[Breezy55]

I have had full blown RSD for over 10 years now. I would like to know if anyone here is having problems with their teeth because of the nerve endings? It seems that every time I get another tooth bonded a month or so later a another one needs it!! Yesterday I saw my dentist because of a broken tooth that looked awful with a blackish brown coloring. Before I saw him I had been running high fevers for about a month. I saw my regular Dr. and my thyroid was very low. Getting back to the dentist thing I had a severe abscess and now I need to go back in next month for my first root canal!! When I look at my teeth I can see all the bonding that he put on starting to come off. Also last night was the first time I did not run a fever in months! I am also using prescription tooth paste. Anyone else having these problems? Thanks Breezy55 I pray that all are doing their best with combating this awful disease!

[Phaedra]

Wow I am really sorry you are having this problem with your teeth. I have only had RSD I was told this past March but actually fell in DEC. I feel my teeth hurt at times but nothing like what you are going through. I certainly hope you feel better soon. I will say a little prayer for you.

[Neurochic]

It sounds as though this latest tooth is extremely infected if it is black/brown and damaged. I don't understand what the bonding is that you mentioned. I assume you have had X-rays etc and your dentist is certain what is going on with your teeth before he recommended a root canal on what sounds like a badly decayed tooth?

You need to do some research and question whether a root canal is the right course of treatment. It might be better to consult with an oral surgeon than a dentist especially since you are having ongoing problems. A root canal treatment isn't carried out because there is a problem with the nerve in the tooth. It is carried out to kill/remove the nerve in the tooth so that you don't actually feel the pain or sensitivity that would otherwise be there. The root canal treatment doesn't fix any underlying oral problem such as infection, gum disease or other weakening of teeth. That would require the underlying issue to be identified and some other treatment carried out. Some dentists will automatically do a root canal first because they (and/or the patient) want to try to save the tooth. This is understandable but may well not be a healthy course of action. Some will do it because they know they get paid for the root canal and then also for the inevitable follow up work leading to removal.

If this tooth is badly infected then a root canal will actually retain at least a residual pool of that infection in your tooth and possibly also in your jawbone. It could be that the course of problems you have been having with your teeth recently are a result of a systemic oral infection which you can't physically see but which is present in the jaw bones which your teeth are anchored into. If that is the case, you need to have that issue identified and addressed as a priority or it will likely cause you even more problems with teeth that seem healthy just now.

One of the key culprits for oral problems is medication. There are many drugs used for CRPS which are well known to cause terrible oral side effects. Even just drugs which cause a dry mouth can have a devastating effect on teeth which are not designed to be in a dry environment. Have you discussed your medication with your dentist to rule this out as a potential cause of your problems?

I am sorry if this isn't what you wanted to hear but I think its important that you don't just patch up a problem without researching the issues and perhaps taking more specialist advice from an oral surgeon given that you have been having other problems which don't seem to be going away.

[Breezy55]

Originally Posted by Neurochic

It sounds as though this latest tooth is extremely infected if it is black/brown and damaged. I don't understand what the bonding is that you mentioned. I assume you have had X-rays etc and your dentist is certain what is going on with your teeth before he recommended a root canal on what sounds like a badly decayed tooth?

You need to do some research and question whether a root canal is the right course of treatment. It might be better to consult with an oral surgeon than a dentist especially since you are having ongoing problems. A root canal treatment isn't carried out because there is a problem with the nerve in the tooth. It is carried out to kill/remove the nerve in the tooth so that you don't actually feel the pain or sensitivity that would otherwise be there. The root canal treatment doesn't fix any underlying oral problem such as infection, gum disease or other weakening of teeth. That would require the underlying issue to be identified and some other treatment carried out. Some dentists will automatically do a root canal first because they (and/or the patient) want to try to save the tooth. This is understandable but may well not be a healthy course of action. Some will do it because they know they get paid for the root canal and then also for the inevitable follow up work leading to removal.

If this tooth is badly infected then a root canal will actually retain at least a residual pool of that infection in your tooth and possibly also in your jawbone. It could be that the course of problems you have been having with your teeth recently are a result of a systemic oral infection which you can't physically see but which is present in the jaw bones which your teeth are anchored into. If that is the case, you need to have that issue identified and addressed as a priority or it will likely cause you even more problems with teeth that seem healthy just now.

One of the key culprits for oral problems is medication. There are many drugs used for CRPS which are well known to cause terrible oral side effects. Even just drugs which cause a dry mouth can have a devastating effect on teeth which are not designed to be in a dry environment. Have you discussed your medication with your dentist to rule this out as a potential cause of your problems?

I am sorry if this isn't what you wanted to hear but I think its important that you don't just patch up a problem without researching the issues and perhaps taking more specialist advice from an oral surgeon given that you have been having other problems which don't seem to be going away.

Hi this is Breezy55 I want you to know that your input means a lot to me! Have you worked in the dental field before? I am just asking because of the things that you said. I did work with 2 oral surgeons for about 6 years or so. The dentist I am seeing now is a very good friend of mine. We have talked about all the contributing factors like my RSD,meds,etc. He did tell me that he would never do anything that he was not comfortable with doing and send me some where else. The bonding I talked about is to fill gaps between the teeth or it also is used at times to make the tooth look better after working on it or if there is a small indent that needs to be filled in. It is also used for a lot of other things. When I have my root canal done I will probably print out what you wrote and bring it with me!! Take Care! Once again thank you so much for your input!

