6 weeks ago I had an “apico” done to remove infection from tooth that had both a crown and root canal. Check up this morning revealed bone was starting to rebuild, xray looked clear of infection but small pus sac on gum looked like it may have some residual infection. They gave antibiotic to take for week. Is there anything that I can do to further get rid of this residual infection?
– Ruth from Illinois
Ruth,
With any root canal treatment, including an apicoectomy like you have had, or any other apical surgery, if the dead tissue from the tooth is removed and if there is a good seal at the end of the root of the tooth, the tooth will heal and the infectiion will eventually go away. Antibiotics can speed the healing, but they key to eventual success of the case has nothing to do with antibiotics – it’s all about removing the source of the infection.
From what you’re telling me, it sounds like the bone around the tooth is healing. That would tend to indicate that the source of the infection has indeed been removed and the tooth is adequately sealed. If that is the case, the residual infection will go away eventually. The antibiotics you are taking will speed that along. There’s nothing else to do, really, but wait.
Dr. Hall
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About David A. Hall
Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.
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