Root Canal - Extraction of a recently root canaled tooth
 

I had a root canal on my last upper molar "27" if you will (last Thur). Today, I got a permanent filling on it.

This tooth is on the left side of my face.

As I write this, my left nostril is COMPLETELY plugged. When I hold my right nostril closed, I cannot breathe through my left nostril. When I hold my left nostril closed, my right nostril IS COMPLETELY, ASTONISHINGLY CLEAR.

I have no doubts that this is due to bacteria or whatever affecting my sinus emanating from a root canal that was not properly cleaned.

Can someone advise me on pulling a tooth after a root canal? I have no health issues of any kind, definitely no sinus issues, and I do not want this to become permanent - that would mean that I paid $1600 to give myself sinus issues.

depends on if you have infection going on . usually the dentist wants to clear that up before pulling a tooth .

Hi thanks. I was prescribed antibiotics by my dentist prior to the root canal, but I didn't take them.... So whatever infection was present at the time probably wasn't cleared out when the endodontist did the root canal.

When I went for my permanent filling, the dentist commented that it was a very well done root canal (the guy I went to is apparently the best in the area).

Anyway, that being said, and having read many things on this forum (which unfortunately, I found only a day before the root canal, and by then it was too late to say no...), I think I should get it extracted ... I'm just wondering about any possible complications?

Thanks!

Just curious as to how common sinus infections, etc., are after root canals ...

My left ear is also hurting (not constantly) but off and on (piercing in spurts). Feel like sneezing but don't (and mostly only from the left nostril, not the right ...) I rarely get colds so I'm pretty sure I'm not getting one now.

Hi PriMe,

Tooth #27 is a lower right canine. The last upper molar on the left is either #17 a wisdom tooth or #18 the second molar.

The closing of your nostril can be from inflammation due to the bacteria living in that area from the infected tooth. The dentist could have perforated the apex (end of the root) of the tooth during the rc procedure which would cause further inflammation and possible a sinus infection.

Antibiotics are not always prescribed for every rc procedure. They are prescribed prior to the procedure when the tooth is badly infected. So chances are the tooth was infected and the procedure exacerbated the situation.

As a side note..... it is irrelevant "who" performs a root canal procedure. There are no "magic" techniques or potions used to differentiate one rc procedure from another. Paying extra money for an endodontist does not mean the procedure will be done any differently. It just means that the endodontist has more experience as this is all he does all day long. The procedure itself is limited because there is no access to the countless microscopic canals which will continue to harbor dead nerve tissue. So an rc procedure renders the tooth nutritionally deprived, necrotic and chronically inflamed/infected. It is performed in an attempt for a patient to "retain" the tooth for an undetermined amount of time. It is not intended to "cure" an unhealthy tooth and make it well again.

Extracting the tooth means to remove the source of the problem. If the infection has spread to the bone and/or the sinus then they are issues that have to be treated after the removal of the tooth. They cannot be treated effectively while the tooth is still present as the tooth is the chronic source of the problem.

Because the rc was done so recently, you could ask for a refund of some of your money if you choose to have the tooth removed now. It is wise to discuss replacement options with your general dentist prior to extracting the tooth.

Bryanna

Thanks for the reply Bryanna! Do you think there is a different naming convention in Canada? Pretty sure they said #27 in reference to the last upper molar on the left side. (It's not a wisdom tooth, bc I had all 4 removed about 7 years ago.)

I've made an appointment with my dentist for next week. I'm going to see how my symptoms go, and then discuss with him my options for removal of the tooth.

Bryanna, just wondering - in your experience, is there anytime you would suggest NOT extracting? ie, do you ever think root canals are better than the alternative, or at least, not as harmful? Are some more stable than others? I find this a very fascinating subject - I've found several research articles looking into the presence of bacteria in RC teeth, and most studies suggest that the sterilization process does not clear tooth of much bacteria... My endodontist mentioned that he had had several RCs as a child due to a hockey accident...he still has all of them - I guess some people are less susceptible to complications than others?

Hi PriME,

The tooth numbering system may be different in Canada.

I can tell you without any hesitation that all root canaled teeth become chronically infected and that is due to the anatomy of the tooth and having no access to the tiny canals to remove the nerve tissue. It is also due to the fact that all teeth require blood as nutrition in order to remain healthy. During the rc procedure, the blood vessel that feeds the tooth is severed meaning the tooth is no longer fed nutrition. This process progresses into necrosis and ischemia in the surrounding bone and tissue of the tooth.,.... and beyond.

