Can root canal treatment remove a cyst in the root?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have a cyst on the root of a upper incisor. My dentist has sent me to the dental hospital, but they have said that they would not do anything, and to either have the tooth removed or see a specialist. Can my dentist do a normal root canal to remove the cyst, and why has he sent me to dental hospital in the first place? Incisor teeth are not that difficult to do root canal treatment, and so why would I need to see a specialist to do the root canal work?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

A cyst on your tooth means it is a chronic infection. You may be asymptomatic. In severe cases, a tooth may need to removed along with the cyst. However, it is possible (depending on the size, location, etc. of the cyst as seen on x-ray) to do a root canal along with cyst enucleation with endodontic root-end filling. After successful endodontic treatment, the tooth needs to be given a crown as well. These are complex procedures that require the care of a specialist, endodontist. You must consult a specialist. A general dentist might not be trained for this complicated procedure. You can get a follow-up consultation for the same by sending in your pictures and x-ray.