I have had a swelling on my top right premolar since April 2023. It is tender, but it doesn’t hurt. At first, my dentist said it was either a cyst or an abscess, which we could leave or remove, depending on my symptoms. Two weeks ago, my dentist referred me to a specialist who said I could try a root canal, and if it fails, she can remove the infection through the tip of the root. I hope to avoid an extraction, but treatment results sound uncertain to me. Is it worth trying a root canal? Thanks. Ishamel from CT
Ishmael,
Dentists learn about cysts in dental school and understand the problems they can cause, but most general dentists rarely see them in practice. Some also present the more serious possibilities up front because they want patients to be fully informed if complications develop later.
How Will Root Canal Therapy Help?
Root canal treatment
There is always a chance the swelling could involve a cyst, but the likelihood is small. Most long-term swelling around a tooth is from an infection rather than a cyst. Root canal treatment can eliminate the infection and allow the area to heal. At this stage, an apicoectomy appears aggressive compared to root canal therapy.
How Can Chronic Dental Infections Affect Overall Health?
Allowing the swelling to remain untreated for three years was risky. An abscess can allow bacteria to leak into the bloodstream, even if the infection seems stable. These infections can affect your health and energy level. Many patients feel noticeably better after getting treatment for a chronic dental infection. Root canal treatment generally succeeds at rates of 85 percent or higher. A skilled endodontist, using modern technology, can improve the chances of a positive outcome.
A failed root canal does not leave you without options. If healing does not occur as expected, your dentist or endodontist can complete the apicoectomy later if needed.
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