Scary Dental Work

[bearpooch]

I have regularly gone to the dentist for check-ups every 6 months for years...but following the retirement of my usual dentist, the first trip to the replacement has not gone well. He's told me that I have an infection in the bone/root bit of my front tooth following an apesectomy 25 years ago that apparently wasn't entirely successful. He says it's very serious, is destroying my jaw bone and I need to have a bridge put in which will mean losing the teeth either side!! There is bit of discolouration in the gum so all is clearly not as it should be....but I would like a second opinion. The question is, how can I get one? I've looked on the Internet and it's not easy to find other dentists unless you are an emergency. And there is the cost issue too to worry about. Anyone got any advice?

[campbellking]

Surely if he felt that the infection was that serious he would have referred you to the E.N.T. department of your local hospital? Might be worth asking.

[CrazyDaisy80]

Hello!! I really feel for you - Dentists are Nerve-Wracking as it is. I guess I have 1 or 2 Pieces of Advice, as I Work in a Dental Surgery.

You are not obliged to have any Work done that you don't want or that you don't think is necessary. Are there any other Dentists at that Practice that you could go to?? If not, then I would suggest going to another Surgery if possible.

I wouldn't 'Sign Up' to any Work unless you are sure, whether you have a Second Opinion or not.

Good Luck and if you need any Help then I would Phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or your Local Primary Care Trust.

CrazyDaisy80
xXx

[bearpooch]

Thanks for replying so promptly!

Campbellking, hmmm, you'd think so wouldn't you. I did ask for other options and the dentist did mention I could have the apsectomy re-done at the hospital but suggested it wouldn't necesarily work this time either. To be honest, it was hard to really understand exactly what he was saying....It took several attempts to explain the problem to me...and not because I am dim! I thought I'd get given antibiotics as a first resort at least but no. I might pop to the doctor and show him my slightly off-colour smile and see if he can refer me maybe....?

And CrazyDaisy thanks for that...I've tried the PCT route but hadn't done the NHS Direct one. I'll give them a call. Cheers both x

[MrXLA]

In response to campbellking, an ENT consultant would find such a referral inappropriate given that the craniofacial skeleton and dentary bones are not part of the ENT remit. However referal to a maxillofacial consultant may be appropriate (as I think this dentist has suggested as an option).
I'm concerned that the dentist has suggested that 'you need a bridge' since no one actually needs a bridge. However this option among others would be one for replacement of a missing tooth or teeth.
It sounds as though you have either a persistant apical granuloma or an odontogenic cyst, leading to bone resorption/loss probably at a slow rate. One option would be to remove the tooth and therefore the problem along with the cyst or granuloma, after which spontaneous healing is likely to occur. Another as you've mentioned would be to repeat the apicectomy which may work but its unlikely to after 25 years.
I'm unsure as to why you think antibiotics would be in any way useful as a 'first line' treatment. Unless there is pain there is no reason to suggest infection of the apical lesion by bacteria so obviously antibiotics would be ineffective. A GP may prescribe you them but only because there isn't any other treatment they could offer you (doesn't mean antibiotics are appropriate) they will then simply suggest seeing a dentist or referring you to an oral surgery department wasting both their time and yours. My advice would be to seek a second oppinion from another dentist if you are not happy or ask for referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgery department.
If you have any other questions or concerns please ask,
Hope this helps, take care bearpooch