Tooth root resection

[Rachel J]

Hi

My last but one tooth was root filled last year and later on the tooth started to hurt every time I chewed on that tooth. My dentist said that the root canal has failed on one root and recommended that I have the root of that tooth resected and the rest of the root kept as it is with a new crown.

I had the tooth root removed and a new crown done but now over the last few weeks, the tooth has been hurting again and a lump has appeared on the gum next to the tooth. When I press on the lump, some infection seems to come out of the gum.

What can be done with this resected tooth now? Can it still be saved or does it need to be removed? If it has to be removed, what options do I have for replacing the tooth?

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Thank you for your question.

If a resected tooth has developed a failed root canal, I suppose technically the resected root can be re-root filled. But I guess you may wish to ask yourself, is it worth the time and cost involved or will you be better off with a dental implant.

The success rate with redoing root canal treatment is certainly not as good as dental implants.