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Dentistry/Root canaled tooth - abcess

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Expert: - 7/4/2006


Question
Hi, my dentist showed me I have an abcess in a root canaled 1st upper molar.  He said we can re--treat it but I don't want to because it has been bothering me for 8 years and I just want it out.  He says we can extract it but if we do we have to do a bone graft.  Is this absolutely necessary?  I don't want cadaver bone in my head if I can help it.  

Also, I have been having a horrible taste in my mouth especially on that side.  Could this be from infection?  It is really nasty.

Thanks so much!  

Answer
HI,
Why won't you have it re-treated? If there's a way that it could be saved, you will save yourself both money and aggrevation down the road. Missing teeth can lead to problems later on; like the adjacent teeth shifting and the opposing lower tooth extruding.
If you decide to have the tooth extracted, there are many options to replace the tooth. A bone graft can help bulk out the gums and slow down the bone loss that occurs after tooth extraction. It is not needed in every case though.
The horrible taste is likely from that infection. But it may be coming from another infected area. You should get a thorough examination to rule out other problems.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, but you must make an informed decision and understand the consequences of just extracting the tooth.

Best of Luck

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Joseph Zelig, DDS, D.ABP www.smileinthecity.com

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Dr. Zelig is a board-certified Periodontist and an expert on dental implants. Dr. Zelig can answer any and all questions you have about complex dental problems, dental implants, gum disease, treatment of gum recession, and treatment of a "gummy smile".

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Dr. Zelig has personally placed over a thousand implants with excellent success and has worked with many dental specialists and educated them on full mouth reconstruction, esthetic dentistry, and dental implantology.

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I received both my dental degree (DDS) and my certificate in the specialty of Periodontics from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Zelig graduated among the top 10% of the graduating class. As a result of outstanding academic achievements, Dr. Z was elected into the membership of Omicron Kappa Upsilon- the national dental honor society. In addition, Dr. Zelig has lectured to general dentists and specialists on periodontal treatment and dental implants. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology which recognizes periodontists who have made significant achievements beyond the educational requirements of the specialty. Board-certified periodontists have been examined by a panel of internationally respected peers and has been awarded Diplomate status. By successfully completing this challenge, Dr. Zelig has demonstrated a robust knowledge of periodontics, Continued professional development, Critical review of results of therapy, and interest in providing the best, most up-to-date care.

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