Taking Treatment For RCT. Unable To Reach Third Canal. Can It Be Left And Proceeded Further?

Posted on Sun, 8 Dec 2013

Question: Hi Dr. XXXXXXX I contacted you earlier also. You provided a suggestion to go for RCT and currently I am taking this treatment. I have a complication in my RCT. According to my dentist, she is not able to reach my third canal. It is totally blocked. She tried her best and did two sittings also but she is unable to reach there. The root is visible in XRay but not the canal. Finally she decided to drop that canal and proceed with the second sitting. I am very skeptical about this. Could you please help. Today evening I have another sitting for filling i.e. next stage of RCT. Waiting for your reply. Thanks again XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer: If its asymptomatic then complete your RCT. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Its nice to hear from you after so long. In RCT there may be calcified canal in some cases,if tooth is asymptomatic & canal is completely calcified then it can be left.But once the root canal is completed you should not go for immediate capping of tooth.Wait for at least 2 months,if it doesn't pain then go for capping. In case you have any sensitivity or pain in that tooth now,then consult endodontist. Don't panic,it will be fine. Follow the instructions & take proper medication. Wishing you good health Regards Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (13 minutes later)

Thanks Doctor for your immediate reply. According to my dentist, the canal is calcified. Though, she didn't suggest to wait for capping. She told me that in such kind of cases, in future, you may develop an infection in that canal; but that is a remote possibility. Should I ask her to wait for capping? Please suggest. Thanks again for your help. And sorry for panicking but instead of anesthesia my tooth pained a bit in RCT. So I got scared.

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Yes,wait 2 months for capping. Detailed Answer: If there is calcification then you can leave that canal but don't go for immediate capping.Ask her to wait for at least 2 months.So that if there is any problem it will be treated before capping. Slight pain while RCT is normal.Avoiding chewing from that side till your treatment completes. I am glad to answer your query & you are always welcome to consult any problem. Hope I answered your query. Wishing You Good Health. Regards Dr.Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (15 minutes later)

One last question, my dentist gave me anesthesia at left upper side but I felt numbness in the right side of my face too (maximum in lips and cheeks). That numbness lasted longer than the effect of anesthesia in the tooth. Is this normal? Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Yes, its quiet normal. Detailed Answer: When we anesthetize the nerve,it anesthetizes the area where it supplies. So its not at all an issue to worry about. Still in future if you experience its prolonged effect,then do warm saline rinses. Take Care Regards Dr.Neha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad