Expert: Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD - 11/21/2008

Question
After getting xrays of the bridge on the lower right, last 3 teeth of jaw (middle tooth was a prior extraction) because of pain, I was told that the roots of both teeth are infected.  I was given a Rx for penicillin which seems to have cleared it up, as the pain is totally gone now...My question is:  Can those two roots continue to function well, after having been infected or must I have the bridge broken and both teeth extracted.. I'm fairly young and unfairly low in cash, so this is extremely stressful as I had to have the bottom left teeth extracted and will not having appropriate ability to grind food. Therefore, can you also mention any new or good old ways to take care of these tooth gaps that aren't as expensive as implants?
THANK YOU!

Answer
Hi Marci,

I'm sorry you're going through all this. I can understand your concern!

leaving the roots untreated is really not a good long term option. The antibiotics have the problem under control, for now, but the problem will come back at some point unless the underlying cause is dealt with. Extracting them is one option, but can lead to more problems with the bridge as you pointed out. What we usually do in situations like this is to do a root canal drilling through the bridge and cleaning out the infected material and putting a filling down in the root to prevent future problems. Since I can't exam you, I don't know if this is possible in your situation, but if it is, it will save you a lot of problems. If the teeth truly need to be removed, there are really no inexpensive options.

Hope this helps.

Gary Backlund DMD, MSD


Hi Marci...thanks for the kind words...actually I live just outside Seattle...where are you located? I may be able to suggest a good endodontist for you if you are interested.

Best regards,

Gary Backlund DMD, MSD