erinbard,

It's important to understand that the infection seen at the apex of the tooth did not occur over night. This tooth has been infected to some degree since either before or since the root canal was done. The bacteria has proliferated from the tooth and gone into the bone. That proliferation of bacteria is what is finally being picked up on the xray. This infection is going to continue to grow. At what pace, no one can tell you that. To wait and see means to not deal with it until you have a lot of pain, a major swelling or the infection has invaded the main branch of nerves that it is in close relation to. When any of that will occur, no one can tell you.

To have a tooth extracted that is near a main bundle of nerves is always risky because if the nerves become involved with the extraction process there could be temporary or permanent nerve damage. With that said, the spread of the infection increases the chance of the nerves becoming involved. Your dentist really should be informing you of that possibility as he is suggesting that you wait to "see what happens".

Is this dentist an oral surgeon? If not, then it may be wise to consult with an oral surgeon as that is the type of dentist who specializes in the removal of teeth that are close to the main bundles of nerves.

I'm sorry this is happening to you. I know this is scary, but waiting to see what happens may not be the best option. It's best to consult with an oral surgeon for their opinion and discussion about the nerve situation.

Bryanna