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Hi, Doctor. I Have Had Many Root Canals With No

Posted on Tue, 29 Oct 2019

Question: Hi, doctor. I have had many root canals with no issue but one year ago, had a root canal done on front tooth (#9) and problems. Constantly sensitive, heavy pressure. General dentist did root canal and admitted he overfilled it. Infection has been ruled out - antib. given. I know an endodontist can clean out the one canal in that tooth (retreatment) but can he reach the overfill to clean that out as well since my personal feeling is that is the issue with this pain and sensitivity I can't handle. I really would like to avoid apico or implant.

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Ask him to remove RCT filling or needs periradicular surgery

Detailed Answer:
Hi there

Thanks for writing in.

Overfilled RCT is one of the most common cause of failure of RCT. Best way is to keep a watch till it bothers you but as you have mentioned that it is giving you grief, hence it needs to be removed. Ask your Endodontist to remove your root filling and put MTA to promote healing. If he says it cannot be removed then you might have to think about periradicular surgeryl like Apicectomy or pull out the tooth.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Wishing you a good health

Thanks
Kind Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (2 hours later)

Hi, doctor. And thank you for your reply. Should I find an endodontist who will remove the root canal filling, would he be able to get it all, including the overfill that I believe went beyond the root tip.

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes thats the best way

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back to me.

He needs to check your xray and should be able to do that. But if its too far beyond apex then you might need surgery. The best way is to see an Endodontist and decide after the appointment.

Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

Thanks

Kind Regards
Dr Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (10 hours later)

Can't get in to see endo for 2 weeks - they are all booked up. Just a few follow up questions. What is MTA? If endo can remove overfill, what is put in that space - is it left open? Also, a general dentist once told me that overfill is sometimes absorbed by the body. Is overfill gutta percha or cement?

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
He can put MTA - used to fill that space

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back to me.

As mentioned earlier, it’s hard to say without xray that whether it can be removed completely or need surgery. MTA is used to fill that space and promote healing. Overfilled RCT has gutta percha and sealer, which will not be resorbed by body.

Hope I have answered your questions.

Thanks
Kind Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (2 hours later)

You did and thank u, you sound like an excellent doctor. Just two more questions. Is MTA a solid material he would put in the space? Also, since you are an oral surgeon and do apicos, as I understand it, I believe you cut the root tip of the tooth through the gum, not the tooth. While you're right there, do you ever remove the remainder of the canal filling during this surgery or just the root tip?

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MTA is a paste

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back to me.

MTA is a paste that helps in healing. Regarding apical surgery, its hard to explain in message. Sometimes root filling comes out but sometimes its hard to remove completely, really depends on case. The best way is to get it assessed by Endodontist.

Hope I have answered your questions.

Thanks
Kind Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MTA stands for Mineral trioxide aggregate

Detailed Answer:
Hi there

Thanks for getting back to me.

MTA is a biocompatible product that is non-resorbable and most commonly used for apicectomy. I have mentioned the full name so that you can search further.

Hope I have answered your questions

Thanks
Kind Regards
Dr Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (11 minutes later)

Doctor, very last question (I promise) until after I see an endodontist soon. Getting appointments around here in NJ is like pulling teeth (pardon the pun). Just need to know if endo uses that MTA that u say is a paste in the space where the overfill is, is it a paste that hardens over time, the body absorbs it, or something else? And is it a light material? I'm asking these questions not to be a pest but I have a tandem issue of some neuralgia in that area so need to be informed. Thanks so much.