Infected Root Canal then Extraction - Need advice
 

I had a second root canal done on an old root canal because it had become infected. Second root canal didn't eliminate infection. I read Byranne's (SP?) information on the subject and decided to have the tooth removed. That was done today. I asked the doctor if he cleaned the area out, but in looking at it, I don't see that he did. It is the most horrible looking thing. Now this is GROSS, but I have a hole in my mouth filled with puss and no instructions on how to get rid of it other than a 3rd round of anti-biotics. Can anyone help me?

Hi apgicg,

If your description is accurate, then you need to see an "oral surgeon" to have the site surgically debrided and resutured. There is nothing you can do on your own to remedy this type of infection. Even though it is the weekend, call the surgeon and leave a message with his service.

Grateful
 

Thanks so much for the information you share on this site. The Endodontist certainly didn't inform me at all. As a matter of fact I feel he lied to me. It is only common sense that the extraction site should have been thoroughly cleaned of infection before I left his office. I asked the question regarding cleaning and he said, "yes, I cleaned it". I'm so upset by all this. Why would he lie to me? How could he still have a practice?
I also have another health issue. In December I broke my ankle, then fell again 6 weeks later - broke the ankle again along with a leg bone. I didn't walk for 4 months. I attend physical therapy as much as I can afford. (No health insurance, Husband lost job) My recovery has been slow. Could this infection have hampered that recovery?

Hi apgjcg,

Yes, any infection can hinder the healing from a broken bone.

You mentioned that the "endodontist" removed this tooth... did I understand that correctly? These dentists do not routinely extract teeth. In fact in my lengthy 30+ yr career I have not ever known one who did.

The best specialist to see for the extraction of all infected and/or all root canaled tooth as well as most wisdom teeth would be an oral surgeon. Or a general dentist who has been ""specifically"" trained in oral surgery, in addition to his typical dental curriculum, who also ""routinely"" performs these procedures in his ""daily"" practice would be another wise choice.

Endodontists do not actually "lie" to their patients.... they just do not fully disclose all of the information and they deliberately utilize words like "cure" or "save" when referring to endodontic treatment to sell the procedure. Those words when referencing any procedure that is done to an infected or dead tooth means nothing more than "retain or keep" as there is no physical or medicinal means of curing an infected or dead tooth to make it healthy again.

I'm sorry you are having this trouble .... please seek help from an oral surgeon asap.

Scared
 

Yes, the orthodontist extracted the tooth. I called him this morning & told him my cheek is red & swollen. I asked if this is serious & he assured me it is routine. He called in another antibiotic. Am I in trouble? Could I loose more teeth?
Thank you again, Bryanna.

Scared/Revised
 

Endodontist not Orthodontist.

apgjcg,

Some swelling is normal after a tooth extraction. However it is not "routine" if you have puss extruding from the extraction site. Like I said, endodontists do not usually extract teeth. You need to see an oral surgeon to evaluate the infection. Taking repeated antibiotics can make you very sick and may only <temporarily> subside the inflammation and infection. Please consult with an oral surgeon.

Thanks again Bryanna. I will see an oral surgeon asap.