Healthy teeth that have been root canaled, meaning those that were traumatized but treated immediately with a rc procedure may have a longer "retainment" in the bone than those teeth that are already infected prior to the rc procedure. The reason being is due to the lack of pathology at the time of the root canal. However, as with all root canaled teeth, the necrosis will occur as I have explained above.

In the case of your dentist who had a hockey accident as a child and received several root canals... he may very well still have some of those teeth at this time. This is due in part to the fact that he was a child, the tooth may not have been fully formed yet AND there was no infection prior to the rc's. However, I would venture to say he has had those teeth re treated and/or had apicoectomies done. Neither of which "cure" the bacteria that is now residing inside those tiny canals.

Some people who have very healthy immune systems, no chronic health conditions, no chronic stress, eat very wholesomely and have impeccable dental health may "retain" their rc teeth without obvious symptoms longer than those in a different category. But the end result is unfortunately the same.... the teeth are what they are and there is no procedure to "cure" the problem.

Bryanna

Ugh, this is just SO ridiculous. How is possible for my nose to be STILL plugged ONLY and consistently in the left nostril?
I went back for an X-ray yesterday from the original dentist who referred me to the endodontist to get the root canal and he said there was no sign of infection around that tooth.

So could the cleaning of the canals during the root canal have led to infection into the sinuses? Like it's actually ridiculous how clear my right nostril is, in comparison to my left.

I guess I can continue breathing through my mouth until winter is over and people believe me when I say I don't have a cold ... I don't know if the removal of the tooth will help with the sinus though? I guess once that source of infection is gone..

simply unbelievable there may be potential hazards of root canals and the general public is completely blind to those assertions.

the medical field does not seem to think this is a relevant issue. however, the documentation seems to be very credible.

I realize losing a tooth is never what someone wants to hear,, but if it potentially jeopardizes health its a very easy decision.

seems like more organizations would get involved to make the public aware.

new to all this so not sure what to think. I too just had a root canal and kinda felt the same as far as too late to say no.

haven't had the root canal crowned yet and was considering retreatment with ozone therapy but that sounds like its no guarantee there either.


if I had known all this I would been flossing religiously.

How do you feel after it? Which tooth was it?

Both my brother and his wife have had root canals, and they don't have any issues after it, per se, so I don't really know...I mean, some people may just be more sensitive to changes in their body, I don't know.

PriME,

Just to bring some clarity to the topic of root canaled teeth......
Many, many thousands of people have root canaled teeth. Every single one of them has a chronic infection inside of their tooth. Whether they have symptoms or not is irrelevant as most dental problems do not show signs of a problem until it has progressed beyond the original problem. The nature of the chronic infection has nothing to do with someone being more sensitive to changes in their body. It is an anatomical issue pertaining to the tiny canals that are in every single tooth as well as a systemic (whole body) issue pertaining to the filtering of the bacteria in the blood moving through the blood vessels. No one is immune to either of those things.

An example of a similar analogy would be with people who smoke cigarettes. Some will develop lung cancer.... while others will not. But every single person who smokes cigarettes has some form of a lung deficiency and/or other respiratory issue due to the toxic chemicals in tobacco.

I truly wish infected teeth were salvageable.... but the fact of the matter is, they are not and the bacteria that resides in the tooth will eventually proliferate beyond the tooth. Every dentist is aware of this.... but it is their business to sell root canals just like a store owner being aware of the dangers of smoking who still sells cigarettes.

Bryanna

I feel okay. However, the research on the subject does concern me and it appears creditable.

The RC was done about a week ago and I am considering if I should have had the procedure performed with Ozone. I local dentist does perform the RC w Ozone treatment. I wonder if retreating the RC w the local dentist would make any difference in eliminating bacteria from dental tubins. Sounds impossible from the research I have observed. Thus making extraction the only effective remedy.

I have a titanium implant already and wondering what would be the best course of action there as well. Extraction would sounds as though it would be painful as would be the potential consequences.


Anyways great site and appreciate any feedback on this subject.

Was not aware there was a page 2 before I posted my previous comment. Still new.

