of pressure on you to do something you can't do."

Not everybody in every family in the country in which I am gives more importance to the financial value of gifts. There are some families who care more about the money and mine is one of them.

I do not receive any kind of help from the French government or from the French Polynesian government. I remember reading an article in one French Polynesian newspaper mentioning that the French Polynesian goverment considers older people, disabled people, and poor people like a burden, even though most of these people do not receive any help.

Yes, our teeth suffer. I have to put off having my teeth treated, I have to put off having new eyeglasses done, I have to put off consulting a new endocrinologist for my thyroid problems, I have to put off buying a new functional knee brace for my RSD knee (result: more pain, but not more painkillers, because these happen to be narcotics and no doctors in French Polynesia like to increase narcotics dosage, even if it is necessary and even though there are Americans who are taking a much higher narcotics dosage than mine for the same health condition I have), I have to put off seeing a specialist to check if I have or not brain and/or breast cancer or tumor... all of this because I am poor. Someday, I will have to choose between rent, food, medical treatment, etc.

I am sorry for your tooth problem. To add to this, I know about priorities, choosing which body part will get medical care first, according to how much (little) money we have.

You are the kind of person everybody would want as a friend or family member, because you showed the true nature of your heart, full of love, compassion, caring, understanding...

Quote: "Maybe you should just tell those people who expect a big gift to back off, that their hearts are not in the right place. RSD is horrible to live with and they should show you compassion."

When I tell people who expect an expensive gift to back off, they bite my head off, telling me I have no gratitude in my heart and that I have a rock in place of my heart.

At "home", my only friend is (you are going to think I am nuts) my childhood pillow. Every time I am sad, I go to my bedroom and cry my eyes off on my childhood pillow until it gets so, so wet. I also feel I can confide (silently) to my childhood pillow when I need to get something out of my chest. I am not crazy; I just feel so, so lonely. My mother knows how much I love my childhood pillow. One day, she told me she would throw it away. Now, whenever I go out, I take my chilhood pillow with me so she cannot destroy it. Even though it might sound crazy to some, I love my childhood pillow and I know he loves me.

Re: childhod pillow
 

Your childhood pillow is stuffed with angels, quietly soothing your soul.
I would want to keep the angels close to me too. That comfort is important and I am glad you have that. I wish you had more, but apparantly your family just can't accept your RSD. I so hope you get to get out of the country to see a new physician. I respect you so much for still having a job and earing income. That is extra hard to do in pain. I have not heard of the treatment you are seeking. I know that I tried to find the best doctors I could too for m own medical issues. I hope that avenue opens up for you, that you can try this treatment. Many people on neuro talk, hope that new breakthroughs will happen for their medical situations.
In this country I have medicare/medicaid. I do thank God for it. I at least have the access to my doctors. It does not include dental, so my teeth take a back seat for repair. It took me 9 years to go back to the dentist, and boy I did have some problems....It does come down to what you can afford for the care we get. I really hope that the money will be spent on your RSD and not something to drive around in. Our lives are more important than a material possession. I will pray that your family will give you the same money so that you can get more help. I am sorry that your doctors do not provide enough pain medications. This counrty is in trouble with abuse of drugs by people not needing them. Therefor sometimes a physician will hold back what is needed. For the most part however,a good pain specialist is available and my doctor is compassionate to me. He has a wonderful personality, and I am blessed to have him in my life. I hope you can find this kind of doctor. I even sent my doctors Christmas Cards, to let them know I appreciate them being in my life. I am here kitty anytime you want to talk. I come back here to this neuro talk because of all the good souls I have met. There is friendship and great compassion. I will be thinking of you. ginie

Re: question
 

Hi Kitty, I was thinking of the money you need to get that treatment. Would you please tell me what the RSD Katimine Coma Procedure is.? You are on my mind today. ginnie