[SusanMary]

Yesterday I had 5 teeth prepped for crowns. Going back on Tuesday for temp crowns. Dentist left the prepped teeth uncovered, as he said there is nothing to cover them to. I have a hip replacement, so on major doses of anti biotics. 4 of them are sensitive, this is to be expected, but one is really sore, went back to him this morning and got strong painkillers, ones for inflammation. He said if pain continues, to call on Sunday, and he will do root canal... my question is:
Is it necessary to do root canal, or would the pain go once covered? With hip replacement, he is trying to avoid a root canal... he did cover all the teeth with a substance during yesterday's procedure, which obviates root canal.
I am looking for advice, as obviously do not want to tempt an infection in my replaced hip. Thank you so much.

[tickle]

Yes, I understand your concern but doubt chronic deep infection would affect your hip replacement, as long as you are on antibiotics and your immune system is not compromised; this is a rare occurrence, but at the same time, you should address the root canal and have it done. There is obviously infection in the root of your tooth that the dentist has detected and this will never go away unless it is treated as a root canal procedure.

I can't understand why, though, the dentist did not put temporary caps on the teeth he is treating?

Here is a website with further information:

Specialist Orthopaedic Group Sydney Australia

[odinn7]

I have a metal joint in my hip from an accident in '96. I have had all kinds of surgery, including root canal since that time. All I have had to do was to take antibiotics as a precaution... never had a problem.

You should be fine to go ahead with a root canal if you need it.

[SusanMary]

Aha, well see the teeth were almost non existent after huge fillings crumbled. He said he could not cover them because nothing to cover them to... they are on one side completely level with the gum.
Thank you for your answers, most heartening, and I appreciate immensely.