Fractured Root Canal – Extraction & Implant

This is a case we see all the time, teeth that have been previously root canal treated become reinfected and will sometimes be painful, but not always. This tooth infection was found on x-ray, the dark area around the roots, and outlined by the arrows. The endodontist (root canal) specialist determined the root was fractured and not savable. With an infection this large, we will usually extract the tooth and do bone grafting, then let the area heal. Once the area is healed and bone grafting has matured, we can place the implant and will have another healing period. This whole process with larger infected sites like this one will usually take about 8 months to get to the point of being able to get an abutment and crown onto the implant.