Calling the endodontist today

[SallyUK]

Well the news is worse than I thought. The endodontist pressed on the gums up by the roots and it hurt. She was concerned and tested my teeth next to my front tooth. The one next to it on the right (not front on other side), was sensitive to percussion and had a little lingering sensitivity after endo ice. She is concerned that it may be infected now, as the root tip is right on the edge of the abscess area. So she wants me on a strong antibiotic (clindamycin), and wants to wait 6 weeks to see if that tooth gets worse. She said it wouldn't do any good to pull the front tooth if the other one is infected as well, and if i want an implant, it would be better to pull them both at the same time, so there isn't two different healing times.

Bes case scenario is if the infection is just in the gums. However, she took a new CBCT scan and there was a place that concerned her, where it looked like a piece of bone had separated and had infection behind it. It was way at the end of the abscess area, in the palate side. She wants me back in 6 weeks for a new x ray to compare.

This is just so discouraging. I have never taken any antibiotic stronger than amoxicillin, and the doctor is concerned about c.diff since I have been on so many antibiotics

Oh no, I am so sorry that you situation is not clear and you now have added concern. If I am understanding correctly it isn't clear if there is infection in this neighbouring tooth? That it might be remaining infection from the 'failed' treatment on the first tooth? I am hoping this is the case and you do not loose a second tooth. Cannot believe quite how similar this scenario is to mine in that I am having my canine removed and if the infection remains then the incisor is also involved still (I had root canal on that recently) and more treatment to try and save that will ensue. I wonder if both our issues are related to infection around the tooth - in the supporting structures and bone, because I didn't think that tooth infections from roots spread to other teeth. Not understanding and not having a clear cut solution is really hard isn't it?

I understand your concern about the antibiotics. How are you feeling now?

 

[CourageAndBraveryASAP]

Oh my gosh. So discouraged for you too and I'm sorry. Sending you lots of strong thoughts and hoping the antibiotic helps the situation completely.

 

[MountainMama]

Oh no, I am so sorry that you situation is not clear and you now have added concern. If I am understanding correctly it isn't clear if there is infection in this neighbouring tooth? That it might be remaining infection from the 'failed' treatment on the first tooth? I am hoping this is the case and you do not loose a second tooth. Cannot believe quite how similar this scenario is to mine in that I am having my canine removed and if the infection remains then the incisor is also involved still (I had root canal on that recently) and more treatment to try and save that will ensue. I wonder if both our issues are related to infection around the tooth - in the supporting structures and bone, because I didn't think that tooth infections from roots spread to other teeth. Not understanding and not having a clear cut solution is really hard isn't it?

I understand your concern about the antibiotics. How are you feeling now?

My endodontist told me that infections can spread through an abscess and infect other teeth. My incisor has never had any work on it, but it has been hurting lately. Yes, we are in very similar situations. The endodontist is perplexed by my situation, as it isn't clear where the infection is.

My teeth and gums hurt, but not terribly. It is more of a dull ache. I haven't started the antibiotics. Th pharmacy just called to let me know they are ready so I will pick them tomorrow morning. I am so worried about taking such a strong antibiotic.

 

[SallyUK]

My endodontist told me that infections can spread through an abscess and infect other teeth. My incisor has never had any work on it, but it has been hurting lately. Yes, we are in very similar situations. The endodontist is perplexed by my situation, as it isn't clear where the infection is.

My teeth and gums hurt, but not terribly. It is more of a dull ache. I haven't started the antibiotics. Th pharmacy just called to let me know they are ready so I will pick them tomorrow morning. I am so worried about taking such a strong antibiotic.

My incisor didn't have work on it either I totally understand about the antibiotics & know that you take probiotics. Last time I bought very strong probiotics specific for use with antibiotics and the course went a few days longer that the antibiotics. I cut back on dairy too and the nausea and stomach issues were less.

 

[Judythecat]

So sorry to read this, Mountain Mama. You really have been through the mill. I really hope things get resolved with no extractions at all, and no more expense either.

 

[MountainMama]

My incisor didn't have work on it either I totally understand about the antibiotics & know that you take probiotics. Last time I bought very strong probiotics specific for use with antibiotics and the course went a few days longer that the antibiotics. I cut back on dairy too and the nausea and stomach issues were less.

