Hello everyone, I just joined.

I have had problems with the #3 molar and the sinus connected to it for years. Lots of sinus infections over the years. Anyway several years ago it had a root canal but the gum always seemed to be infected and I still felt like something was "in" the tooth. At my last visit i complained of this again and the dentist said I probably needed a new crown since the other crown got drilled through for the root canal. So he took it off and put a temporary crown on but said before I get the new crown go for a consult to the same endontist who did the original root canal. I did and the endontist took X-rays and said it looked like a "halo" around the tooth which he said could either be infection or scar tissue. He tested the tooth for sensitivity (positive) so proceeded to redo the root canal. After he got the cement out he said there was a "flaw" or "crack" in the root letting in infection and so the best thing would be for me to get it extracted rather than try to patch it. He cleaned it out, put disinfectant in, and put the temporary cap back on. So I made an appointment for the extraction for an oral surgeon in a week. Meanwhile he put me on Amoxicillin.

But now (3 days after my failed root canal) my sinus hurts and I feel like I have either a cold or sinus infection. Low-grade fever and getting yellow mucus drainage. Also the tooth or gum feels extremely irritated. My sinus definitely got worse after this failed attempt at a root canal even though I am on 500 mg three times a day Amoxicillin. I am afraid I will have a horrible infection by Oct. 31 when I am supposed to have it pulled. Should I ask for a different antibiotic or just live with this sinus apparent sinus infection until the day I go in for an extraction? What else would help - can I do nasal irrigations until the extraction?

Also, another big fear is I am almost certain this extraction will cause a sinus perforation. How do I know this? Because the first time I had the root canal several years ago on that tooth, after the root canal my nose bled lightly for about 24 hours. I called the endontist's office and they said "sometimes that happens" with no other explanation. Also, whenever I have problems with the tooth, like now, I get a sinus infection.

Will the oral surgeon still take out this infected tooth if I have a sinus infection and if the roots go into the sinus which I think they do? And if I do get a sinus perforation can I still get a dental implant which is what I assume is the next step? Would it be okay not to do anything, no implant no bridge, just leave it the hole there? I have insurance so money isn't an issue but I just don't want any complications. I have a dental phobia as well. This is my first extraction.

Marie,
age 50