I have a root canal which is halfway done (root taken out and temporary filling packed in) but that was a few years ago. The packing has now come out, and is down to the cotton or whatever that was placed inside to keep it dry. Ive had pain in the tooth for some months if not last year or two- nothing sharp just a nagging pain every now and again. I am assuming it means the gum not the tooth since the root is gone. After such time, is it better to dig out the entire thing to make sure infection hasnt hit? I have an appointment Monday to check on it- but am curious as to what I might expect going in.
Hello! Thank you for posting in Chat Doctor. You did not mention why you did not complete the root canal treatment. Root canal treatment is not removing the root. It is removing the blood and nerve supply to the root. Your roots are still there inside. Root canal therapy is complete only after filling the canals with a sterile material. I suggest you to get the tooth retreated. However, your dentist can only decide if a re-treatment is possible after a clinical evaluation. Your doctor has removed the infection from your tooth. But infection came back because, the treatment is not complete. Regards.