I have a daily probiotic that I have been taking since the first round of antibiotics. I may ask the pharmacist tomorrow if they have a recommendation for a stronger probiotic. I was just reading that taking clindamycin after multiple rounds of antibiotics increases your chances of c.diff by 70 percent! I have had at least ten rounds of antibiotics so it terrifies me.

 

[MountainMama]

So sorry to read this, Mountain Mama. You really have been through the mill. I really hope things get resolved with no extractions at all, and no more expense either.

I would love to get through this with no extractions but I have a bad feeling about this. I just want them to find the source of the infection amd get rid of it.

 

[SallyUK]

I have a daily probiotic that I have been taking since the first round of antibiotics. I may ask the pharmacist tomorrow if they have a recommendation for a stronger probiotic. I was just reading that taking clindamycin after multiple rounds of antibiotics increases your chances of c.diff by 70 percent! I have had at least ten rounds of antibiotics so it terrifies me.

Good idea to ask the pharmacist. I am aware that different strains are good for different things. Perhaps doing what you can to strengthen your gut will give you some sense of positive action but I hope you will get through the course of medicine with no after effects.

 

[Birmanclaws]

Well the news is worse than I thought. The endodontist pressed on the gums up by the roots and it hurt. She was concerned and tested my teeth next to my front tooth. The one next to it on the right (not front on other side), was sensitive to percussion and had a little lingering sensitivity after endo ice. She is concerned that it may be infected now, as the root tip is right on the edge of the abscess area. So she wants me on a strong antibiotic (clindamycin), and wants to wait 6 weeks to see if that tooth gets worse. She said it wouldn't do any good to pull the front tooth if the other one is infected as well, and if i want an implant, it would be better to pull them both at the same time, so there isn't two different healing times.

Bes case scenario is if the infection is just in the gums. However, she took a new CBCT scan and there was a place that concerned her, where it looked like a piece of bone had separated and had infection behind it. It was way at the end of the abscess area, in the palate side. She wants me back in 6 weeks for a new x ray to compare.

This is just so discouraging. I have never taken any antibiotic stronger than amoxicillin, and the doctor is concerned about c.diff since I have been on so many antibiotics

Oh no. That is just awful news. You need to fight the infection and during the six weeks and work out a treatment plan and a way forward that suits YOU.

We are obviously in different countries and I don’t know how the system works where you are, but here the general dentist who refers to specialists coordinates the treatment. Is it possible for you to go to your own dentist to make sense of all this?

I am thinking of you, you must be feeling absolutely helpless at this time.

 

[MountainMama]

Oh no. That is just awful news. You need to fight the infection and during the six weeks and work out a treatment plan and a way forward that suits YOU.

We are obviously in different countries and I don’t know how the system works where you are, but here the general dentist who refers to specialists coordinates the treatment. Is it possible for you to go to your own dentist to make sense of all this?

I am thinking of you, you must be feeling absolutely helpless at this time.

With my experience here, once my dentist referred me to the endodontist, he was done with me until I need the final crown. The specialists say that they inform the dentist of their treatment, but last time I had a root canal done, then an extraction, when I went back to the dentist, they were planning to put on the final crown. I had to tell them the tooth was gone already. So they don't communicate very well. It doesn't help that my endodontist and oral surgeon are in a different city from my dentist.

 

[MountainMama]

I am on the fourth day of clindamycin, and the tooth next to the front one is hurting more. It hurts when it touches another tooth and aches. I really need to prepare myself for the fact that the infection jas claimed it also. Just pressing lightly with my tongue on the back of it causes pain. The antibiotics should have kicked in by now if the infection was only in the gums.

 

[Scared all the time]

I am on the fourth day of clindamycin, and the tooth next to the front one is hurting more. It hurts when it touches another tooth and aches. I really need to prepare myself for the fact that the infection jas claimed it also. Just pressing lightly with my tongue on the back of it causes pain. The antibiotics should have kicked in by now if the infection was only in the gums.

Aww wow are you saying it’s spread to get another healthy tooth or just the same one that’s been giving you troubles? Hopefully it just is taking more time for the antibiotics to kick in and it will all get better. So sorry to hear this though

 

[MountainMama]

Aww wow are you saying it’s spread to get another healthy tooth or just the same one that’s been giving you troubles? Hopefully it just is taking more time for the antibiotics to kick in and it will all get better. So sorry to hear this though

It has spread to a healthy tooth. The endodontist said the antibiotics are a last ditch effort, but that it doesn't look good, considering the healthy tooth is now painful with percussion and has lingering sensitivity after cold.

