AboutJoel S. Teig, DMD, FABOMS Expertise I am a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon available to answer questions related to tooth extractions, implant insertion, facial recontruction, facial and oral tumor removal, TMJ dysfunction and various successful treatments, including surgery if all else fails, and occlusal discrepancy requiring orthognathic or jaw surgery.
Experience Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicing for over 20 years. Assistant Clincal Professor at State University School of Dentistry.
Organizations American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Expert: Joel S. Teig, DMD, FABOMS Date: 6/27/2008 Subject: Infection/necrosis of jaw/extraction or root canal redo
Question I've had a root canal & crown on #30 for many yrs. Crown on #29 (also root canal) came off & general DDS built up tooth with a post & put on new crown. Immediately after, #30 began hurting ALOT. X-rays show infection at root (#30), DDS referred me to Oral Surgeon for extraction. With my 15yr history of Fosamax, surgeon is hesitant to pull the tooth. 4 courses of antibiotics cleared the infection, however after 2 months it's back & worse than before. If necrosis of the jaw is an issue as far as extracting the tooth, what other options do I have? Will re-doing the crown help to eliminate the infection? Did the work on #29 cause the problem with #30? Ouch! Thanks very much.
Answer Brenda - First of all, I really cannot tell you whether the work on #29 caused the problem with #30. Due to the proximity, the chances are pretty good that the work on 29 had some part in causing the problem with #30.
As far as what can be done, extraction can lead to problems, but an infection there can also precipitate a problem. Without a direct exam and/or xray evaluation, it is hard to determine what exactly can be done. Redoing the root canal might help, but I don't think a new crown will help. If the situation does not resolve, you might not have a choice and might need to have the tooth removed.
I wish you the best. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me again.
