Problem teeth

[Coldicote]

I've had troublesome teeth ever since childhood and, now getting on in years, have to admit not having many original ones left! Not long ago a lower canine tooth that had been heavily filled broke off. I was surprised to be told it was not necessary to extract the root, which was just levelled off and left there. A denture (referred to as an 'over denture') was adjusted to fit. Has anyone else had this experience and has it caused any further problems?

[Stargazer]

Yes, I have a previously crowned front bottom tooth than eventually broke off. It was filed down to gum level and a replacement tooth was added to my lower partial denture.
I would never have the roots removed for the following reaqsons. Firstly, if the root is sound it is possible to have a post inserted and a crown fixed onto that, this leaving the appearance of your own tooth but also the strength to bite on especially if it is a middle lower tooth.
Because I had a partial denture already, when a few months ago, two separate lower crowned teeth broke off on separate occasions, a new dentist sent me to have the roots removed at a special dental clinic. The result from that was my gums shrank back and altered the seating of the lower denture and I am now trying to sort it out.
Never have a root remkved therefore unless it is causing problems and ask for a post crown for that tooth.

[murraymints]

my mum had this problem ..years on she ended up in dental hospital as root became infected..it was major problem and had be surgically removed as there was no tooth to grip for removal.....

[Coldicote]

Thank you Stargazer and Murraymints. I had not previously known about roots being left in and it surprised me. From what you say it seems not an unusual practice.

[johnk]

I've had one for a couple of years with no problems. The dentist left it in to keep the shape of the gum so I didn't need new dentures. My new dentist keeps wanting to take it out but as it's no problem i've kept it.

[Coldicote]

Thanks johnk. At least I now know it is a fairly common practice, but it did surpsise me at the time.