My bottom front molar on the right side is infected. I have gum disease and see a dentist every 4 months for cleaning. This tooth has deep receding gums and I've had trouble before. I have been on antibiotics for 8 days and still have pain. Should I ask the dentist to pull the tooth or get a root canal? I am starting to have headaches on right side and pain in my right ear as well

I would ask your dentist the question of why you haven't had periodontal surgery, full mouth, to correct the gum disease. But perhaps that would stop you going back every four months and paying him for cleaning. This does not sound right, sorry. I think you need a better professional. Get a second opinion. If you have as much pain as you say, and antibiotics for eight days, then it has gone beyond a root canal and probably should be pulled to prevent the infection going further into the bone.

Tick

Periodontal surgery is about 5000 which I can't afford

I still say, see another dentist for a second opinion. There is no additional expense in that and may save you money.

Tick

ceilingtile,
You might want to invest in a WaterPik and VERY GENTLY flush that area out with a solution of tea tree oil and water (5 drops tea tree oil to 1/2 cup warm water), you can also rinse your whole mouth with that solution but flushing it in to the pocket area allows the tea tree oil to work at the base of the pocket. PLEASE USE IT ON LOW POWER AND DON'T DIRECT IT RIGHT IN TO THE POCKET. USE IT PERPENDICULAR TO THE POCKET AND SPEND A GOOD 40 SECONDS TO ALLOW THE SOLUTION TO REACH THE BOTTOM OF THE POCKET AND FLUSH OUT. Repeat this all around the tooth, cheek side and tongue side.

Thanks, the dentist phoned today and is going to start a partial root canal tomorrow so I can get rid of some of the pain and then next Tuesday they will complete it. I will ask though if it wouldn't be better to extract the tooth.

Hi ceiling. Its nice to have all of your teeth and save what you can if possible by root canals, crowns, etc. but sometimes you have to cut y our losses and just do without a tooth. I have at times, until I can afford a bridge or a crown. I always had it done then.

I have a good dentist who never ever steers me wrong to make a buck, he tells me like it is. I have all of my own teeth at 68 because of regular maintenance and his care, and my diligence in wanting to keep what I have in tact.

I still think you should get a second opinion, at times, a root canal isn't the only answer and they can go horribly wrong too. I have worked for dental surgeons and I know my stuff.

I am not trying to sway your thinking, just offering my own opinion.

Tick

I so wish you luck, ceiling. I am glad you will have no more pain, but probably a little discomfort for the next 24 hours after extraction. Let me know, any advice, glad to give to eas your pain.

Tick

Well went to the dentist and they could not justify an extraction or a root canal as they couldn't really find any problem... so they want me to wait a while longer and see if pain subsides and I have to start wearing my nightguard... today unbelievably the pain was not too bad...

So the nightguard is so you won't grind your teeth while sleeping. An x ray will tell him what's wrong with the tooth, if he sort of recommended a root canal, it shows the roots of the tooth are not in good shape.

Sorry, still say another opinion.

tick

Clenching and grinding your teeth can definitely cause sensitivity, especially if your teeth have bone loss. Give your night guard a week or so and the discomfort should go away. Advil or ibuprofen will help with the inflammation of the ligaments.

Drooling with a nightguard is not uncommon.

If you haven't been wearing your nightguard and stress levels have been high you have probably been grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep. This is what caused the pain. It's amazing how much stress affects the body, especially the mouth!