Archives for December, 2010

Q.
hi, I picked you ‘geographically’ from the experts (that and you have children). I’m stuck, with so many options to choose from…or are there? I cant explain in technical terms…so will simply do it by numbers. My upper left 6th from the front is absent…removed due to an abcess underneath a couple of years ago. I have (kinda) one tooth behind the gap (lost an adult tooth back there as a teenager) which I believe is the wisdom tooth, wiggled forward. It has an abcess too. Anti-biotics and the pain stopped…I think the nerve died. While waiting for my next 6 month check-up, I flossed one day…and nigh on the whole tooth disintegrated – leaving it at gum level – no pain. Now, my dentist (who I see on a private basis) has said…a root canal may still be possible. But, he had already said, that the root is twisted and beyond his ability..so wants to refer me to a specialist. Then, if root canal possible, rebuild the tooth. Now by the time I’ve paid for the root canal specialist and the rebuild/crown (which may not be successful), I believe I’m on my way to paying for an implant. So, my question (finally, I hear you say). The abcess must still be there. I think I read somewhere…that it’s best not to leave it too long after tooth removal for getting implants..something to do with the jaw bone receding? The tooth (root) is still present with a gap in front. Is it possible to fill both gaps and what about the timing of tooth removal and also the abcess? I hope this all makes sense! many thanks, Sioux