Experience Former Clinical Instructor of Comprehensive Dentistry, and Prosthodontic Department New York University School of Dentistry. Also former instructor of Preventive Dentistry Columbia University School of Dentistry.
Education/Credentials 1980 DDS New York University College of Dentistry
1981 GPR Manhattan VA Hospital
Awards and Honors OKU 1980 Honor Society
1980 Long Island Academy of Odontology award for highest combined Academic and Clinical Achievement.
In 1997 he was elected to Fellowship into the International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics
Question HI, I had a root canal done about a year ago on my upper right back molar (the one behind it has been removed due to previous failed root canal). I am in Curacao deployed with the military and went to a dentist here who took xrays and image shows severe infection on upper gum line. He said he's unsure which tooth because the pulp is black in xrays of all three teeth. To further complicate this, all the teeth have already had a root canal. I have been on antibiotics for 2 full days and today am in sooo much pain, I don't think the medicine is working. The dentist is off until Monday, is there anything I can do? Either to relieve the pain or save the tooth (or teeth). By the way I am obsessive and take very good care of teeth, just have bad luck. I floss, and brush 3 times a day, but just keep getting root canals. Please help if possible
Answer I really do not know if I can be of help. I would call the dentist's emergency number and ask that he speak with you over the week end. If he is un available and you have access to another dentist, you might call them.
It is necessary for you to see a dentist. A good oral examination will probably show which of your teeth are causing the infection. A thorough exam includes percussion the teeth in the quadrant and seeing which hurts, and looking at the radiographs. If a tooth has an endodontic problem the dentist may see bone loss around the apex of a particular tooth. Sometimes at an initial meeting with a patient with an infection, it is difficult to be sure which tooth is causing the problem, but I would have you return to a dentist to be reexamined. It may be easier to tell now.
If it is determined you have a failing root canal, it will need to be retreated. If you have a root fracture, most likely you will need and extraction. A third possibility is that you have a periodontal infection and it may go away with antibiotics and a cleaning around the tooth. Only a dentist examining you first hand can tell for sure.
In the mean time, rinse with warm salt water 4-6 times per day as this may draw the infection out. If you have drainage, you will have less pain. If you can call your dentist or another and be seen as an emergency. You sound like you require immediate dental treatment.
I hope this answer has been some help and I am sorry that you are having a tough time.
