Hi John,

I am in the dental field and can offer you some help here.

First as you have already learned on your own, root canaled teeth are a frequent source of toxic bacteria. Because it is not possible to remove all of the diseased nerve tissue from the microscopic canals, root canaled teeth are chronically infected. So the infection that is often seen on the xray of a root canaled tooth appears to be underneath the tooth. However that darkened area does not mean the tooth is healthy and the infection is limited to just that spot. It means the tooth is over whelmed with bacteria and it is spreading beyond the tooth. I just want you to be clear on that. When the tooth is removed, the oral surgeon is suppose to then thoroughly debride (scrape out) the diseased tissue, cysts and bone. That is what your friend described to you.

Regarding your tooth.... irrelevant of whether the xray shows an area underneath or not, all root canaled teeth are diseased as I have explained above.

You do not have to have oral pain or other tooth related symptoms with an infected tooth. Again, all rc teeth are infected irrelevant of symptoms.

Anytime you become ill with a chronic or undiagnosed condition such as Lyme disease your immune system is going to be strained. Because the body knows where the weak areas are (ex: root canaled teeth) it is not uncommon to have a systemic consequence or complication due to the original infection. Meaning your tooth could be contributing to your overall ill health and may actually be what is preventing your immune system from dealing with the Lymes. All infections in the body will become friendly with each other..... like a symphony.

I would suggest that you see your dentist for evaluation of this tooth. However, I warn you that if he does not see clear evidence of an area underneath the tooth, he will probably tell you the tooth is fine because most dentists only look for obvious pathology even though they know that rc teeth are chronically problematic. It is then up to you to decide if you feel this tooth is a contributing factor to your ill health.

I would also suggest that if you decide to have this tooth removed, that you only see an oral surgeon for the removal as they are often better equipped to remove rc teeth. Make sure he knows that you want all diseased tissue and bone removed after her removes the tooth. This is suppose to be done every time without question...... unfortunately it is not.

The other thing is the Lyme.... I think it may behoove you to retest for Lyme disease. See a specialist if at all possible because there are specific tests that only they know to do.

I'm sorry you are feeling so poorly. I urge you to move forward with this tooth and the Lyme dr as soon as you can. Please check back with us and always feel free to ask your questions here.

Bryanna