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Hi to all,

Earlier this year, I had a root canal performed by my Dentist as a result of an infected #4 tooth. I took antibiotics, and everything seemed to have gone well.

However, near the gumline of the root-canaled tooth, a bump or fistula remained although there was no pain or discomfort. I returned to the dentist a few months later for a check-up, and she indicated that it seems that remnants of the infection still remained, so she prescribed Amoxicillin. I returned to her office a few weeks later, where she X-rayed the tooth again. It seemed the antibiotic had eliminated the infection but she suggested that if I truly wanted to eliminate the infection, that I should have an apioectomy performed by a specialist because it seems that this infection will come and go.

Taking her advice, I had an apioectomy performed with some bone grafting two months ago with no complication. The area of the fistula also seemed to have drained and flattened. Within the last few weeks though, I noticed that a bump started to form where the fistula was originally. Some days it would expand, and some days contract but there was no drainage of any substance, and no pain to the touch, either.

Concerned, I returned to the oral surgeon last week who took an x-ray, and then prescribed amoxicillin to help clear this bump. He mentioned that sometimes a tooth does not respond to root canal or apioectomy, and has to be extracted replaced by an implant. I questioned the surgeon as to whether he was saying that the root canal and apioectomy failed. He stated that we were not at that point yet, and to come back in two weeks. He replied that he did not see any infection, either.

In the meantime, I scheduled an appointment with my regular dentist to discuss my conversation with the oral surgeon. She x-rayed the tooth, and told me that it takes at least six months before a root canal/apioectomy can be considered a failure. It only has been two since the apioectomy, and I have no discomfort whatsoever from the tooth at anytime,
even while eating. She told me to continue with the antibiotics, and follow-up with the surgeon.

My question is could this bump really be just scar tissue? The oral surgeon and my dentist, only talk about infections, failures, and possible extraction despite both not being overly concerned at this point. Shouldn't they know what this bump really is? I feel like the oral surgeon is angling for the extraction/implant, although my dentist seems to imply that it is too soon. Should I consider consulting a Periodontist? I feel like I am getting the run around.

Any suggestions or comments are most appreciated.