Broken file in root canal causing problems all over??

Question

I had a root canal done back in January 08. In May the same tooth was giving me problems. I went to another dentist to see what the problem was. She couldnt figure out why my tooth still hurt so referred me to an endodontist. The endo took an xray and told me i had a file stuck in my mesiobuccal canal and that it wasnt completely done. I contacted the dentist who performed the orginal root canal and explained that he cant get it out and I should go to the endo. I got the endo to take it out 3 months later and clean out the canals, but the dentist refused to pay. I have since had TMJ/bruxism and am grinding my teeth at night. I have had 2 more root canals since this incident with the file. I have filed a complaint with the dental board against the orignal dentist for work below the standard of care and his failure to tell me about the broken file. I always go to the dentist 2x a year and have always followed treatment plans. After this incident i have had a bunch of dental problems. Can the teeth grinding that led to the 2 other root canals be caused by the file left in my tooth for so long? The dental board hasnt made a decision yet, but speaking to the case officer it sounds as if they will side with me as he didnt take proper records and failed to inform me of the file. I am a bit worried about the additional costs for the 2 additional root canals. Anyone know the best way to approach this as I feel i shouldnt have to cop the additional costs.

Thank you

Answer 1

The dentist that performed the first root canal  should pay the cost to have that tooth repaired. The other two root canals that were performed couldn't come from that one tooth. Therefore he shouldn't be liable for the those procedures. RC only have to be done when a tooth has decade and the nerve has gotten infected. When it comes to the TMJ/bruxism, that's a habit that you started doing before any of this even started.  Get your self a mouth guard and that will help with the bruxism, which will also help your TMJ.

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