Baton Rouge Dentist

Archives for July 2023

What’s Next If I Had a Root Canal Fail?

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Man frowning and holding the side of his face; for Baton Rouge emergency dentistry from Dr. Ryan Perry.What’s next if I had a root canal fail? A toothache that has been bothering me for the past two months got so bad last weekend that I saw a nearby dentist for a same-day appointment. I did not want to return to my previous dentist because I didn’t like the customer service at the practice, and the hygienist is quirky. The toothache was in an upper left first molar tooth that my dentist did a root canal on two years ago. The dentist I saw most recently said she would need to refer me to an endodontist for a procedure called an apico? I have been a little slack about going to the dentist, and I haven’t seen one since I quit my last dentist, so maybe I could have avoided this. What is this apico procedure, and do I really need it? Thanks. Malachi

Malachi,

It’s good that you made a same-day appointment with a dentist. If you have a lingering toothache, you need treatment. Whether you need an apicoectomy depends on the X-ray results. You can get a second opinion from another dentist or an endodontist (root canal specialist). If you have problems with a root canal tooth, you will probably still need to see an endodontist.

What Is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a minor surgical procedure that accesses the tooth root through an opening in the gum tissue and bone. An endodontist will remove the inflamed or infected tissue and remove the root tip. The endodontist will fit the root with a special material and seal it. Stitches will close the area and help it heal. According to the American Association of Endodontics, your jawbone will heal around the tooth root in a few months.

Why Do You Need an Apicoectomy?

If a dentist or endodontist cannot access a tooth infection near the root tip by opening the crown, they will recommend an apicoectomy. Sometimes after root canal treatment, infection in the tooth’s canals in the tooth can remain, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach. Then, you may need a second root canal or an apicoectomy.

You can get a second opinion from another dentist or an endodontist, a specialist who can provide the most accurate diagnosis and precise treatment.

 

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.

New Dental Implant Bridge and My Bite Is Off

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After getting a new implant bridge in November, my teeth on the left side do not line up. My bite  The bridge has two implants and replaces four bottom teeth. I think this is weird, but my dentist says it’s better each time he tries to adjust it. Maybe it looks better, but it doesn’t feel better. Is this a common issue? If so, who do I need to see to resolve it? I no longer value my dentist’s opinion. I’m frustrated and think that I deserve a refund. I don’t know how I could afford to finish the work again. Thanks for your help. Justin from Dayton, OH

Justin,

We are sorry to read about your disappointing experience with your implant bridge.

Model of a dental implant bridge for three lower molar teeth
Dental implant bridge

When you bite down, your upper and lower teeth should meet simultaneously. Although the issue can occur, it is related to the quality of dental implants and the skill of the implant dentist. If the problem continues, it could lead to TMJ disorder.

What May Cause Misalignment in a Dental Implant Bridge?

Misalignment can occur in a dental implant bridge from miscommunication, implant placement, or dental bridge construction.

  • Miscommunication. Sometimes, miscommunication can occur between an oral surgeon who places the implants and a dentist who restores them with crowns or a bridge.
  • Dental implant placement. If the surgeon places the implants in a location, the dentist did not anticipate, your crowns or bridge will not fit correctly, and it can misalign your bite. Or a dentist can misplace implants. Symptoms can include teeth, jaw, neck, ear pain, and other jaw joint issues.
  • Dental bridge construction. Mistakes while taking impressions of your mouth or errors with dental bridge construction can affect how the oral appliance fits.

We recommend getting a second opinion from a skilled implant dentist. You will need an examination and a 3D X-ray to determine whether the surgeon placed the implants incorrectly or whether there is an issue with the position or quality of the implant bridge.

Getting a second opinion promptly can prevent you from experiencing symptoms that will worsen with time. Also, you paid for a functional implant bridge, but your teeth are misaligned and interfering with the bridge function. You can ask for a refund after getting a second opinion and evidence of your current dentist’s faulty work. If your dentist took shortcuts for your bridgework, it might cost more than your refund amount for a dentist to complete the necessary steps. Ask your new dentist about payment options to make your treatment more affordable.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post.