My fears about losing all my teeth are hitting hard again. It was once an irrational fear, but now seems likely.

 

[Scared all the time]

They

It has spread to a healthy tooth. The endodontist said the antibiotics are a last ditch effort, but that it doesn't look good, considering the healthy tooth is now painful with percussion and has lingering sensitivity after cold.

My fears about losing all my teeth are hitting hard again. It was once an irrational fear, but now seems likely.

They need to focus on finding that source of infection and get rid of it ? that was one of my major fears with my molar. That infection ran wild I didn’t wasn’t to lose it but was terrified of it spreading. My heart goes out to you, you truly don’t deserve all this mess that’s been happening to you. Your doing all you can to save teeth trying not to stress in loosing them all. Stress depleted your immune system that definitely won’t help the infection go away. I found that out the hard way ?. Try and stay positive ?. How is you implant healing coming along?

 

[Scared all the time]

I know saying not to worry about losing more is easier said then done but just try and focus on healing, one step at a time.

 

[MountainMama]

They

They need to focus on finding that source of infection and get rid of it ? that was one of my major fears with my molar. That infection ran wild I didn’t wasn’t to lose it but was terrified of it spreading. My heart goes out to you, you truly don’t deserve all this mess that’s been happening to you. Your doing all you can to save teeth trying not to stress in loosing them all. Stress depleted your immune system that definitely won’t help the infection go away. I found that out the hard way ?. Try and stay positive ?. How is you implant healing coming along?

The abscess from the front tooth is the source, but it seems to have spread to surrounding bone, and seems to be resistant to antibiotics. If the clindamycin doesn't kick it, I don't know what else they will do. If it is in the bone, pulling the teeth won't get rid of the infection, which is why I am so worried.

I don't know what to think about the implant. The site looks good, but I still get aching in it now and then. It was aching this morning. I just really hope it doesn't fail. I go back to the oral surgeon on the 19th for a follow up appointment. I just wish something was easy, with quick healing and no uncertainty!

 

[CourageAndBraveryASAP]

I am so sorry this is happening to you. I'm sending you good thoughts every day.

 

[patient]

I am also sorry this has happened. For what its worth, I had an infection in my front tooth when I was 16. The tooth could have been left but it went discoloured so the only solution was to give me a post crown. The root of the tooth was ok so they could fix the post on the root. I do not think I have read on this forum about anyone getting a post crown before? Are they still a popular source of treatment? I mean if a tooth is badly decayed and the root is fine, could a post crown be an option rather than an extraction?

 

[MountainMama]

I am also sorry this has happened. For what its worth, I had an infection in my front tooth when I was 16. The tooth could have been left but it went discoloured so the only solution was to give me a post crown. The root of the tooth was ok so they could fix the post on the root. I do not think I have read on this forum about anyone getting a post crown before? Are they still a popular source of treatment? I mean if a tooth is badly decayed and the root is fine, could a post crown be an option rather than an extraction?

I am sorry you had an infection in your front tooth as well. Mine is not badly decayed. The tooth was actually in good condition structurally. When I was 9, the tooth got bumped hard and chipped. The dentist put a filling on the chipped part and said it was fine. Apparently the tooth died really slowly and painlessly. There was also an infection that was never detected and created a really large abscess that showed up last year. I really don't know how an infection could go almost 30 years without any pain or detection with regular dental checkups, but it did. The issue is that they can't seem to get all the infection from the surrounding bone.

 

[SallyUK]

? so sorry you have these worries and the pain. Have the antibiotics reduced the symptoms at all? As you know I'm in the two teeth, infection situation and it's my understanding that if it comes to it, extraction of both teeth will resolve the issue. I know that is the worst case for us both and not a certain by any means. The worry of infection 'stuck' in the bone is something I also worry about but I've been told the worst case is the two teeth out. Our situations are obviously unique but hope sharing mine can ease your worry a bit, feel less alone..... I was also told antibiotics deal with acute infection but do not resolve the chronic aspect, I also have on and off pain in the two teeth. It's hard not to tumble into worse and worse scenarios in your head when in pain and discomfort. I am struggling with that.

My extraction of one is coming up. I will then find out if that resolves the infection.

Sending you kind thoughts x