Root canal, Nerve cap, or Implant

[TPatti]

As I am getting close to make decision for 3 level adr for mid July I develop a tooth ache. I have a brocken filling, but still have sensitivity after the filling is replaced so the dentist thinks the nerve may be dying and wants me to get a pulp test to see if I should get a root canal. I have read that some believe traditional root canals can be harboring sites for bacteria because the space may not be completely filled ant the traditional filler has some porosity that bacteria can eventually make its way thru into the dead space. I read a little about nerve caps where the treat the nerve, cap it, and then hope that you regenerate the nerve. Also read that you can have the tooth pulled and have a dental implant installed. I do not think I would want to do the dental implant 6 weeks out from surgery, the process would not be complete that quickly. They pull the tooth, your gum has to heel, then the set the metal screw into your bone and that has to set fro several weeks before permanent implant is installed. Not sure what path to go. The implant path I think I would have to wait until a year after surgery?

[Harrison]

T,

At a minimum, find a dentist that knows how to treat deep-seated infections. The ones that do already use ozone and xylitol as part of their cleaning practices. Perhaps you already saw my recently published interview with my NEW dentist:

The Dental-Systemic Link: How to Maintain Oral Hygiene - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGWKbroDh78&list=UUfE2fi6SOK5Mw9qrmqfLvmw&index=1)

If you are seeing an endodontist, ask them how they eradicate biofilms. My experience is that many do NOT eradicate biofilm infections. They often rely on antibiotics (local and or systemic) which may or may not effectively eradicate the sub-gingival biofilm.

That said, there's a lot to be said for using mechanical removal of biofilms (debridement, with cavitron) and chlorohexidane (a strong antibacterial). It's the dental hygienist's training that makes all these effective!

When I get a breather, I can help you locate a doctor with this. This site may be a good start:

Search for Dentist / Physician | IAOMT (http://iaomt.org/find-a-doctor/search-for-dentist-physician/)

Glad you are paying attention to this important health issue. There's also a FAQ on this which you may have seen:

http://www.adrsupport.org/forums/f49/how-does-dental-health-relate-spine-health-surgery-9576/