Failed root canal infection spreading?

[hellojello44]

My upper jaw became slightly painful/achy about 4 weeks ago so I went to see my dentist. They said that I have a failed root canal in the upper 1st molar, due to decay under the gum line that wasn't visible so went unnoticed. I had a filling put in and took a course of antibiotics to reduce the infection. Since then it has been painful most days and I have seen my dentist several times but they are reluctant to prescribe any more antibiotics.

I have been referred to see an endodontist to see if this tooth can be re-treated but my appointment isn't for another 7 weeks. The tooth isn't constantly painful, but it hurts to chew on and the gums above the tooth are tender and sore. On an average day I might have to take ibuprofen once to get rid of the pain at some point during the day.

I am happy to wait for my appointment with the root canal specialist, if it means that there is a chance that this tooth can be saved, and I can manage the pain with pain killers, but I am concerned about the possibility of the infection spreading to other teeth or doing serious damage to my jaw bone. Is this likely in a 7 week period? If there is no obvious swelling/abscess should I be okay to hang on?

The presence of infection from when I initially experienced discomfort to the time when I will receive treatment is likely to be around 12 weeks in total.

Thank you for any advice you can offer.

 

[carole]

You will be fine waiting the 12 weeks until the appointment, and it is good if in the meantime you can control any pain and discomfort with the pain meds you have been using. The infection won't spread or do any damage until you can see the specialist. I had a re-treatment last year after having to wait 9 months to be seen because I had to change dentists and had other reasons for the wait, and this month the re-treated tooth is being crowned.

I hope this gives you some hope, but until the specialist has seen you nobody can say. I do think your dentist must think it may stand a chance to refer you, so that may be a good sign.

Good luck let us know how you get on please