Thank you for the post above. It is very clear you have ample knowledge on this subject.

If what I have read from various internet research on the subject, then a RC at this time does not cure the infection. That would also include Ozone therapy from reports ive reviewed.

I recently had this RC done last week and was hoping that maybe if it were done with Ozone it would eliminate the bacteria but appears it only last for about a year if that.

Would there be any purpose in having ozone therapy done at this time as a form of retreatment?

I have yet to have my permanent crown placed at this time and if I am going to retreat the RC w Ozone it would be best to complete asap.


Appreciate any feedback available.

Thank you

Hi agape,

Thank you for your kind words and glad that you find the information here helpful. I am in the dental field for 30+ years..... so yes, I am knowledgeable about this topic.

There is no access to the tiny canals within a tooth... they cannot be reached... and are not even visible to the eye. They will continue to harbor necrotic nerve tissue irrelevant of what procedure is done and irrelevant of what medicament is used to inject into the area.... including ozone.

Ozone has some therapeutic uses in dentistry and in medicine as it encourages the immune system to send healing cells to an injured or traumatized area of the body. However, it has no positive effect on the tooth itself and therefore cannot alter the necrosis occurring inside of the tooth. Because the bacteria is inflaming the tooth and the area surrounding the tooth, the affects of the ozone can actually create more inflammation/pressure to build up in the area that it is injected into. Ozone injections are risky and cannot provide long term relief from a problem that will continue to progress due to the nature of the problem.

Regarding your dental implant.... are you thinking of having that removed?

Bryanna

Thank you Bryanna for the info above.


At this time I am considering removal of the dental titanium implant. I had it placed approx. 5 years ago due to an injury sustained playing sports. I had no idea at that time any possible ramifications. I have several projects I am working on at this time and all of this is still very new to me in regards to dental issues. I am thankful to at least be aware of this info at this time.

A concern for me is that because I have had a RC that the implant could potentially be more prone to infection/bacteria. The teeth are beside one another. These are front teeth so removing them is a little more of a concern.

I have read up that ceramic implants are a possibility and that they are potentially less toxic to the immune system. I will certainly be considering removal of the impant and RC within the next 6 months. Financially at this time I cannot afford it. I presume this will also be a painful procedure and will want to seek out a qualified physician.


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My hope was since the RC was recently treated and the permanent crown has not been placed that I would potentially be able to "buy time" by having the RC retreated with Ozone while performing the RC. I have read the Ozone injections are dangerous from the various posts of members on this forum. The Ozone therapy completed during a RC sounded to be more safe and was hoping more effective at treating the bacteria. As studies have indicated, the best I can hope for if the RC was retreated with Ozone would be about a year before bacteria would set it once again.

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I also have a loved one who has been diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. The first surgery was not successful, therefore a second surgery was done to remove lymphnodes. Unfortunately there is Cancer that still remains and has not spread or grown larger. Since reviewing miscellaneous data on this subject of RC's I asked if they had ever had a RC and the answer was yes on a back molar that is not visible.

I realize that RC's detrimental effects are most commonly on the immune system. If this person were to have the RC removed would they be in danger of potentially making matters worse if the removal of the RC was done by a highly trained physician. I have read various reports that a RC that has been present for over ten years is a weaker tooth and therefore can break into several pieces during removal. If anything were to be left behind the infection could still be present. Would it be dangerous for the RC to be removed for this individual or would it be best to leave be.


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I want to thank you kindly in advance for any information you would have a moment to share.


Best Wishes

Ditto
 

I relate to your symptoms exactly. My right nostril is plugged after a root canal done 4 weeks ago. I went to 3 endos, an ENT and oral surgeon. The endos said the X-ray looks normal, cat scan shows minor sinus inflammation. The ENT prescribed drugs of course. The oral surg suggested an apio after an ENT's prognosis. Make a decision. You know intuitively what's best, not these glorified, ignorant Dr.'s. I plan on pulling the tooth after I consult again with my endo and oral surg.

Infection after Root Canal
 

I've learned a lot already from reading Bryanna's posts. I had an infected tooth under a bridge. When the root canal was finished, the endodontist said that the disinfectant he put in the canal "went right out." Because all of my pre-procedure symptoms have continued, I assume that (1) the infection is still there and also (2) that it may have spread because he perforated the apex. I have been on amoxycillin for 10 days and since the root canal on Vicodin. How long do I wait before I ask for an extraction? They seem unconcerned that I have more pain now than before.

