amores-perros,

If there is an infection, the cure for that is to remove whatever tooth is still present. Your replacement options for this tooth will depend on the condition of the rest of your teeth as well as the health of your gums and jawbone. You may or may not be a candidate for a single dental implant which would just replace this one tooth. Or a permanent bridge that would require cutting down the teeth on both sides of this tooth for what is called a 3 unit bridge. Sometimes an additional tooth is involved for stability and esthetics. If you are missing other teeth in your upper arch, then you may be a candidate for a removable partial denture which would replace this tooth and any other teeth that have been removed in that arch.

If your dentist suggests a root canal on this tooth it is important for you to know that the root canal procedure will not cure the infection. Root canal therapy is done to attempt to retain the infected tooth for an undetermined amount of time. The tooth will remain a chronic problem and front teeth do not have as much bone holding them in as the back teeth so most likely sooner than later this tooth would need to be removed anyway. In the meantime the infection could spread to the other teeth.

Please try not to be so frightened.... I know that is hard to overcome. Your first visit is for an examination and x-rays.... nothing more. You and your dentist will plan the treatment and you can discuss being pre medicated with valium or xanax on the day of your following dental appointment if you feel that would be helpful for you. Try to stay focused on what is going on at the examination appointment.... don't shut yourself off. The more aware you are about what the plan is, the more in control you will feel. You can always bring an ipod or headphones to your treatment appointment to help tune out the sound of the drill or whatever.

Hope this is helpful to you...
Bryanna