Hi all, I'm new & couldn't figure out how or where to introduce myself. I got a root canal in # 10 2 days ago & now I've been put on Penicillin because of infection. I read another post here & am getting pretty scared. I'm thinking that maybe I should have it extracted. My question is even if the penicillin stops the pain (very mild at this point) can I be sure that the infection is totally cleared up & won't just spread around. What's the best thing to do?? The nerve in this tooth was already dead, it never had any pain. We did the canal to save the tooth.This is my 1'st work with this dentist. I felt he was ok, but my confidence is low right now. I am scheduled for 2 more canals in 2 weeks-which means 2 back to back prescriptions for penicillin with Diflucan added with the 2n'd course. Hope someone can help with advice.

Thanks, nowwhat.

Well until the tooth is extracted, the infection will always be present. The root canal takes out the middle of the tooth, including the blood supply. There are millions of miles of microscopic canals they can't clean out, and then once you remove the blood supply antibiotics can't get to the infected areas-so they patiently wait to cause pain until the worst possible moment, while keeping your immune system working overtime. The tooth will eventually be lost anyway-outside the infection. In addition to the infection, root canal teeth are very, very brittle and crack easily.

Dentists usually won't admit this until asked. I can say I regret having my root canals done-and I've had too many. Only you can decide what is right for you, but I would make sure you have a plan if you go extractions-will you do implants, a partial denture, etc.

Hi nowwhat,

I am in the dental field and can offer you some help here.

All root canaled teeth remain infected as there is no access to the tiny canals which harbor infected nerve tissue. So to answer your question....
<<<<even if the penicillin stops the pain (very mild at this point) can I be sure that the infection is totally cleared up & won't just spread around. What's the best thing to do??>>>

No, the infection will still be present in the tiny canals and also inside of the large canals to some degree as all of the tissue cannot be removed from there either. The infection will spread beyond the tooth, in to the periodontal ligament and then in to the bone. It may already be there! The only way to remove the infection is to remove the source which is the tooth.

It is irrelevant as to whether the nerve was dead or alive in the tooth prior to the root canal. The anatomy of the tooth remains the same.

Since the tooth was already non vital indicates that the bacteria inside of the tooth has been brewing for awhile so chances are this is a very sick tooth. Not only that... tooth #10 is the upper left lateral which only has one canal. So if your dentists is saying it needs more than one visit to complete the rc procedure, then that indicates it is very infected.

Go with your instinct on this.... the tooth cannot be cured of infection irrelevant of what procedure is done to it. If you don't want to live with a chronically infected tooth and chance systemic infection, then have it removed. Discuss replacement options with your general dentist.

Bryanna

socasusie, Thanks for the reply. I haven't replied back till now because I have been trying to get my head clear. I'm trying to remain calm so I can think straight. Like most others here, I have a history getting to this point and am wearing out emotionally. I know I need to make a decision, and soon.

Thanks again, Sally

Hi Bryanna, So frustrated right now. I just took about an hour trying to compose a reply to you that was not to confusing & when I hit submit it came back saying I was not logged in. I don't think it was accepted. I am totally burnt out right now so will have to try again tomorrow. Just wanted you to know I appreciate your reply & will get back to you later.

Thanks so much. Sally

I totally understand! Just take deep breaths-you'll be ok. its very overwhelming to go through, but you'll figure it out and what's best for you.

Hi Sally,

Sorry your post got lost.... don't you just hate when that happens!! Argh!!

I do understand how scary and emotionally upsetting tooth problems can be for most people. It is like the last thing on our list that we want to deal with! If it is any consolation to you... your situation is so very common. Not that that lightens the intensity for you..... I just did not want you to feel alone in dealing with this.

My suggestion would be to write down your questions/concerns that are popping into your head and then just post that list here. I try to check in every day.

Don't panic..... stay focused and believe me you will get through this okay.

Bryanna

socasusie & Bryanna,

I am so touched at your thoughtfulness & kind words of encouragement! I live alone and really don't have anyone to bounch things off of, let alone get advice on dental issues. I'm having to fight back tears right now because I have someone to talk to about this. The ironic thing is, I can't talk (sensibly) about it at this time. I have to wait till I feel I can handle it to even think about it. I'm not all spastic over this or anything like that, but I don't want to be either. Can't afford that, so I am working real hard to remain relatively calm. Sad thing though, I fear I need to get decisions made very soon, like in days rather than weeks, & I know myself it will be more like months.

I really need to get some questions answered but don't know where to begin. Hopefully, I'll have some clarity soon and can get a list of questions/comments made up. I will say now that I am seriously considering upper dentures due to condition of teeth. Last dentist wants to canal/crown most of the uppers. (to the tune of $8000). I just feet it is maybe too late for 4 or 5 of them to last as long as I will. When any of them fail there will be no way for a bridge. (Of course there is the infection issue also)! Then were will I be== Pretty old to be getting all my teeth pulled & too broke. I am 64 years old & living on SSDI for Fibromyalgia. My savings may or may not be enough to see me till the end. I know you need more info on the rest of my teeth, but that seems to be what I can't get into just yet.

I'll get back as soon as I can. By the way is there such a thing as timing out here? Could that be why my post failed?

Hi Sally,

We understand completely! Glad to hear that you are not feeling alone on this We will help you get through it!

If you want to share more information... it's up to you.... you can post your xrays here and I can take a look. Or you can email them to me. I will send you my email in a personal message. You can find that under "Your Notifications" at the top right of this page.

Either way, we are here if you need us.

Bryanna

I'm so sorry, and I totally understand! I have primary lupus and secondary fibromyalgia-it's why I haven't checked until now, I've been sleeping after work.

My current rheumatologist is the first to admit lupus and Fibro can attack your teeth.

I can promise you'll get through it! I also live alone. 4 years ago I took 4 weeks off work to help my mom, who we thought was dying. She pulled through, and my sister died 4 days later. 6 months after that I had to have a mastectomy and reconstruction, and in the last surgery they broke my teeth and denied it. I seriously thought I'd have a full meltdown. Funny enough, I didn't. I made it through even though I didn't think I would-more than once I thought I'd break.

The way I see it is if you're smart enough to find this board and do research, you're smart enough to figure it all out. Most people don't do research.

Even though I work, I do understand the financial piece. I actually go to mexico for dental work. I wouldn't advocate that for everyone by any means. I live in So CA, so I'm able to drive there, and my dentist is a friends family member. My point is the only reason I have options is because I have that option.

Also, if you are on SDI you probably have Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, do you have the dental rider to help you pay? There is also the option of community clinics in some places, as well as dental schools. I looked at all those things too before making me decisions.

For me, it wasn't just the decisions, it was how to pay for them.

I promise, you'll get through this! Let us know how we can help. Gentle hugs!