Sinus problems from bad tooth I think
 

I am age 65 and suffered with sinus infections for many years. When I was in the Air Force a Dentist used me for trial and error and I think I came back with an error. Let me explain.

In 1968 while stationed at Ramey AFB Puerto Rico an Air Force Dentist did what I think back then was called a root canal. He made an incision right above number 6 tooth telling me that would fix my tooth problem. The next day after he did the cutting on the gum my right eye turned black. It went away and then the left eye turned black. I had a hard time explaining to all my friends what happened.

The tooth turned black years later and I had a crown installed. It also went bad and about five years ago another crown put in. I have had problems in that area since way back then with sinus infections.

About five years ago my local dentist sent me to a oral surgeon to get a second opinion on what showed on the ex-ray. He said it was scar tissue and to leave it along. He said it was from the surgery done years ago.

Last year a puss sack formed right above the tooth. This had happened several times over the years also.. My local doc always would put me on antibiotics and it would go away.

Well last week I woke up with the same tooth hurting. I thought it would go away but of course it did not. I went to the doctor yesterday and again more antibiotics. Today I noticed the small puss filled thing again and called the dentist. She drained it and said the antibiotics should take care of the problem.

I know it will come back and I never feel really great. I am in good health other than this. Would just removed the complete tooth fix the problem because at this point I am willing to do anything to stop this problem. I am retired and have not felt good dealing with sinus infections for the last several years.

Under my right eye was swollen and very tender to touch the last few days but I think now after the dentist drained the thing today it has gone down a lot and not as sore as it was.

I just want to get healthy and feel good again and not deal with sinus problems. I just about know the Air Force dentist cut into my sinus cavity. Why would my eyes turn black way back then if he did not? I remember going back to him and he said that was normal. I have never had anyone else tell me a dentist caused them to have two black eyes. If I could find him today he might have one also:)

Sorry for the long post but I hope I covered everything so someone here can share what might be going on. Thanks. Tom

Hi Tom.

You have a chronically infected tooth that has spread to the bone and based on your description has likely spread into the sinus. The procedure that you had done in the Air Force is called an apicoectomy or surgical root canal. I'm sorry to say that this procedure did nothing to help your tooth and it has been infected all of these years. No wonder you don't feel well!! :/

Your best bet is to remove this ill tooth by an oral surgeon who will clean out the bone and sinus if needed. Be sure to tell the surgeon you want all residual infection and necrotic bone removed at the time of the extraction. This way it gives him no excuse not to do what is necessary.

It is not uncommon for bruising to develop in some patients after oral surgery procedures that involve cutting of the bone. The apicoectomy is a very invasive procedure and often results in extensive bruising.

You may also want to consult with an Ear Nose and Throat specialist about how far into the sinus this tooth infection has spread prior to having the tooth removed. Sometimes oral surgeons work along with ENT surgeons on cases that are complicated. Always best to have a full diagnosis before you have any surgery.

Please keep us posted...ok :)
Bryanna

Thanks Bryanna. I just want to quit taking all these antibiotic's. I know after a period of time it will do a number on your gut. I did today go to walmart a purchase the Probiotics you mentioned here so I hope it will help some. I have been taking Levaquin for four days now and really have not seem much help.

Maybe tomorrow will be better as the swelling as gone down more tonight. I still have the puss things on my gum and now on the inside of my lip near the tooth but it also looks much better today. I have been using the salt about five times a day.

Like I said the swelling has somewhat gone down and but I know the infection is still there. I could care less about this tooth and if removing it will make me well again then out it goes. I will visit an oral surgeon for that like you suggested.

I remember waking up last week one day and was real dizzy and the next day or two is when I woke up at AM with a tooth ache. I called my dentist today and told her that if this tooth needs coming out I want her to recommend a good surgeon to do this. Lets hope this works out. I know I have lived with infection for years and now I think I understand why I have not been 100% for all these years.

Last October I had a lymph node swell up in the lower neck under my right ear that was as big as a golf ball. The local doctor just treated me with three different antibiotics and I think it took about 6 weeks for it to go completely down. I was also very worried about that but was told if it went down then I was probably OK. They did an ultra scan and said the node was infected.

Even through this was on the opposite side from now it could be all tied together. I also remember years ago when I would get sick I could actually smell nasty stuff draining from the now bad tooth. That is before it was crowned. I believe all these problems with my teeth could have been causing the run down ill feeling I have suffered off and on for years? I have had a few root canals done over the years and my mouth is full of crowns. I had nine replaced from 2005 until 2011 while I was still working. There were no root canals down on these though.

I actually have good looking teeth but pulling that number 6 will not alter my smile. I just wish someone would have seen to do this years ago. I once had a older dentist tell me that he did not really believe in all the root canals that were being done today. He was a good golfing friend of mine but he passed away a few years ago. I could have asked him about this and I am sure he would have told me the truth on this.

