Ok, so after 4 months of a failed root canal pain #19, I had it extracted and I am happy to say that I am without a first molar, and without pain. Ive gone with a holistic dentist that has an excellent reputation, and so will be having some amalgams removed but before all of this,
Im having new dull pain in the adjacent #18 molar/crown. I seem to be having intermittent pain(dull) in the #14 above and #18 next to the extraction.

My question is how and what plan should I approach when handling these teeth?
Large filling in #14- digital xray says its "ok"
extraction site #19 pan free ofcourse but
#18 dull pain . I will be getting a new xray on this tooth. Its kind of a guessing game, but I want to be systematic about dealing with this lower qdrnt that iv had problems with since April.
Hi Bryanna I know you are reading this and I am happy to say ive gone holistic, do not believe in RC's and don't care if my teeth are pulled as long as im healthy. (saving for the implants ofcourse
Thanks to anyone who has an idea how to tackle this!

Hi medassist,

Glad to hear that you sought the holistic approach and had that damn tooth removed!!

You asked: My question is how and what plan should I approach when handling these teeth?
Large filling in #14- digital xray says its "ok"
extraction site #19 pan free ofcourse but
#18 dull pain . I will be getting a new xray on this tooth. Its kind of a guessing game, but I want to be systematic about dealing with this lower qdrnt that iv had problems with since April.

My answer: Teeth #14 and #18 could be hurting because you are over using them to chew with. By now there has been some shifting due to the removal of #19 so that can cause certain teeth to feel sore or achey. I would proceed ahead with the amalgam removal if both teeth look okay on the xrays. Sometimes pain is an indicator of a serious problem, sometimes it's something that is brewing and other times it is the result of over use.

I assume this dentist will be following the proper amalgam removal protocol?

Bryanna

Byranna,
Yep he will follow the protocol, and I will have those xray before they go in there and remove the amalgam on 17. Im just wondering now about how to proceed with the implant on 19. TE was done on August 14, so should I try and get this implant going or wait even more? Some say that it is better if you can get it in before the 3 month window so its not totally resorbed, and looks better cosmetically, but then again I don't want infection.

What are your thoughts about implants? I'm planning on more than one down the road even though its so pricey.
Thanks!

Medassist,

Regarding the implant to replace #19.... the jaw bone heals layer by layer and very slowly which means that the new bone forming does not really solidify for several months. In my opinion it is best to wait at least 3 months before placing an implant as this gives the bone some time to grown in a bit before it is disturbed again. When the implant is placed into minimal bone that is still soft with not much height to it, you then risk having too little bone surrounding the circumference of the implant. Sometimes the bone will fill in around the implant up to a higher level, other times it will not. I think it is best to have a periapical xray done at 3 months post op.... then if necessary again at 4 - 6 months to see the density and height of new bone.

I am an advocate of dental implants when they are done properly in patients who are good candidates for them. I do not believe that everyone is automatically a good candidate and that thorough medical/dental screening needs to be done prior to considering them. Although they are a foreign matter in the bone, they do not require blood for nutrition as teeth do. So in my opinion they are a healthier alternative to root canal therapy.

Bryanna

Well Amen to that one. I am waiting on the other teeth to see how they do. Will have amalgam removed from 17, and will continue to wait on the implant. Doc says he will be checking it out next week, do a cone beam etc. and tell me what he thinks. I ok to wait I guess, it is worth it.
I also wonder if I had a miserable time with the root canal done on 19pTE, would I more than likely respond the same way if I attempted another RC in the future for example if others go south.
should I risk another attempt at RC through my holistic dentist or just bybass it entirely?
I get the whole focal infection theory and believe that you are basically rolling the dice when it comes to having a successful job done. We still have dead teeth in our mouth. Maybe looks better cosmetically because we get to "keep our teeth" but not solving the "root" of the problem if you will.
Thanks again,
Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth,

Root canals are done because they are hugely lucrative for the dentist.... and because it is the only attempt a person has at retaining their unhealthy tooth if they do not want to have it removed.

Every root canaled tooth contains necrotic nerve tissue. The rc procedure cannot and will not remove this dead tissue and every dentist is aware of that. This tissue always becomes inflamed and infected because there is no longer blood circulating through the tooth to nourish it. The infection may contain itself for awhile or it may not. Eventually the bacteria spreads to other areas of the tooth, the jaw bone and beyond. Some people have symptoms of the infection right away... others have slight or fleeting symptoms ....others have progressive bone loss...... loose teeth .... gum boils (fistulas) ..... others report no symptoms even when the x-ray indicates pathology .... others have systemic symptoms that often go undiagnosed as being connected to the infected tooth also referred to as the Focal infection.

It is an individual decision to root canal or not. It is also every one's right to be properly informed of the risks of retaining root canaled teeth prior to having the procedure done.

Hope your dental visit goes well next week. Please keep us posted!
Bryanna