Extraction is the only treatment option for a hopeless tooth caused by severe periodontitis. Once extracted, we are left with the options of implant restoration, fixed prosthesis, or removable prosthesis. All of these options involve considerable investment of time and money for the patient. Intentional replantation of a tooth is a procedure most often done…
In 1917, Walter Hess first showed the presence of the MB2 canal. 90%-95% of first maxillary molars have been shown to have a MB2 canal. The identification and treatment of the MB2 canal is particularly challenging. However, leaving this canal untreated consists of an incomplete root canal treatment, which can propagate apical pathology, with the…
Patient Presentation A patient presents to the orthodontic office with a chief complaint of straightening her upper and lower front teeth. She is particularly concerned about the vertical height of the two upper central incisors, which also cause an unbalanced upper lip position at rest. Dental history Previous root canal treatment of upper left central…
The etiology of a cracked tooth is multivariable. We must consider several factors such as parafunction, excessive wear, trauma and any restorations present (their size and materials used). Even the proximity of the tooth to the TMJ is critical, as a closer proximity significantly increases the risk of tooth fractures. Sharp pain during biting or…
No patient has ever wanted a root canal. For one reason or another, in the mind of the patient, it is always associated with pain during and after the procedure. In fact, one study showed patient reports of post-operative pain in almost 60% of cases. Where does the pain come from? The role of the…
What is tougher for patients other than endodontic treatment? Having endodontic treatment done again! Considering that the failure rate of root canals are somewhere around 5% to 22%, its astonishing to think that the US could have 750,000 to 3.3 million root canal failure cases per year. The criterion for a successful root canal is…
There are only a few things that can make a dentist’s heart skip a beat. Perforations are one of them. Furcation perforations can cause your heart to skip two beats, and want to cancel the rest of the day. Fortunately, thanks to ongoing research on the possibilities of bioactive materials – such as mineral trioxide…