I also suffered with a bout of strep five weeks ago and was sent to an ENT out of my town. The local doc was really worried and he actually told me it could be cancer. You think I worried about that one? By the time I got to finally see the ENT it was cleared up. I also had a small knot near my tonsil which also looked like the one I had on my gum this week. The doctor felt bad when I went to him this week and said he was sorry for the scare but felt he could not take any chances especially with my age.

I also used to smoke but have been quit for 31 years now. Again sorry for long post. I will be back and let you know how I come out and THANKS for your advice. Tom

Hi Tom,

Seriously, If I had a penny for every patient that I've seen who was physically ill from their teeth.... I would be millionaire by now!! Most have recovered their physical health extremely well after their oral infections were taken care of.

The probiotic will help to replenish the good bacteria that has been destroyed by the antibiotic but it is the chronic infection that is continually taxing your immune system. In case you are unaware.... our digestive system, from our mouth all the way down to the **** incorporates 80% of our immune system. So any infections or inflammation anyplace within that tract will compromise our overall health.

Tom if you haven't seen this article before about root canals, I think it may be helpful to take a look....
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/ar...0218_DNL_art_1

Keep us posted on how you're doing!
Bryanna

Thanks again Bryanna. The link you showed did not work for me. I will google the problem with root canals and see. Like I mentioned about my friend who was a Dentist years ago and what he thought about all these root canals being done. He was old school and a very smart person. I do recall him telling me about what could happen after a root canal years after it was done. A breeding ground for infection is what he told me as I remember.

The problem I face is who to go to as far as doctors. ENT, Oral Surgeon or Dentist?:eek: My doctor said I had a sinus infection and just wrote the script for Levaquin. I am worried I will get where this great antibiotic will not work if I continue to take these every few months.

You think I should call my Dentist Monday and ask what needs to be done after this infection is cleared? I do feel much better today and the white stuff on my gum is almost gone along with the swelling, thank goodness for that.:D I will keep you updated and thanks so much for helping here. Tom

Tom,

The infection will only subside temporarily because the infected tooth is what is causing the infection to be constantly present. Your situation is commonly seen in every dental office ......simply because many dentists do not concern themselves about the systemic connection between the mouth and the rest of the body. Many dentists are still in denial about how an infected tooth can infect the sinuses. Even though they have seen this time and time again.

Here is a different link to the root canal connection to our overall health... hopefully this one will open for you...
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/ar...ot-canals.aspx

Glad you are feeling a bit better! But please continue to gather as much information as you can about the consequences of retaining that root canal tooth.

Keep in touch here....
Bryanna

Thanks again Bryanna. I hate to keep asking questions but I guess I would never know if I did not. You have been so helpful here, more than I can get out of my Doctor or Dentist. They just write scripts and send me on my way.

When I first called the Dentist Tuesday morning and told them about my problems the girl said oh you will need to be sent to an Oral Surgeon and have them do a root canal. I then told her the root canal was done 45 years ago. She did not say anything after that but she said they could see me that afternoon.

I am like many my age. I am on Medicare with the best money can buy supplement but no Dental insurance. I really did not think I would need it because the last 10 years I worked I had everything I thought would be needed done to my teeth before I did retire. I can afford to pay what it takes to get the work done. At this point I really do not care how much it cost. I just want to stay well.

I have one question I bet you have heard many times. Would my Medicare pay for any of the work that needs doing? I think my teeth are the reason I have been feeling so bad. I never even thought about that until this problem came up.

I had nine crowns put on since 2005 and my teeth look like new. I guess under the teeth is where the problem has been all this time. I just thought my allergies were causing the sinus infections all these years until this time.

I did not even have any symptoms like stuffed up nose or cold like problems this time. It started with me getting up last week being dizzy and then two days later I woke up with a bad toothache. The tooth mostly hurt when I would tap on it. That went away after a few days and then I noticed the gum boil and swelling under my eye.

I did read about the root canal problems from the link you posted. After almost 66 years I never even thought that root canals could actually make people sick. I learn something everyday. I just wish I had been warned back in 1968 then the Air Force Dentist did the knife job on me. I do remember him telling me he needed to do that procedure in order to get into private practice. He was going to retire the next year from the AF and start his own business. Can you believe he used me to practice on? What a sick jerk he must have been.

Thanks again for staying in touch. I will keep you updated on how things go. Tom

Tom,

Young, old or otherwise.... when we open our minds, we always learn something. It may not always be what we want to hear.... but if we're smart we'll listen because knowledge gives up the empowerment to make wise choices. Your AF dentist did what he was taught to do and didn't think twice about it because he himself had not been properly informed. To this very day, most dental schools teach their students to be tooth carpenters...... not doctors. So unless they question the risk of systemic complications, they will never know and will just keep on doing the carpentry. I know that's not what you want to hear as it is certainly not that reassuring.... but I am hopeful that that mindset will one day change for the better. I've been saying that for over 30 yrs.... but I do see some slow improvement. Why?? Because patients are becoming better informed and they are asking a lot of the right questions!!! YAY!

