Can any dentist's tell me the likelihood of this happening?

[Lottie_11]

I had a chronic infection in one tooth and eventually had a root canal. Week after having the root out I still think there is infection, there's a tiny gum boil still there. The dentist did some X rays and poked and prodded in the tooth for a while before concluding there's no infection. So I was to have a filling over, before waiting a while to have it capped. I had about 3 x rays in total. The dentist said there's no bone loss, and it hadn't gone up to the bone just to the root. So had the filling....all painless....except now I'm worrying, what if there is infection still there and with the filling in it ends up escaping out to my brain or causes sepsis. I didn't want to ask the dentist as she'd been patient with me enough already....it took a while to ensure there was no pain, definately no infection ec, but I still have those niggling doubts. Also, I think I might have closed my mouth by accident and the tooth wasn't dry enough, would this lead to infection or something?

Hoping if someone can put this into perspective I can just stop worrying completely the procedure is over I really wanna get on with my life but with this on my mind I seem to be able to talk myself into being ill and if I think I have something I usually end up with it so really hope someone can tell me what the chances are.


Thanks for reading and in advance for replies

 

[Dr. Daniel]

Hi,

I had a chronic infection in one tooth and eventually had a root canal.

The fact that you had the root canal means you now have less bacteria in the roots hence in your body. Finishing the RCT and putting the filling and a crown on top, lessens the chances for future problems tremendously.

there's a tiny gum boil still there. The dentist did some X rays and poked and prodded in the tooth for a while before concluding there's no infection.

Usually it is very easy for the dentist to diagnose inflammation, especially an acute one.

I think I might have closed my mouth by accident and the tooth wasn't dry enough, would this lead to infection or something?

I would not worry about it. If it did not happen in the end of the treatment, and your dentist had the chance to rinse the canals, there should not be any problem.

it took a while to ensure there was no pain, definately no infection ec, but I still have those niggling doubts.

Pain is a very good indicator for inflammation. Trust your feeling.

now I'm worrying, what if there is infection still there and with the filling in it ends up escaping out to my brain or causes sepsis.

A brain sepsis due to a tooth infection is extremely rare, and demands not only and extended tooth infection but also a deficient immune system. The patient should feel first feel very sick with high fever for a couple of days/weeks. It sounds to me you take care of your health very well. I would not worry about it.

It sounds like you have a good dentist. You should ask your dentist because she/he knows you clinical situation.
all the best.