A question for the dentists on here

busiscoming2

Have just been for my check up and mentioned to the dentist that I have on a couple of occasions felt a tiny pulsing in my front tooth, she x-rayed and it appears there is an infection or cyst in my tooth that had root canal work done about 14 years ago. I am going back in January to have it re done, but she said if it doesn't work then I will have to be referred to the hospital for a procedure where they cut the gum to remove the infection/cyst, I can't remember what she called this procedure, so can you remind me please.

welshdent

they are probably referring to an apicectomy. I find that thorough disinfection for a minimum of 30 minutes with sodium hypochlorite followed by a period of time with a dressing of non setting calcium hydroxide to assess for healing works well in my hands. I dont normally need to resort to surgery ,..... in fact I cant remember when I have!! That said we cant see you so that may not be appropriate for you!

busiscoming2

welshdent wrote: »

they are probably referring to an apicectomy. I find that thorough disinfection for a minimum of 30 minutes with sodium hypochlorite followed by a period of time with a dressing of non setting calcium hydroxide to assess for healing works well in my hands. I dont normally need to resort to surgery ,..... in fact I cant remember when I have!! That said we cant see you so that may not be appropriate for you!

Apicectomy - that's the word, thanks.

busiscoming2

Due to go for my appointment tommorrow.

I have to say I am terrified it will hurt because of the infection that is there, even though it hasn't given me any pain, just a bit of an odd sensation from time to time. I am also worried that interfering with it will somehow make it worse and I might lose my tooth altogether! Its the second one from the middle on the top so quite noticeable.

brook2jack

What is certain is not doing anything if you have a cyst will not only cause you to lose that tooth but possibly others next door to it. Redoing a root treatment should not be painful even if there is infection present. In fact you only redo root treatment if there is a problem.

busiscoming2

brook2jack wrote: »

What is certain is not doing anything if you have a cyst will not only cause you to lose that tooth but possibly others next door to it. Redoing a root treatment should not be painful even if there is infection present. In fact you only redo root treatment if there is a problem.

Thank you for the reassurance. I can't believe how scared I feel.

busiscoming2

The dentist tried (back in January) to re do the root canal, but said it had been done too well and I would have to be referred.

I am still waiting for the referral appointment. I do understand there is a long wait.

I think I am quite lucky in that the only symptom has been the pulsing sensation I get daily. Until now, when I have noticed it is heading slightly more towards being painful.

I intend to phone the dentist this week and see if I can be seen, but I am paranoid I am going to have to suffer many more months of possible pain until the referral materialises as well as the fear of losing the tooth.

Has anyone else gone through this?

brook2jack

Unfortunately dental referrals are not subject to the waiting time initiatives. For treatment such as you need waiting lists tend to be substantial and there will be many other people on the list with similar problems.

In my area a three year old child with an abcess can wait a year to have a tooth out under general anaesthetic.

If you feel tooth is getting more painful phone your dentist for advise. They know your case and can best advise.

busiscoming2

Well I am gobsmacked.

I got into contact with my PALS at the local trust and asked if they could tell me how long the wait would be. I have just had a call from my dentist who says she now has the kit and an appropriately trained Nurse and can do the procedure herself. So I am booked in for January. Only thing that worries me is it's a local anaesthetic. Still she has said if I have any worries to speak to her before hand.

I just wonder if it is because the PCT have contacted her that they think Im a nuisance.