Hi Bryanna,
I am getting close to 3 months since the last bone graft. My ENT finally called me back and said there is no infection anywhere but where I had the teeth removed is still inflamed, swollen and it is inflaming my sinus area. So I still feel like I have a sinus infection . I actually still feel like I have aninfection like I did before they even took the teeth out. I feel so sick all the time. Is that normal after all this time? Should I go and see if they can do another panoramic 3D image of the area? I am afraid he is just going to say everything is ok when I feel like there is still something wrong. Should I get a second opinion? I am so tired of this, I cry every day all day and I really can't live like this anymore. I really don't know where to turn.

Angels,

The endodontist is clearing his conscience and telling you he sees nothing. The oral surgeon and ENT are both doing the same thing. But are they discussing your situation as a group or are they each coming up with their own opinions?

Given your ongoing physical symptoms and now the right side is inflamed as well .... whether or not there is infection is still unclear. If all was healing well... then why is the right side acting up and why is there still so much inflammation present that you feel like you have a sinus infection? If all is healthy, then why do you feel so ill?

A couple of things come to mind....

1) Sometimes the infection ends up being kept alive by species and strains of bacteria that are resistant to the antibiotic taken.

2) The healing from the extraction of an infected root canaled tooth can be lengthy due to the proliferation of the infection into areas beyond the tooth. Dentists (surgeons) who suspect a systemic infection did or could occur will generally put the patient on IV antibiotics like Levaquin and others. The IV antibiotics bypass the absorption of the tissues or stomach going directly into the blood stream. This route of administration is immediately effective. The oral route first goes through the stomach or small intestine where it is then absorbed into the blood stream. This generally results in a lesser or diluted overall dosage than when given intravenously. However, the prescribed antibiotic irrelevant of the administration route may not be effective in killing off all of the species/strains of bacteria. Even though there was a culture taken, new bacteria could have been forming that did not show up on that particular specimen.

3) Root canaled teeth can cause or contribute to a host of bacterial infections that spread way beyond the offending tooth. It is possible that you have a systemic infection that is not being diagnosed.

These are the issues that need to be taken into consideration by the 3 doctors who have taken a role in your care. There may be no current radio graphic areas visible of infection but that does not rule out a systemic infection. If they cannot give you any reasons why you feel ill and miserable, then they have to put their heads together and figure out a plan to help you. It may behoove you to be referred to an infectious disease specialist.

I know I am repeating myself and I'm sorry about that. But the help has to come from them and their willingness to see this through. If they are not willing to collaborate, then you should consider gathering all of the records and see a new oral surgeon.

I don't doubt that you feel miserable and I feel horrible knowing you are going through this ordeal .... I wish there was something I could do for you.

Bryanna

Hi Bryanna,

Thank you for trying to help me. I don't think any doctors are talking to each other. I keep getting written off like nothing is wrong. Nobody will listen. I still very much feel like there is an infection. It feels like I still have my infected teeth. I am so tired of going to the doctors and have them tell me nothing is wrong. I am not a baby or a hypochondriac, I just want to feel better. It has been 3 months since #14 was taken out and 2 and a half since #15. The site where they were taken out is still red. My sister had the same thing last week and hers is not red like mine is. She went to a different doctor. Should the site still be red? It is also sore.

Angels,

Why aren't the doctors communicating with each other? Have you asked them to do that? Each one of them has treated you regarding this problem... they are obligated to see this through or dismiss you as a patient.

No the sight should not be red... no it should not be sore if it is healing fine.

Is your sister on Levaquin for a severe sinus infection related to severely infected root canaled teeth? Or did she just have a tooth extracted that is not as involved as yours?

You have a severe case that needs to be followed through by your doctors.

Bryanna

Hi Byanna,
No I have not asked the doctors to talk to each other. The problem is they don't think anything is wrong. My sister had a very complicated case. She had surgery from many years ago from a bad root canal from same dentist as the one who did mine. The tooth was infected and also in her sinus and she has substantial bone loss. So hers seemed more complicated, I think. But I am not sure cause she one up's me all the time. She also doesn't work in an airplane so sinus issues are not as much of a problem for her.
The site is definitely red but I am not sure it is swollen. My neck is swollen and my ear is ringing. I feel like I have an infection. I have an appointment with the oral surgeon tomorrow morning. I am sure he will say I am fine. I will leave in tears. I don't know what to do after that.

Angels,

It is up to you to get these doctors to talk to each other. Each one of them has been involved in your case. To keep seeing them as separate entities means to keep going in circles. They need to talk about your case with each other as they all have a different perspective of the situation based on the symptoms you presented with and the complaints you have made. They each have their own findings and opinions to discuss with each other. If they don't want to collaborate with each other, than you know that you have to seek new doctors.

Based on your description, it sounds like your sister had an apicoectomy done years ago that resulted in further infection causing bone loss. Which is pretty typical of maxillary apicoectomies. Did you have apicoectomies with either of your rc teeth? Is your sister seeing an ENT doctor? No doubt you both have serious dental infections. Which one of you has the worst .... who knows. Did the dentist put her on Levaquin too?

It is important to tell the OS about the swollen neck and ringing in the ear. It is up to you to convince him that you are not feeling well and that you do not just want to be pacified with more antibiotics. It's a shame that you have to take all of this initiative, but if your don't, then nothing is going to change.

Bryanna

The only thing I had on those two root canal teeth were root canals. Yes, my sister is seeing an ENT and she is taking amoxicillin . I am not sure how I can get these doctors to talk to,each other because the ENT does not think anything is wrong except a tooth problem. My sinuses are fine. He said I have a little fluid in them but I was doing a sinus wash at the time and that is what he thinks it was caused from. What do I do if I go in the morning and he says nothing is wrong? I won't know where to turn. I am living In a complete nightmare right now.

Angels,


You brought 3 different doctors in to deal with ONE problem that involves teeth, sinus and infection. Irrelevant of what their opinion is... they need to discuss your case with each other to come up with a solution. How do you get them to do that... you say to whomever you want to make the initial call... I have seen an ENT, OS and Endodontist about this area of my mouth. Please contact so and so and so and so as I feel it would behoove me to have a collaborated opinion as to what could be going on and what can be done.

Bryanna

Hi Bryanna,
Just what I thought would happen. He did a 3D, CT xray and everything is fine. I am not sure where to turn now. It must be the Pseudomonas in my nose that is causing all the discomfort.

Angels,

Get a copy of that scan sent to the ENT and also the Endodontist. That's how you get the ball rolling.

What was his reason for .... you feeling so unwell ..... for the swelling in your neck .... for the red and sore area in your mouth? Did he tell you it was from the Pseudomonas in your nose? If so, what was his suggestion on how to deal with that?

Bryanna