Welcome lisamull. :Tip-Hat:

:Wave-Hello: Welcome Ploy.

Hi Ploy,

I am in the dental field and can offer you some information here.

I am going to re post some of your thread and reply in bold type.

<<My right nostril is plugged after a root canal done 4 weeks ago.>>

THIS SYMPTOM SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED. DID THE ENDO MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT PERFORATING THE APEX DURING THE RC PROCEDURE? IS THERE ANY CHANCE YOU COULD POST THE PRE AND POST OP X-RAYS HERE?

<< I went to 3 endos, an ENT and oral surgeon. The endos said the X-ray looks normal, cat scan shows minor sinus inflammation. >>

NOT UNUSUAL FOR SOMEONE TO SEE SEVERAL DENTISTS AND BE TOLD THE RC TOOTH LOOKS "NORMAL". THIS IS MAINLY BECAUSE IT IS "TYPICAL" TO SEE PATHOLOGY AROUND MOST RC TEETH. NORMAL IS JUST ANOTHER WAY OF SAYING TYPICAL OR COMMON.

<<The ENT prescribed drugs of course.>>

OF COURSE HE DID. HOWEVER THINK ABOUT THIS. HE SAYS THE XRAY LOOKS "NORMAL"... SO WHY THE ANTIBIOTICS???

<<The oral surg suggested an apio after an ENT's prognosis.>>

OF COURSE HE DID. BUT AGAIN... IF IT'S NORMAL WHY THE NEED TO DO AN APICO??

<< You know intuitively what's best, not these glorified, ignorant Dr.'s. I plan on pulling the tooth after I consult again with my endo and oral surg.>>

THE DENTISTS ARE GOING TO LEAVE THE DECISION UP TO YOU. THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT THE TOOTH IS INFECTED AND WILL REMAIN THAT WAY. THE ONLY WAY TO ATTEMPT TO CURE THE INFECTION IS TO REMOVE THE SOURCE OF INFECTION WHICH IS THE TOOTH. AN ORAL SURGEON SHOULD BE THE ONE TO REMOVE IT AND I WOULD REMIND HIM ABOUT YOUR PLUGGED NOSTRIL SO HE KNOWS TO DEBRIDE THE AREA THOROUGHLY AND CHECK FOR SINUS INVOLVEMENT.

Hope this information helps!

Hi lisamull,

Thanks for the kind words.

I am going to re post some of your thread and reply in bold type.

<<I had an infected tooth under a bridge. When the root canal was finished, the endodontist said that the disinfectant he put in the canal "went right out.">>

ROOT CANALS DO NOT MAKE AN INFECTED TOOTH HEALTHY AGAIN. THE TOOTH REMAINS INFECTED AND SOONER OR LATER THE BACTERIA SPREADS TO THE BONE, ADJACENT TEETH AND BEYOND. THE COMMENT BY THE ENDODONTIST ABOUT THE DISINFECTANT GOING RIGHT OUT.... THIS COULD MEAN THAT EITHER THE TOOTH WAS BADLY DECAYED OR FRACTURED OR HE PERFORATED THE TOOTH DURING THE RC PROCEDURE. MEANING THE DISINFECTANT WAS INJECTED BEYOND THE TOOTH. THIS IS NOT GOOD.

<<Because all of my pre-procedure symptoms have continued, I assume that (1) the infection is still there and also (2) that it may have spread because he perforated the apex>>

YES AND YES.

<<I have been on amoxycillin for 10 days and since the root canal on Vicodin. How long do I wait before I ask for an extraction?>>

IT IS BEST NOT TO WAIT AND YOU MAY NEED ANOTHER RX AFTER THE EXTRACTION.

<<They seem unconcerned that I have more pain now than before.>>
IT IS BEST TO SEE AN ORAL SURGEON TO HAVE THIS TOOTH REMOVED.

Hi!
Im back... 6 years later haha. My RC tooth cracked and I had it Extracted today. I don't think the dentist removed the PDL or anything... Should i find someone who will?

I don't think the tooth was infected but my jaw (to my ear) was very painful with the extraction and the dentist suggested I come back to check that out.