In 2017 I had a root can on my top left, second molar. I have severe dental phobia and probably could have prevented the root canal if I had gone to the dentist sooner. The dentist sedated me for the root canal. It went fine, but I have not been to a dentist since. Last week, the cap fell off the root canal tooth. I can see a metal rod in the tooth, and it is loose. Can I remove the rod, or will it fall out by itself? I bought some DenTek tooth filling material from the drug store. I would hate to go back to a dentist and get sedated if I do not need to. Thank you – Jason from NV
Jason,
Thank you for your question.
What to Do When a Root Canal Filling Falls Out
Root canal filling seals saliva out of your tooth and prevents reinfection and root canal failure. If you leave the tooth untreated, fluid and saliva will leak into it and loosen the root canal filler material. When root canal filling falls out, a dentist must replace it. You would need repeat root canal treatment to save it.
A temporary root canal filling material from a dentist can protect your tooth. But don’t use DenTek. Your tooth may already be irritated, and you can make it worse. A dentist will recommend a dental crown, which you can get later.
What About Removing a Root Canal Post?
Putting a metal post and filler material lasts for several years but eventually loosens, as you have experienced. If a post is showing in the tooth, please do not remove it. Removing it can damage the filler material and increase the risk of needing repeat root canal treatment.
See a Dentist Instead of Self-Treating
Explain your anxiety level to the dentist, and he can offer the appropriate level of sedation
Schedule an appointment with a dentist right away and explain your anxiety during dental appointments. The dentist will use a level of sedation to match your anxiety. We hope the dentist can save your tooth with the existing root canal treatment. But delaying getting the hole sealed—or trying to take care of it yourself—will make your tooth worse. And it can become painful.
David Finley, DDS of Monroe, LA, sponsors this post.
