Ellibeans,

Please re read my previous lengthy reply to you as it will explain why the root canal or another root canal will not solve your problem.

That tooth is going to need to be extracted irrelevant of how many times you have the root canal procedure done. Please go back to my reply and open up the attached diagram to see the many hundreds of microscopic canals that will remain infected as long as the tooth is in your mouth.

Your family dentist can and should offer you a referral to an oral surgeon to have a consultation and extraction of that tooth. He should also reimburse you the money that you paid him for the root canal procedure because the root canal had no positive benefit and the tooth is going to need to be extracted.

#1- It is healthier for you to have this infected tooth extracted, than it is to retain it because the infection is going to erode your jaw bone which is called osteonecrosis, which then leads to a bone infection called osteomyelitits. That type of infection is very painful and very difficult to eradicate. The infection can also easily spread to the adjacent teeth... to your lymphatic system.. and to other vital organs. It is not something to dismiss or just live with.

#2- You do not have to replace that tooth. Your age is a positive factor with extracting this tooth as your bone will fill in a lot thicker and healthier than for someone who is older. It is important to take care of the rest of your teeth, get your cleanings 2 times a year and make sure your oral hygiene is very thorough with brushing and flossing. You will do fine without this tooth.

If your family dentist is insistent on doing another root canal procedure and tries to scare you again into retaining this sick tooth and won't refer you to an oral surgeon.... then you should seriously consider finding an oral surgeon on your own. Another root canal is not in your best interest and he knows that. He should also reimburse your money so that you can use it to pay the oral surgeon to cover the cost or part of the cost to extract the tooth.

Please do not wait to take care of this. A lower molar infection can cause a condition called Ludwig's Angina which is a potentially life threatening cellulitis in which the swelling can close off your airway. Again, not to scare you but to inform you of the seriousness of your infection. Your family dentist should be informing you of this also. This is not something to procrastinate on.

Please, seek a consult with an oral surgeon.
Bryanna