Medicare basically does not cover dental care that you need primarily for the health of your teeth. That is a direct quote from the medicare establishment. They might cover something traumatic like the reconstruction of your jaw after chemotherapy or radiation. You may be able to purchase dental insurance through AARP. But be aware that the coverage will be limited and they may have waiting periods for certain major services.

Of course it's important that the teeth look esthetically pleasing... especially after you've paid a lot of money for them. However, crowned teeth can be very deceiving because the esthetics do not often reflect what is going on underneath the crown or in the bone.

Do you have other root canaled teeth?

What did you think of that link that I sent to you?

Bryanna

I do have other root canals in my mouth. I even had one done by a Dentist that I was told later was not even qualified to do them. That's scary now that I know about him. I quit using him right after I found out. He only patched my teeth and never fixed anything the right way. Why I used him I cannot tell you but I was much younger and dumb back then.

When I was growing up here in the deep south my parents did not teach us very good dental hygiene. My Dad had dentures and my Mother had lots of trouble with her teeth. I learned after joining the AF how to take better care of myself. :D

I do not blame my parents because back then just surviving was more of an issue than most anything else. Both my parents were born in 1915, both raised in very large families. My Dad had 14 brothers and sisters if that tells you anything. My Dad was working in the cotton field when he was about 8 years old. A very tough life compared to now. I doubt anyone in his family knew anything about taking care of teeth. That's just how it was back then.

Not that me telling about my parents have anything to do with this topic. I did want to mention about them and maybe shed some light on why my teeth have so many crowns. I was just never taught how to take care of my health back then.

I can also tell you that even though my Dad grew up in a very poor family he was very successful in life. All his brothers and sisters that lived were also. Its funny that my Dad had very little education and yet he was a very successful business man. All his brothers were also self employed and enjoyed a great life. I learned so much from him after I was grown. I wish I could have had them for many more years but both my parents died way to early. My Mom at 63 and my Dad at 72. Both of them had all sorts of health problems the last 20 years of their life.

I joined the Air Force in 1966 and it seemed I stayed in the dental offices a lot back then. When I was stationed at Ramey AFB in 68 is when the AF dentist did the knife trick on me. Like I mentioned he told me he needed that to be on his record to start his civilian practice and of course I agree not knowing any better:mad:.

I also checked the website you posted and I still cannot see anything about root canals. Maybe the link is no longer active? I tried internet explorer and Google Chrome.

Again thanks for posting all the great info. Sorry for all my rants but wanted to explain a little about how being taught at a very early age about health issues could save people problems later in life:D. Tom

Hi Tom,

Well thanks for sharing a piece of your history with us! How interesting to hear about your parents and their background. I cannot imagine how difficult it had to be to work in the cotton fields. The long hours in the heat, the bugs, the thorns stabbing in the fingers!!!! My God your dad and others who did that sort of work were some of the strongest humans ever to have withstood those conditions!! And I'm sure they were grateful to have a job and earn the pennies that they did. It just goes to show that education is really only a small piece of the puzzle because without courage and determination one would never be truly successful. You're so right life was a hell of a lot tougher back then for many folks and appallingly tough for some more than others .... I wonder how your parents would view life today??

The links I'm giving you are not opening because for what ever reason they may not be allowed on this site. So let's try it this way, google these words..
dr mercola how a root canal can affect your health.

Let me know if that works :)

Bryanna

Bryanna, the great depression really hurt my grandparents as they lost everything. My Grandfather owned 100 acres of land in 1932 and he lost it all. My Dad told me lots of stories about how hard times were then. I think him and his brothers growing up in such hard times made them all tough.

My Dad's brother died in 1990. His estate was worth about 10 million. Pretty good for an old country boy. My Dad never made that much money but he did do really good for himself. Again this has nothing to do with the original post but I thought you might like to know and why many my age have bad teeth. Good hygiene was just not taught to a lot of us like it is today.

I am sure if both my parents were alive today they would not like what they see here in the US. I just hope my grandchildren do not have to go through what my parents and grandparents did. It could happen again as history does repeat:mad:

I did find the links on the Doctor Mercola. Very interesting indeed. I saved some in my favorites and will continue to read. THANKS. Tom

Tom,

I have many dental patients who are over 65, even some into their nineties! So yea, I've heard similar stories about the lack of dental care. My parents were born in 1925/27 and they were part of that same generation of thinking. Believe it or many people still do not have regular dental care.... for one thing it's expensive and for another they are very fearful from either bad experiences or from stories their parents have told them!

