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FAQ: Abcess

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Question:
About a month ago I started feeling really run down and flu-like and suffered from sinus problems and a sore throat. After 10 days of antibiotics, I wasn't feeling much better but the sore throat had cleared up.

A week ago I got another sore throat, was started on antibiotics again, all the while still feeling like I had the flu or Mono (I even had blood work done because this is just not like me). I had noticed around the time that I started feeling bad that a top right molar that had a root canal done years ago was starting to hurt.

I just surmised that it was because I grind my teeth and hadn't been wearing my night guard. A routine visit for a teeth cleaning revealed an abcess in the tooth that already had a root canal.

My questions:
1. Could an abcessed tooth be responbible for my "flu-like" symptoms? I've also noticed the skin on the inside of my mouth peeling off (really weird).
2. How can a tooth that previously had a root canal have an abcess again?
Visitor from Washinton DC

Answer:
Because you mentioned TMJ, my insight would lead me to believe that you need to find a dentist who can properly treat your problem. I would venture to guess that you have migraines!

An old root canal can get reinfected and cause some systemic problems because the bacteria can get nasty (anaerobic-they live without oxygen). Take the tooth out or retreat it, if possible.

If you need to find an expert who treats TMJ you can visit the AACFP.org or AAFO.org websites for a referral. Interview your doctors and make sure they understand decompression strategies and orthodontics and prosthodontics.

Editorial Staff

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