I had a root canal on tooth #3 over 10 years ago. A few years ago I had an apicoectomy on the same tooth. A fistula developed but no one told me what it was. The dentist sent me back to the surgeon who basically said it meant it didn't work and the tooth would need to be extracted. I did not realize the seriousness of it and did nothing about it for two years as it did not really hurt. Now the dentist has referred me to a surgeon for an extraction and implant. Now that I know it is called a fistula I googled it at that led me to this site. Now I am concerned I have waited too long and there might be bone damage and other problems. I have attached the xray. Please give me your opinion. Thanks

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