Thanks again for sharing these stories with us. Sounds like you may have gotten your optimistic spirit from your dad :)

Glad you found the Mercola sites. They are very informative and hopefully will help you along your dental journey :)

Keep us posted on how you're doing!
Bryanna

How can I make my argument that this tooth needs coming out for good? I just about know most dentists will want to save it. I have had problems with this tooth for over 45 years and my thinking is to remove it, clean all the infection and let it be. I could care less if I have a tooth missing. I just want to be well.

Today I had a dizzy spell. It lasted for several hours. Not sure it is related to all this but until last Tuesday I never remember being dizzy before. I did check my blood pressure and it was a little low (95/60) Otherwise I have felt much better since they did drain it.

I have been on blood pressure meds off and on for the last 15 years. This past summer it shot up way high and my doctor put me on three different pills and it finally went down. I think now it is a little to low. I really had a hard time getting it under control so I guess for now I will just keep taking the meds.

My B/P meds now include Lisnopril 20 mg, Norvasc 10 mg and they later put me on Hydrochlorot (12.5 mg) for leg swelling. I have three more Levaquin's to take and then Tuesday I will call the Dentist to see what's next. I am dreading this but I got to do what I have to do.

I try and stay healthy as my wife and I walk two miles everyday and we eat good. I am not overweight as I weigh close to the same as when I finished HS in 1965 (170) 5ft 10. Maybe a little in the middle but I think that goes with age.


Mu gum is not as swollen as it was on Tuesday but not healed up yet. I am still using the salt five times a day. Most of the white stuff on my lip and gum has gone but the gum is red above that infected tooth. I am not sure if I did the right thing by letting her drain this Fistula or not? It was only a small area but after she drained it not small anymore. My wife said it looks much better and to quit looking at it:). I will let you know what they tell me. Thanks again. Tom

Hi Tom,

I'm going to post your question and answer it in caps... so don't think I'm yelling because they are in caps.. :)

<<How can I make my argument that this tooth needs coming out for good? I just about know most dentists will want to save it.>>
THE WORD "SAVE" IN DENTISTRY WHEN PERTAINING TO A ROOT CANALED TOOTH ONLY MEANS TO "RETAIN"... IT DOES NOT MEAN "CURE".

<< I have had problems with this tooth for over 45 years and my thinking is to remove it, clean all the infection and let it be. I could care less if I have a tooth missing. I just want to be well. >>
NO DENTIST IN HIS RIGHT MIND WOULD BE ABLE TO REASONABLY ARGUE WITH YOU ABOUT GETTING RID OF THIS 45 YEAR OLD INFECTION. THEY WOULD SAY... YUP YOU HELD ONTO THAT ONE FOR A LONG TIME. ALSO, IF YOU APPROACH YOUR DENTIST WITH THE ATTITUDE THAT YOU FEEL THIS TOOTH MAY BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO NOT FEELING WELL AND YOU WOULD JUST AS SOON BE RID OF IT.... HE WILL LOOK AT YOUR SITUATION FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE AS YOU ARE NOW THE ONE WHO IS IN CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH..... NOT HIM.

<<Today I had a dizzy spell. It lasted for several hours. Not sure it is related to all this but until last Tuesday I never remember being dizzy before. I did check my blood pressure and it was a little low (95/60) Otherwise I have felt much better since they did drain it.>>
THIS TOOTH IS STILL INFECTED AND SO IS THE BONE ABOVE IT. THE ANTIBIOTIC AND SURGICAL DRAINING OF THE FISTULA WERE TEMPORARY MEASURES TO SUBSIDE THE ACUTE INFLAMMATION. NEITHER OF THOSE THINGS CAN OR WILL CURE THE INFECTIOUS BACTERIA RESIDING INSIDE OF THE TOOTH WHICH KEEPS PROLIFERATING INTO THE JAWBONE. IT MAY LOOK LIKE IT'S GETTING BETTER ON THE OUTSIDE, BUT UNDERNEATH THE GUM IT DOES NOT LOOK THAT WAY AT ALL. BELIEVE ME, I HAVE SEEN YOUR SITUATION AND ASSISTED WITH THESE EXTRACTIONS THOUSANDS OF TIMES IN 30+ YRS..... THERE IS NOTHING HEALTHY ABOUT THIS TOOTH.

REGARDING YOUR BP.... LOW BP CAN MAKE YOU DIZZY... SO CAN A LOT OF OTHER THINGS. BUT 95/60 IS CONSIDERED LOW FOR SOMEONE WHO IS ON BP MEDS. I WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN ABOUT ALTERING YOUR MEDS ASAP. ALSO TELL HIM YOU HAVE AN INFECTED TOOTH.... I'M SURE HE WILL TELL YOU TO GET IT OUT! :)

<<I have been on blood pressure meds off and on for the last 15 years. This past summer it shot up way high and my doctor put me on three different pills and it finally went down. I think now it is a little to low. I really had a hard time getting it under control so I guess for now I will just keep taking the meds..>
NO, I WOULD NOT DECIDE THAT ON MY OWN IF I WERE YOU. YOU PROBABLY DO NOT NEED ALL 3 MEDICATIONS ANYMORE. I HAVE MANY PATIENTS WHO HAVE THEIR BP MEDS REDUCED OR ELIMINATED ONCE THEIR BP STABILIZES.

