Re: Should Old Silver Point RC's Be Redone?

Silver points have the potential to last a life-time. However, they do not do so all the time. Any movement of the silver point (due to decay or dental treatment) will cause them to leak. If the silver point extends past the root tip, an oxidation reaction can occur. General rule of thumb is that *if* a tooth treated with silver point RCT is opened for any reason, you try to remove the silver points and place gutta percha. Saves a ton of headaches this way.

As to whether or not you need the RCT re-treated????? No way to tell from my desk. You may desire a second opinion in real life. A failing RCT is usually easy to diagnose, but not always. Generally, if the RCT has sat well for 30 years, and you have no decay in the tooth, any failure would be due to fracture of the root. Root fractures are usually treated with the removal of the fractured root.

BTW, we can easily cut through any existing crown to treat the RCT. Some potential for porcelain fracture does exist when this is done.

I think it is time to get a 2nd and perhaps a 3rd opinion.

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/

Amatus

/
"Frank L" <frankieinpeace@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:26835-46D4A0A9-999@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
When I had my checkup, my dentist said I should really have these 2 root
canals redone. Teeth 3 and 4 are root canaled with silver points, done
when I was about 25, I am now 60.

Here's what worries me. Tooth 3,4 and 5 are covered with one long
crown. How would the dentist proceed to do this? Is it hard it remove
that piece? Do they bang it off or drill it off? What does he do
then...cover the 3 teeth with 3 temp caps then send me to an
endodontist? I always fear getting a toothache or abscess in one of
these teeth because they can't drill through this one piece crown (or
can they?)

I got this to save money years ago but wish I had gotten individual
crowns. Also, should I have these teeth redone if they're not bothering
me?

I am the one that posted about sinus pain last week and this is the area
that bothers me (but the left side does too at times)...I just wonder if
silver points could last into old age but this dentist feels that things
could be crumbling underneath and there's no way to tell on x-rays. Any
opinions would be appreciated. Money is a factor, this will cost
thousands so I am depressed over this and don't want to do it if it's
not necessary.




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