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Question:
I'm an American with a permanent residence in the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. At this moment I am in a small town near Zhangzhou, China. I'm an English professor at a U.S. university with an extension campus here in China.
Yesterday I went to get a teeth cleaning at a good dental clinic in Zhangzhou. I complained about some sensitivity in a tooth on the lower right side. After much examination they finally informed me that they found a very small crack in a tooth; they surmise the crack may have allowed an infection in the pulp. They gave me a 2-week course of antibiotics and said that if the sensitivity persists after 2 weeks, I should return and probably get a root canal.
My questions:
1. Do you agree? If the sensitivity goes away after the antibiotics, does this mean I DON'T need a root canal?
2. If the crack is merely a superficial enamel crack, would I need a root canal to correct that? I want to get the problem fixed in China, if possible. ... Scott
Answer:
Scott, immediately stop taking antibiotic. It will not play any role in reducing tooth sensitivity to pressure. It is impossible to diagnose your condition without benefit of a clinical and radiographic examination.
Your symptoms may be due to:
1. Stress pulp syndrome. That is for some reason the pulp tissue of your
teeth going toward the process of necrosis.
2. You may have a cracked tooth syndrome ( Using antibiotics are ineffective).
3. You may have Bruxism (Grinding your teeth while sleeping).
4. You may have periodontal disease.
Do not forget. Cheap medicine will end up being very expensive. While you are in the US, try to find a qualified Endodontist to evaluate your condition. If needed get a Periodontist to evaluate your gum condition and if needed a Prosthodontist to construct a crown for your tooth. This may be a complex problem. Avoid general dentists. Yes it is expensive, but remember you are at a age that you should take care of your teeth or gradually lose them.
Editorial Staff
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