ALSO, LONG TERM CHRONIC INFECTION AND INFLAMMATION ANY PLACE IN THE BODY ... (WHICH IS WHAT YOU HAVE IN RELATION TO ALL OF YOUR ROOT CANALED TEETH).... WILL ELEVATE YOUR BP.

<<My B/P meds now include Lisnopril 20 mg, Norvasc 10 mg and they later put me on Hydrochlorot (12.5 mg) for leg swelling.>>
ANYTIME THE BP DROPS SUDDENLY YOU CAN BECOME LIGHTEDHEADED OR DIZZY. WHEN THIS CONDITION STAYS FOR MORE THAN A FEW SECONDS OR MINUTES IT IS USUALLY CAUSED BY AN ILLNESS OR MEDICATION. HYDROCHLOROT IS KNOW TO CAUSE POSTURAL HYPOTENSION.... LOW BP RESULTING IN LIGHTHEADEDNESS.

I ALWAYS SUGGEST TO MY PATIENTS WHO ARE ON BP AND/OR CHOLESTEROL MEDS TO SEEK A CONSULTATION FROM A NUTRITIONIST BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE CAN ELIMINATE THESE MEDS IF THEY LEARN TO EAT CERTAIN FOODS DAILY. THE REALITY IS.... OUR DIET MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN OUR OVERALL HEALTH WHEREAS MEDICATIONS FORCE AN UNNATURAL CHANGE TO OCCUR WHICH CONTINUALLY UPSETS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM. IT IS GREAT THAT YOU GET OUT AND WALK EVERYDAY!!! BUT OBVIOUSLY IT IS NOT ENOUGH AS YOU ARE ON 3 BP MEDS.... SEE WHAT I'M SAYING??

<<I have three more Levaquin's to take and then Tuesday I will call the Dentist to see what's next. I am dreading this but I got to do what I have to do.>>
REMOVING A 45 YEAR OLD INFECTION IS NOTHING TO DREAD. I WOULD WORRY MORE ABOUT KEEPING IT THAN GETTING RID OF IT :>

That's all the caps for now.... hope this information is helpful to you. Enjoy the rest of the weekend! Please call your physician this week about the dizzies :)

Bryanna

Bryanna, I just talked to my Dentist and they got me an appointment at 8 am in the morning by an Oral surgeon to remove the tooth. I called them this afternoon and they give me two prices, one was $145 where they just give me shots and gas. The other is where I am put to sleep. It cost $540. I am not sure which one to do. Have you got any suggestions? My local Dentist emailed them the X-ray they took last Tuesday so that will save me $75. This is the same Oral surgeon I used five years ago when I was referred by my Dentist for him to look at this problem area. I just want to end this problem. THANKS again for all your help. It is not hurting now but I know it will return. Tom

Hi Tom,

If you wrote down the correct tooth, #6, that is your upper right canine. The canine teeth can be a bit of a bugger to get out because they generally have a long root and are anchored in the bone pretty well. In your case due to the extensive infection and the apicoectomy surgery, this tooth may not be that anchored but it may come out in pieces. Also, the oral surgeon will need to thoroughly debride the infection from the bone. SO.... with all of that said, if you think that feeling the physical pressure during the surgery will cause you to become anxious, then it may behoove you to have a little twilight sedation whereas you would be "sleeping" during the procedure. The local anesthetic and nitrous oxide can be effective also, but it all depends on your tolerance to dental anxiety while in the chair.

I know the money is a big difference but it's important that you feel comfortable during the procedure. If you choose the IV sedation, then you must fast for 6 hours prior to the procedure. Also, it is best to ask the office if you can take your meds before you go in rather than assume you can or can't.

Ok.... let me know how things go. Fingers and toes crossed :)

Bryanna




QUOTE=threeputt;967196]Bryanna, I just talked to my Dentist and they got me an appointment at 8 am in the morning by an Oral surgeon to remove the tooth. I called them this afternoon and they give me two prices, one was $145 where they just give me shots and gas. The other is where I am put to sleep. It cost $540. I am not sure which one to do. Have you got any suggestions? My local Dentist emailed them the X-ray they took last Tuesday so that will save me $75. This is the same Oral surgeon I used five years ago when I was referred by my Dentist for him to look at this problem area. I just want to end this problem. THANKS again for all your help. It is not hurting now but I know it will return. Tom[/QUOTE]