[eevo61]

I'm sorry your dealing with this so painful condition and also extra problems .
Dental issues can be in our case trigger by medications, bone decay, but your dentist is the best friend you have.
Work with your dentist and let the dentist know and understand rsd very well. Root canal is really big process to go through ,nerve can be expose and can be trigger your rsd, and special care is need during dental treatment ,more anesthesia ,antibiotics, often dental cleaning with anesthesia so avoid extra trauma .
Make sure you educate your dentist about rsd,if they are not prepare you might need to get referral to a dental surgeon which will have a long variety of options and will do research about how to help you better.
My dentist recommended a prescription toothpaste and mouth wash to avoid mouth dryness and tooth decay.
Periodex the mouthwash and SF 1.1% the tooth paste or gel to apply on the tooth and gums to protect them from getting more damage .
Mere the dentist take all,the precautions needed and also if they are suggesting root canal of extractions should be under anesthesia and avoid any kind of severe pain after , after ward care is the most essential of all, best wishes and good luck,blessings ,Jesika .

[zookester]

I'm going to chime in with my understanding of why a root canal is necessary on a decaying or otherwise infected tooth. Please let me preface this with that I'm not trying to argue with advice already given just adding my own understanding of the procedure from personal experience.

As I understand it when a tooth is decaying and has already either killed the tooth or will soon then a root canal is performed. This is done so that the pulp (center of tooth) where infection sets in can be removed and packed with dental material. This prevents the pulp from not only further destroying the tooth and causing pain but to prevent infection from spreading to surrounding teeth and gums. Teeth often turn brown or black when the tooth is either dead or dying or the nerve has been damaged. Medications can also cause discoloration as can other things. If your teeth are painful it is most likely decay that has caused the discoloration and why your dentist is recommending a root canal. Dental infections can cause serious medical problems so it is not something anyone should ignore. If there is an infection present most doctors will give antibiotics and some will give these for prophylactic measures. If the infection has spread beyond the root you will most likely be in significant pain with facial swelling & even tender and swollen lymph nodes in the neck and under the jaw. I don't know of a dentist who would recommend or perform a root canal without doing xrays which will show the extent of infection.

Many medications (especially those that treat nerve issues or pain) can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth breeds bacteria which in turn makes us more prone to tooth decay and loss. You can help prevent further decline by keeping your mouth moist - there are many OTC items that help this or just keep water close at hand. Obviously daily flossing, salt water rinse and mouthwash along with brushing will encourage healing of the gums and reducing the chances of future problems.

As for the bonding - bonding is not a permanent solution. In general a bond is only good for 7-10 years that of course depends on many factors. Just like a fresh coat of paint.. looks great in the beginning but eventually it will need a new coat. If the bonding is done on a patient who grinds there teeth or their bite is off then the length of time the bonding may last can be much less than what is considered normal.

I wish you the best outcome!
Tessa

[catra121]

Sorry you are going through all of this. With RSD...I will not allow the dentist to do any root canals on me. I have heard there is a risk of spread into the mouth with root canals and I don't care how small the risk is...I will NOT take it. I have had to have 6 teeth pulled in the last 2 years because of this.

Medications can contribute to tooth problems but mine were more likely caused by the fact that when I went through the worst of my RSD problems (when I was stuck in wheelchair unable to walk or stand at all) I did not take very good care of my teeth. I literally had to crawl to get to the bathroom and my teeth were not a priority for me. When I brushed I couldn't even see in a mirror and it was very painful so I could not brush for very long. So...by the time I was back on my feet and stuff a lot of damage had been done.

Last year was my year to address my dental health and I had a lot of work done. 6 teeth pulled, multiple bridges put in, etc. I go to a dentist who does sedation dentistry so I was knocked out for the pulling of the teeth and then all of the bridge work. That was the best decision I ever made.

Everyone has to make the decision that's best for them...but I personally would (and do) steer clear of all root canals. Having done research into it...it's not a very good procedure to have done any way as it means you are just leaving the infected tooth in your mouth. It's not healthy and eventually will need to be pulled anyway...that's assuming it doesn't just snap off or break down from decay in the mean time (speaking from experience here on two teeth that I had root canals done on when I was in high school).

My dentist knows I have a very firm stance on the no root canal issue and he doesn't push it...we just look at the other alternatives (which is basically pulling the tooth). I'm sure your friend has your best interest at heart...but that doesn't mean they know anything about RSD and the possible complications that can result. Just look into it and do your research before you make any final decisions. Lots of people have had root canals and no issues...but for me it's not worth the risk.

[Breezy55]

When I went in to see my dentist he did pack the tooth. Then he told me that half of the work was done that day. He did put me on very strong antibiotics. He also did tell me that after I have the root canal he will have to do some bridge work. However this all depends on how my tooth looks when he removes all of the packing to protect the area. He also told me that having a root canal might not happen. He would then send me to an oral surgeon. Another factor in all of this is being on SSA I don't have dental insurance! What a night mare!! Also he did say that he cant believe how well I take good care of my teeth. He does know all about the RSD thing. After I got RSD and saw him he read all about it because of me and other patients that might have it. Right now everything is up in the air about what will happen? I am also going to tell him about everything that was said on here. I will print it out and take it with me so he can read about it!! Thanks so much for all of your input it means a lot to me!! Wishing all of you blessings! Breezy55