Two weeks ago, I saw a specialist who says that my lower right first molar has a root fracture. I had a root canal on the tooth almost four years ago. The tooth is abscessed, sensitive, and somewhat painful. I have a bad taste in my mouth, and the infection is making me feel foggy and tired. My appointment for an extraction and implant is on the 1st of next month. I’ve asked for a sooner date because of the discomfort and brain fog. But the specialist can’t see many any sooner. Is it dangerous for me to keep waiting or should I find another specialist? – Thanks. Jonathan from AZ
Jonathan,
Your symptoms, including pain, discomfort, fatigue, and brain fog, are good reasons not to wait. Those factors can put you at risk for other ailments or issues, so do what you can to receive the extraction sooner than a month.
Is It Dangerous to Wait for Your Tooth Extraction?
You asked if it’s dangerous to wait for the extraction. While you’re waiting for tooth extraction, the infection can grow and spread deeper. Although Dr. Perry would need to examine your tooth, the infection probably won’t cause serious complications. But complications can occur, and other than the specialist’s schedule, there is no reason to wait. You can get rid of the annoying symptoms sooner than next month.
Since you didn’t mention what type of specialist you’ve seen, we assume that it’s an oral surgeon. Extracting a lower right first molar isn’t usually complicated, so you don’t need an oral surgeon to remove it. You can ask the dentist who gave you the referral to refer you to another specialist. Or you can call an oral surgeon or a general dentist who will see you faster and perform the extraction. Unless there is an unusual problem with your tooth other than the fractured root, a general dentist who frequently extracts teeth can remove it.
And if you look for a general dentist with advanced training in implantology, you can stay with the practice to receive implant placement and a dental crown. It will save you the time and frustration of visiting multiple providers to resolve the issue completely.
Best wishes.
Ryan Perry DDS, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.