CASE STUDIES

How root canal therapy completed nine years ago, not protected by a crown can develop into a chronic sinus infection

Patient: I had root canal therapy done on my right upper molar approximately nine years ago. About three years ago I started to feel a tingling sensation in my gum whenever I chewed too hard on the tooth. The slight pain would go for months and then come back for about a week. I also noticed that I got a recurring mouth ulcer on the ridge of my gum above that tooth.

Then about two years ago the tooth broke on one side and a dentist filled the side of the tooth in a normal manner. The pain worsened as time wore on and I started to get regular infections in my sinuses which my GP would solve with a dose (sometimes two) of antibiotics. He suggested I see a dentist and that’s when I saw Dr Vo. He also after x-raying the area concluded a bacterial infection in my sinuses near the root of the tooth.

Three cycles of antibiotics later and a full CT scan of my sinuses revealed much worse. With Dr Vo’s expertise and dedication to my problem he revealed I would need surgery. Churchill Clinic immediately organized for a professional facial surgeon to attend me at the Churchill Clinic and saved me A LOT of time and money which I would have otherwise had to spend in a hospital.
My appointments were organized and attended by the very professional yet caring and courteous desk staff. Dr Vo and his team showed keen interest in my case and explained in detail my options and respected the decisions I made.

My tooth was extracted and surgery performed on my gum and inside my sinuses to remove a severe infection found surrounding the roots of that tooth.

Dr Vo and his staff promptly followed through with my after care with genuine concern and individualised care. Today I feel 100% better and I give full credit to Churchill Dental for going the extra mile not only in dental care but providing a service that is truly hard to find.

Signed by a happy customer
ES

PS. Thank you very much, my family and I will be back!

Dr’s words: I wish with these case studies to create an awareness of serious conditions which can occur over time from relatively simple problems. A chronic sinus infection was the result of a root canal therapy which was not protected by a crown. The tooth was subsequently removed and the sinus was cleaned of the infection. I sincerely thank ES for this contribution and am pleased that we had a great outcome.

Dentistry has changed drastically; modern dentistry now focuses on prevention rather than treatment. We can use new technology, better materials and provide our patient’s with a greater understanding of options available. The result is that patients need fewer treatments and are able to hold onto their teeth!

We’ll continue with more interesting cases so that patients are aware of the consequences of certain conditions.