I will wake up in the morning and decide. I can take the pain if I have to and I have been through worse things than this. I will let you know. I really appreciate your help on this. I will update tomorrow night. Tom

Okay Tom.
We'll catch up tomorrow.
You will be fine..... :)
Bryanna

I made the one hour drive to the oral surgeon this morning. I got into his office and they suggested being the tooth looks so good and strong I have
Apicoectomy. My Dentist had also not emailed the X-ray like they promised. I cannot believe people plain do not care or maybe just the ones I use. Anyway I asked him what the success rate was on the Apicoectomy and he of course said about 50/50. I had already read that on this site thank goodness. He said if it did not work he would pull the tooth for free. For some reason they wanted to save this tooth. I told them it did not work in 1968 and to give me the shot and jerk it out. He said no problem. It was a piece of cake and only $140 out of my pocket. Now when he got through cleaning the infection and looking good at the where the tooth was inside my mouth he said Tom, you made the right choice. He said the Apico would not have worked . There was still lots of infection under that tooth. Right now I have a little pain but they give me something for that. I am also on Keflex. I hope there is a end to all these antibiotic's. I am taking it easy today. Bryanna, if it had not been for you they would have talked me into the Apico thing. I can tell you also this dental office was not very informative to me, I guess that would be the word. They did not tell me anything after they pulled the tooth. I asked about eating and the Doc said it would be OK in about an hour. I got no paper as what to do. I came home and read and found out I should eat food that is not hard to chew like ice cream. I asked them when I was leaving should I use salt and they said not until tomorrow and how often? Any advice on what I need to do about cleaning this area and brushing my teeth again? Should I use the salt and water tomorrow. I cannot believe they did not ever bother to tell me anything. I am telling you that girl that worked at his front desk should be fired. She was not a very nice person. The Doc was great but not his staff. Again I want to thank you for your expert advice Bryanna. I owe you greatly. Tom

Tom,

I just answered this post in part ... but I have no idea where?

Yea, some dental staff are not that educated in dentistry. Sorry :/

You should eat a nutritious soft food diet like eggs, apple sauce, smoothies, soft veggies, soups, no seeds or rice or anything that requires a lot of chewing, and don't eat on that side. Continue this for about 7-10 days or until the site closes over.

Brush and floss all of your teeth as usual. You do not have to use any toothpaste, perhaps just a TINY bit of baking soda on a soft wet toothbrush.

Starting tomorrow, rinse with warm salt water gently 3-4 times a day. Continue rinsing for about 2 weeks. DO NOT use anything else to rinse with.. no mouthwash like Listerine as these products disrupt the healing process.

You are on your way!!!

Bryanna

I posted in the wrong topic and deleted it and posted it here. I assume that is what you were referring to. It has been a long day. I was up at 5 am with very little sleep and off at 6 am for the long drive. 7 to 10 days? on not eating solid foods? Wow, I do not need to loose any more weight but I guess I can add something to my diet to make sure I am getting enough calories. I wonder why he told me I could eat most anything? I kind of knew better than that. They took my money and sent me out the door. You think by me not having insurance is why I was treated like this? I am lost on why a doctor would not tell me how to take care of this? Anyway I am smart enough to figure things out. One more thing, what do I need to put in the place of where that tooth was? Nobody has even mentioned that to me and how long before I need to make that move. Thanks again for you time and help. Tom

Tom,

A soft food diet can be filling and satisfying. You could add some protein powder to homemade fruit or vegetable smoothies for the extra protein, fiber and calories.
Here's a little help....
http://suite101.com/article/how-to-e...s-diet-a151090

The surgeon told you to eat anything because he might have assumed that you would do that anyway..... most people are not all that compliant when it comes to altering their diet for several days. But he should have properly informed you anyway.

Replacement of this tooth will need to be discussed with your general dentist as it all depends on the restorations and health of the the adjacent teeth. If you are missing other teeth in your upper arch, you may be a candidate for a removable partial denture. You had initially said you didn't care if you had a space there ....... but of course it would be ideal to be able to replace it!

Your replacement options depend on what else is going on in the upper arch.
You can consult with your general dentist anytime about this.

Hope you're feeling well.... and feel even better tomorrow!
Bryanna

I don't have any more missing teeth on the top row and like I said it does not matter to me if this one is replaced or not.

I am not sure if I mentioned it or not but there was a large cavity under the crown he removed today. I did not know that and from what I have read X-rays will not detect those. I am learning something everyday.

I just wish I would have never had all these 9 teeth crowned since late 2005. It looks like my dentist was getting all the insurance money she could before I retired and not really helping me.

I just thought I was doing the right thing. Now I could have a cavity and not know it. No dentist ever told me that one. Same with root canals.

I also never knew you could get an infection once a tooth had a root canal done in it. The oral surgeon did tell me today about those tiny canals under the tooth that have infection and the only way to get rid of the infection is remove the tooth.That's how much I knew. :D I know you mentioned that here.

