My crown has loosen and small infection has appeared should i take the tooth out or have apicectomy
Q. I have a crown in upper tooth #2 which has been there for over 15 years. I have a minor infection about 5 years a go when my crown came a little loose. It was treated with antibiotics and all has been well, until now. The crown has come loose again and a small infection has appeared in the gum above. It does not cause any pain, but I went to the Dentist immediately. The X-Ray showed that some of the root canal had escaped from the tip of the root and was causing the infection. I have therefore been given two options: a) take the tooth out, b) have an apicectomy. Not a great choice, but I am in a real dilemma. I don’t like the sound of an apicectomy but I don’t really want the root removed because I would have to have a bridging crowb of some sort. Is having a apicectomy really worth it? Can it cause more harm than good? If I have a bridge, I believe its life span is 10-15 years. Is it easily removed and replaced? Please help me decide.
A. The usual survival for apicectomies would be around 60-70 per cent after 5 years. if the treatment fails and you decide on an implant rather than a bridge, the previous apicectomy will make the implant site less favourable. bridges are usually striaght forward to replace. my decision would also be influenced by the condition of the adjoining teeth. We offer a free intial consultation at our birmingham city centre practice to cosmeticdentistryguide enquiries call Amy on 01216430610 hope this helps Rob
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