Is this infected tooth third from the front or the back on the upper right side? Ask your dr to give you a tooth number when you see him tomorrow.

Let me clarify my previous post about exposed nerves. if you had any EXPOSED nerves, you would not be able to tolerate the pain. Therefore, the nerves are not exposed in this tooth. The bifurcation part of the tooth is not covered by enamel, it is covered by gum tissue instead. Since your gum tissue has receeded in this area, there is nothing protecting this sensitive part of your tooth called the cementum. The nerves are inside the roots of the tooth and they are not exposed. However, without enamel or gum tissue to protect the cementum, your tooth has become sensitive to temperature, sweets and brushing.

If it is an upper molar, yes the roots may be close to the sinus floor. This can be easily detected on a radiograph. IF the radiograph looks like there may be a sinus exposure during the removal, then it is best to have it removed by someone who is very familiar with closing a sinus exposure. Sometimes the exposure is minimal and heals on it's own. Sometimes it needs to be closed with a collagen membrane. If the dentist is experienced in this type of surgery, it realy is not a big deal to undergo.

The other thing is...... if the infected tooth is in your upper arch, then for the surgery, you will not have to open as wide as you would if it were a lower tooth AND there is no pressure put on the lower jaw when removing an upper tooth. A bite block can also be used which helps you to keep your mouth open and allows your jaw to rest during the whold procedure.

Perhaps you can discuss some of these things with your dentist when you see him this week.. ;-))

Bryanna