What does your dentist think of a Waterpik ? I have been using one but not sure if its the correct thing to do? I do floss good everyday but some days I also use the Waterpik.

This site is a good learning site and we all really appreciate your expert help here. I know I do anyway.

I hope tomorrow is better than today and I am quite sure it will be with this infected tooth gone. Now I got to find some good snack food to eat when I play golf:D tomorrow. Tom

Hi Tom,

Well, you have time to think about what you want to do to replace that tooth. You may even consider removing those other root canaled teeth which would give a whole different perspective to replacing #6.

It is common to have decay underneath the crowns that cover root canaled teeth. Usually what occurs is either the seal of cement has broken and bacteria continually leaches in causing decay (this can also occur on non root canaled teeth that are crowned).... but usually as the bacteria from inside of those tiny canals breaks through the tooth it results in decay. Tooth decay is infection. It is a bacteria that has rotted out a portion of the tooth. Gross, I know :/

Crowns that are made of porcelain fused to metal are not radiolucent, meaning they cannot be seen through on a x-ray. Crowns that are just porcelain can be seen through to a certain degree.

The cement that is used to adhere crowns generally lasts for about 7-10 years. Once the seal is broken, bacteria can get underneath and cause havoc. Sometimes a crown will loosen when the cement seal breaks other times it stays tight. Crowns can look esthetically pleasing for a lot longer than they stay cemented.... unfortunately.

Tom THANK YOU for mentioning this in your post...
<<The oral surgeon did tell me today about those tiny canals (inside) under the tooth that have infection and the only way to get rid of the infection is remove the tooth.>>

Sometimes I think people read my replies and after they pick themselves up from fainting.... they think I'm making this stuff up! So it is always a good thing when a member here states the truth as it's been told by their dentist. It does not happen often but I appreciate when someone shares it. So thank you ;)

BTW..... how did your golf game go today?? What snacks did you munch on? Or don't I want to know ;?

Bryanna

The golf game went fine today Bryanna. On hole number 14 I noticed I was getting light headed again. I did manage to shoot 82 which is ok for me. I thought at first I may need something to eat but that was not he problem. I was not dizzy, just real light headed especially when I would bend over and get my golf ball out of the cup. Almost like I would faint. I did manage to complete the round without problems though.

When I got home I checked my blood pressure and it was 80 over 55 which is way to low. I rechecked again and same thing, way to low. I may need to adjust those meds so maybe tomorrow I will call the doc or maybe just cut the Lisinopril in half and leave off the other. I have already quit one of those three meds. Since I got this infected tooth out my blood pressure may return to near normal without meds or at least cut the dosage to half.

That is scary about the other crowns I have to know they may be infected under them. I plan on seeing my dentist in July so I will ask just how many root canals I do have. I do not have a clue but an E-ray would show that.

The place where the tooth was removed is healing great. I may start eating normal again by the weekend but continue to chew on the other side. I need some good food again like junk burgers:D LOL

Tom,

Please call the doctor tomorrow about the BP. It's not safe to just alter the meds your self as your dr may want to change them to something else or remove one or the other.

Glad your golf game went okay! We wouldn't want anything to interfere with that .... :))

Yes, dental xrays will determine what teeth are root canaled. So it's a good idea to have them done when you see your dentist in July.

Have a good rest of the week!
Bryanna

I never called the doctor today. They are only going to do what I am doing anyway, that's how they treated my B/S before, trial and error. I just took the one 10 Mg Lisinopril .

It was still low this morning but nothing like yesterday. I may just cut it in half like I was doing before it spiked up last summer. I was only on 10 mg then. I have been tired all day today and spent the biggest part of it sleeping. Not sure why, maybe I did not sleep good last night or maybe the several days of golf finally got me.. I played starting last Wednesday and went 6 days in a row and then again yesterday:cool::cool:

. I just tested my B/P and it was 120/75 which I would think is next to perfect. I may just stay at the 20 mg. The area where they pulled the tooth is healing up good but the gum is still sore where the gum boil was. It looks much better also but some of it is still there. I need to quit using my tongue to fell it:D I know I read where they tell you to not rub or touch the extraction area with your tongue or finger. As this might cause bleeding or infection, prolonging the healing time.

I hate taking all these antibiotics. I think they are making me feel bad. I never seem where you said it was OK to use a water Pike ? or how dentists feel about using one?? I have not used it since the tooth infection but would like to continue later if it is not harming my gums?

One more question and if I can. When do you think it will be OK to drink coffee? I have not had a cup since Monday and would very much like some to jump start my day. You think it will be OK since the place is almost healed up??

