[April Fine]

I had my first root canal, on tooth #14, approximately 15 years ago. Five years ago, it was bothering me ie: pain while chewing, and I was diagnosed with an infection in the root area. It was clearly visible on all x-rays. An endodontist performed an apeoctomy yet the infection persisted for several months even after antibiotics. It finally subsided. I experienced a gum boil about 18 months ago and my dentist put me on antibiotics. That didn't delete the infection. Another endodontist performed a root canal eight weeks ago yet I still have pain and the infection persists even with antibiotics... again! He is doing another apeoectomy to determine if the tooth is cracked which will result in total loss of the tooth: eek! I am experiencing a dull throbbing that awakens me at night and it's uncomfortable at times when I chew. :(

Needless to say I am frustrated as well as very concerned about this infection and it's persistence. Is the endodontist perscribing the correct treatment? I am on antibiotics at this time. Will my bone grow back? How long will that take? Will it have to be completely healed before an implant can be put in? HELP!

I appreciate any and all information you can pass along. Thank you so much!

[flossie]

An implant should take about a year until it is completed. If you do not have enough bone to support the implant a bone graft will have to be done (sometimes a sinus lift if the sinus is close to where the implant will sit). The graft has to be left alone for 6 months until the implant can be put in. 4 to 6 months after that the crown can go onto the implant.

You want to be sure you give the bone enough time to adhere to the implant before doing the crown or the implant could fail and have to be removed.

Implants are a long process but well worth it in the end.

In the meanwhile, take ibuprofen (Advil) for your ache. Take it as an anti-inflammatory, 1-2 tabs every 6hrs. This should help with your night discomfort.

It sounds like a cracked root to me but I'm only a hygienist :) I'd question why another apico at this point. I think you'd be better off putting your dollars into an implant at this point. That kind of infection isn't good for your systemic health.