I have a root canaled tooth, #11, that is bothering me. I have had it for over 6 years. I got it xrayed and it showed that the post had fractured the tooth above the gumline. I was not given a choice of options on this, only to extract it. I don't want to do this. I know it can be saved somehow. Can anyone offer some suggestions in this. I have read about a sealant, MTA, that bonds the tooth back together and orthodontic extrusion. Any help that you can give me would be greatly appreciated, Thanks

renee78

Obviously, it is difficult to give you specific advice with the little information given, however I can tell you that if this tooth is a previous RCT, has an existing post and/or crown and has fractured substantially, then yes, the prognosis is poor. Coupled with the fact that the tooth has been bothering you, I would hazard a guess that the fracture has propagated to such an extent that the root treatment has been exposed and re infected. You could try removing the existing root filling, re treating it, filling it again, have it prepared for a post core crown....... but that is thousands worth of treatment with little guarantee. The good news is that you always have options on replacment, an implant is the best option to replace a single tooth, a bridge is good to eliminate a gap and strengthen the teeth on either side at the same time (with crowns) In respect to the "orthodontic extrusion" you mention, Im not sure what that has to do with you situation, Im afraid??