Anyone have any suggestions - ? - Dental Health Message Board

miche31 · 11-01-2005, 05:07 PM

I had an abcessed tooth taken out 2 months ago, but the lump remained, just under the tooth next to it, the dentist never saw anything on numerous x-rays, but did a dry ice test and found out that this tooth is also dead, and must be abscessed as well. I am not in any pain, and so he said I could wait awhile before deciding whether to do a root canal or pull this one as well. I want to pull it when it comes time. Anyways, two days ago the lump finally made a tiny white dot and broke open the pus. There wasn't much, but it has slowly decreased the lump and let's out a little pus at a time. Ok, my question is:
1. Is this bad? Do I now need to seek dental help? There is no pain, so it is so hard to want to go pull something that doesn't hurt (although I know that because the tooth is dead, that is why there is no feeling)
Thank you anyone that might have a comment on this. Michelle

Dendeb · 11-01-2005, 07:14 PM

Michelle,
Years ago the dentist told me to rinse my mouth
with very warm salt water several times a day.
That seemed to help keep the area draining in order to get all the infection (pus) out.
And it did make my mouth feel better.

john29 · 11-01-2005, 07:21 PM

I think you know the answer to your question. If a finger gets infected, but doesn't hurt would you ignore it or seek help. Teeth are simply body parts we don't see everyday. Ignoring long term infections in your body, no matter where they are from, is not good for your overall health and can (rarely) have severe consequences. I would see the dentist and decide how to fix your problem.

miche31 · 11-01-2005, 09:55 PM

I guess I was just wondering if the infection can clear up on it's own. I don't have a problem getting it fixed, except for the big cost, I just wondered if the infection could drain out, and be gone? My dentist mentioned awhile back that many people go around with a dead tooth and don't realize it because there is no infection, and it's ok. So I thought if the infection could clear up... I don't know, I guess I'm being wishful and just need to get it fixed.

john29 · 11-02-2005, 09:27 AM

Unfortunatley infections due to dead teeth generally do not clear up on their own