Loose tooth post-RCT and crowning??

[sincitysoul]

Long story short: after a terrible dentist experience roughly 5-6 years ago, I ended up with a crown on a bottom molar on the right side. About a year ago, this tooth became loose. Apparently, my past dentist had somehow missed the infection for what my dentist figured to be at least a year. The roots in this tooth had become calcified - prompting two root canals (it was really one, but on the first visit, the endodentist had to put a solution in and I had to come in a seperate time to finish just the root canal portion). Putting a permanent filling in this crown, things seemed to be alright and the tooth seemed to be tightening up. Tonight, I noticed that the tooth is once again causing problems. It visibly wiggles when pushed with my fingers or when my tongue is pressed against it - not terribly mobile, but enough to cause me to tailspin into a panic.

Having already had a root canal and knowing that implants are too expensive and not covered by insurance (although I don't want to risk fracturing my jaw anyway ), is there any chance of saving this tooth - or should I just tell my doctor to yank it out and be done with it? I cannot keep putting myself through the panic associated with getting me to the dentist (trouble breathing, severe debilitating nausea, etc.)

My dad was diagnosed with cancer in April and we're currently trying to decide on the next move with him - we really don't have spare money to be pumping into a tooth if it is a lost cause.

 

[rob wain]

Hi
don't assume the worst, it might be all ok.
All teeth move when you wiggle them, if this one isn't hurting you've just noticed a movement then it may just be normal; movement.
You're going through a stressful time at the moment and that could be prompting you to grind your teeth which can cause all sorts of strange sensations and tooth movements.
Get it checked by all means but don't jump to assumptions, you've got enough on your plate!

 

[Dr. Daniel]

It might just be that the crown is not stable but the tooth itself is good, and than what needed is to cement the crown again.

 

[carole]

Hi sorry you and your family are having such a worrying time at the moment. You did only have one rct, sometimes they do it in one treatment and sometimes they take it over two appointments as yours did.

If the tooth is no longer savable they will tell you and advise you to have an extraction, if on the other hand they think there is a chance that the tooth can be saved, you can have a re-treatment if it is infected.

Try not to stress too much about this but go and see your dentist and let them advice you on the condition of the tooth and the best treatment.

I do find if I concentrate on my teeth which as nervous/phobic patients we often do, I can have myself in a right old lather convinced that all my teeth need to come out or are going to break and all sorts of terrible things are going to happen to them. I have also been convinced that certain teeth are loose.

If I can manage to get my mind off the teeth or tooth and the dentist has told me that all is well, things will settle down. Constantly concentrating on one tooth or teeth will have you convinced something terrible is happening. When we are stressed we do tend to clench out teeth tight and this causes no end of pain and even headaches.

If you can try and relax as far as your teeth are concerned, but I would contact your dentist so that they can put your mind to rest or tell you the best course of treatment.

All the best to you and your family

 

[sincitysoul]

Thanks for the advice, everyone.

I have an appointment on Monday at 1 in the afternoon (cst). I do grind my teeth and have a solid mouthpiece that I am suppose to wear when I sleep. However, I think I must be grinding/have grinded on that side particularly hard - even with the mouthpiece in, as the bridge on that side (one missing tooth with an anchor on each side) that is directly above this molar is also feeling a bit loose. The bridge and the original crown (the tooth was crowned long prior to the RCT) were done by a previous dentist whose work and chairside manner left quite a bit to be desired. I understand that I didn't take care of my teeth when I was younger (I'm 23) but the previous dentist's first instinct was to crown it or pull it instead of trying to remedy the issue. And after going for a seperate root canal and hearing the endodontist say "Oh, that's definitely not supposed to happen.", my dislike for dentists is pretty high.

Luckily, my current dentist is amazing and will lead me to the right treatment (and not just one that is sure to pad his bank account - he is incredible about working with our insurance!).

 

[carole]

Good luck for Monday