Is removing a root canal treated tooth more difficult than a normal tooth?

[Kate1]

Hello

I had a tooth root filled a few years ago and due to various reasons, I never had it crowned. Last week the tooth cracked and my dentist told me that I will need to have it removed.

He says that the tooth might be difficult to remove and has recommended that I go to the hospital to have the tooth removed. My Husband says that root canal treated teeth are more difficult to extract than normal teeth and I might need surgery to have this tooth removed.

Is it true that root canal treated teeth are more difficult to remove and if so, do you think I should book with the specialist oral surgeon to have this tooth removed?

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Kate,

Thank you for your post.

Root canal treated teeth are more brittle than vital teeth and therefore are more likely to break during a tooth extraction. It is for this reason that root canal treated teeth are more difficult to extract and may require a surgical extraction.

We would need to assess this tooth clinically and radiographically before we can advise you if you should see the oral surgeon for the extraction. Most of the time our experienced dentists will be able to safely and comfortably remove your tooth without complications. If they feel you should see the oral surgeon at Pearl they will do the referral.

Some root canal treated teeth have fractured below the gum line and an elected surgical tooth extraction is elected. Stiches will be placed, antibiotics and pain killers dispensed if necessary and a review appointment to monitor the healing. Please call us to book a surgical consultation with our dental surgeon.