I was told that my lower right root canal tooth has a furcation involvement. My gums are puffy and ooze pus around the tooth. Will I lose this tooth? – Thank you. Levi
Levi,
After an exam and X-rays, an endodontist can determine whether your tooth is savable. If it is savable, a repeat root canal can remove an infection. Endodontists are root canal specialists, so their skills increase the likelihood of saving the tooth. However, we are primarily concerned about the puffiness and pus coming from your gums.
What Is a Furcation Involvement?
A furcation involves separating a molar tooth’s root, resulting from gum recession or bone loss. The separation can become visible above the gumline. Still, 80 to 90 percent of the bone around the tooth may be intact. However, furcation involvement can accumulate plaque and lead to decay, requiring daily cleaning. Your dentist can give you an interdental brush to clean the space. Whether or not your tooth is savable depends on how much bone support remains. A specialist may decide to remove some of the gum tissue to open the area, enabling you to clean it.
Why Be Concerned About Pus Around a Tooth?
Dental implant
Puffy and inflamed gums result from plaque bacteria and gum disease. If left untreated, it can progress to bone loss and loose teeth. As gum disease progresses, teeth fall out without treatment. Deep teeth cleaning and routine home care can control gum disease and preserve oral health.
Your dentist may have recommended gum disease treatment at the dental office or from a periodontist (gum disease specialist). If you need to repeat root canal therapy, an endodontist (root canal specialist) can help. You may need an extraction and dental implant if the tooth is unsavable.
You can get a second opinion if your dentist doesn’t develop a treatment plan with referrals.
Beverly Hills accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage sponsors this post.