Jenny,
The apicoectomy is a "transitional" surgical root canal procedure much like a traditional root canal procedure in that it may alter the status of the virility of the infection and inflammation for a uncertain amount of time. However, it is not going to cure the infection as it is the dead and infected nerve tissue inside of the tooth that keeps the infection brewing.
It is very common for an infected root canaled tooth to infect the jaw bone, the adjacent teeth, the sinuses, and beyond. If you just read through the many hundreds of posts on this forum you will see the commonality of those occurrences. I can attest to the commonality of this from a professional aspect as well.
A word of caution about placing a dental implant to replace this front tooth. It is always risky to place an implant in the jaw bone of any previously root canaled tooth due to the deterioration of bone from the infection. In the upper front area of the mouth the bone is much thinner than other areas of the mouth. Once this are of bone is lost to infection, it may not be possible replace it with grafting material because there may not be enough healthy bone left to hold the graft in place. Which means an implant would not be stable and the site would be prone to further infection. The longer the infection is present, and that means from when it first began which is prior to when it was root canaled, the more widespread the bacteria will be and the more bone will be lost. It is imperative to review replacement options with your dentist to see what other options are available to you other than a dental implant.
Jenny, please do not attempt to self treat this infection by using any herbal or other substance. It is not a gum problem.... it is a bone infection. Self treating this could result in a life threatening situation as your brain is only 3-4 inches from the source of this infection. Although most people mean well with their suggestions, if they have no professional knowledge of what this infection entails then following their advice could be detrimental. Anyone who claims to HEAL or CURE their tooth abscess and jaw bone infection with any herbal or other bacterial preparation, especially while the infected tooth is still present in their mouth, is delusional about the pathology of this infectious disease. Please keep that in mind.
Bryanna
Quote:
Originally Posted by jenny8484
Wow this sounds like me, I just posted about a similar issue. I had one of my front teeth root canaled and crowned, years later I noticed this puss filled bump above the tooth that I could pop as well. My dentist did an x ray and couldn't find anything so I was referred to the oral surgeon, who said it was an infection and I had an apicoectomy done, although it was a 60% chance it may work. I had the apico done a year and a half ago and now I am noticing a hard bump which is larger and seems to be spreading to the gums above the surrounding teeth as well so i'm worried the infection has not just come back but is spreading. I left a message for my dentist today who is out of the office but i'm pretty sure I'm going to have to go back to the oral surgeon to get the tooth removed and an implant done.
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