Do I Still Need to Extract My Tooth?
Posted by writeradmin
I had a toothache and eventually got to the point that I could not take much more of it. I went to see a dentist and he gave me some antibiotics and said if it got better I have nothing to worry about. If not, we’ll have to extract the tooth. It has gotten better but I live in terror of it coming back. Am I safe seeing as it has gotten better, or will I still need to extract the tooth?
Dennis
Dear Dennis,
I am glad that you wrote. I’m hoping there has been some miscommunication between yourself and your dentist. If not, and that is what your dentist told you, then I want you to find another dentist. If your tooth is infected, there are only two treatments that will get rid of the infection. Both of them require the dentist removing the infected pulp.
You would either need:
- A root canal treatment
- A tooth extraction
You’ve received neither of these, which means that your infection will blow up again. The most the antibiotic that your dentist prescribed for you can do is hold the infection at bay for a temporary period of time. At some point after the antibiotic is finished the infection will blow back up.
It is important that you have this tooth infection treated. Most people don’t realize that you can die from a tooth infection. In fact, between six to ten people die from untreated tooth infections in the United States every year.
The is because the infection can spread outside your jaw. Think about how close your jaw is to your throat (which can close up from a reaction), your heart, and your brain.
My suggestion is that you go see another dentist to get a second opinion on this tooth. If there is an infection, it will need to be dealt with. Hopefully, you can save the tooth, which would mean a root canal. If not, you’ll have to get the tooth extracted. Once it is extracted, then you will want to replace it. The best tooth replacement is a dental implant. But, we’re getting ahead of ourselves.
First get the tooth dealt with.
This blog is brought to you by a gentle dentist in Arnold, MD Dr. Meredith Esposito.