I will keep you updated on how I am coming along. Hope you have a good weekend. Thanks again. Tom

Tom,

I still think you should inform your doctor of your BP readings and light- headedness so he can guide you.... but that's as far as I'm going to push ;)

Perhaps you should not do anything strenuous, like play golf, for a couple of days. After all, you just had oral surgery and your body is dealing with that and the infection. So just take it easy for a couple..... ok?

Regarding the antibiotics..... if you are having digestive upset, you can supplement with a probiotic. This is an over the counter supplement that helps to restore the good bacteria in your gut that the antibiotic kills off. Just take it one hour before the antibiotic or two hours later.... twice a day.

The fistula that had formed above the tooth will take time to heal. Continue to rinse with warm salt water 3-4 times a day until that is gone. With regard to using the water pik..... go ahead and use it! Just keep it on a gentle to medium setting..... never hard.

Coffee.... go ahead have cup or two! It is never a good idea to stop coffee cold turkey if you are use to having it every day as it could drop your BP (!) and/or make you feel a bit.... cranky and tired :/

You have a good weekend also!!
Bryanna

Bryanna, I feel better today than I have in years. I have lots more energy . My B/S was 110/70 this morning and 90/69 just a few minutes ago . I took only the half of lisinopril. You think this infected tooth has been making me feel bad all this time? Its that the case it would be a miracle. I don't want to speak to fast but for now I feel great. I had one cup of coffee this morning. Today I am taking it easy as it is raining and cooler. I will update you again later. Tom

Tom,

The infected tooth very well could have been a contributing factor to your not feeling well. My observation over a period of 35 yrs with dental patients who have their infected teeth removed is without question that their health in general improves. The same holds true for those patients who have their mercury fillings removed when their dentist follows the proper removal protocol. I have a ton of stories relating to this topic and so do others in the profession of Biological Dentistry.

Glad you are feeling so good!

Have a wonderful weekend ;)
Bryanna

Thanks, I know without a doubt if I had not found this forum and your expert help I would have let the Oral Surgeon talk me into the Apicoectomy. I would then be out that money and a trip back to the big city to extract the tooth.

I just hope I continue to feel better because 2012 was not a good year for me. I retired and went downhill since. I guess its part of getting old. I will still stay updated with you next week on how I am doing and how the B/P is. I appreciate you trying to make me call the doctor but I know what they would do because I have went though this before with him.

I am due blood work soon so I will let them know what's going in then. Take care and have that good weekend yourself. Tom

Tooth or I mean missing tooth question lol
 

Bryanna, I deleted my post by mistake so I sent you a PM. Tom

Tom, I will go read it now. May or may not have time to respond right now. If not, I will catch up with you later!

Bryanna

Doing great
 

Bryanna, it has been three weeks this Tuesday since my tooth was removed. It has healed great. How long do you think I need to keep the salt water rinse? When will it be OK to use mouthwash again and is there type I need to use. Thanks again. Tom

Hi Tom,

If the surgical site is closed you can stop rinsing with the salt water.

Regarding mouthwash.... I recommend that no one ever use any mouthwash like Listerine that contains chemicals, alcohol, preservatives, dyes....etc. All of these ingredients are not therapeutic... they are harmful.The claim that these mouthwashes kill bad breath and bad germs is completely false and misleading. These mouthwashes kill ALL of the germs, both good and bad, because it cannot distinguish between the two. This predisposes the user to a reduction in saliva, bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. It's like anything else.... if a company can sell their product with false advertising and the consumer does not know better than to question it.... of course they will continue to sell it. Conventional dentists endorse these products because they are backed by the ADA (who happens to have personal financial gain with these companies to market for them) and because the more patients use them.... the more dentistry they need to have done!

Mouthwash is really not necessary for the overall health of your teeth and gums. It is best to brush and floss thoroughly twice a day. You can also use a tongue scraper which will eliminate most mouth odors if it is used daily.

If you still want to use a mouthwash then I suggest one that is free of chemicals, dyes, preservatives and alcohol. One that we recommend to our patients is called Dental Herb Tooth and Gum Tonic. It is made from essential oils that do have some therapeutic properties that are beneficial for the gum tissue. It is quite potent so I suggest to use a capful in a small glass of water.
http://www.dentalherb.com/patient/index.html

Glad to hear you have healed well! Everything else under control....??

Let me know your thoughts about the mouthwash.

Bryanna




threeputt;972645]Bryanna, it has been three weeks this Tuesday since my tooth was removed. It has healed great. How long do you think I need to keep the salt water rinse? When will it be OK to use mouthwash again and is there type I need to use. Thanks again. Tom[/QUOTE]

Bryanna, I like your idea on the mouth wash. I will order some this week. I have been doing good. I have to go back in the morning to let them check my B/P to make sure it is good. I have tested it and all is great. I cut back oneverything except the 20 mg's of Lisinopril . Thanks again. Tom

Hi Tom,

Okay good!

Let me know how you like the mouthwash :)

Have a great day!

Bryanna