apico failure?

[ljd]

Hi about a year and 1/2 ago I had a root canal on #14.  I developed a fistula and had an apico 1 1/2 months ago.   I 've had a bump at the top of my gumline for the past 3 weeks.  I just came from the oral surgeon and he put me on a 3week antibiotic.He will follow up in 3 weeks.  He did not do any xray today.  I am assuming the apico failed and the antibiotic is only a temporary fix.  My question is if in fact the apico failed what are my alternatives?  I never had any problems before the root canal( it was done because of a crack in the tooth)  I really hate the idea of extraction.  Is that my only alternative at this point?  Is it to late for an endodontist?  I did call before my apico and they told me they didn't perform apico's only root canal.

[ljd]

Thanks for your response.  I was guessing implant was my best option.  How long do implants usually take?

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

It is interesting that this question should come up now considering i just this minute saw a patient with a very similar problem. She had seen the oral surgeon two days ago for a residual infection on a tooth which had a previous root canal and apico. At this point he felt that the apico could not be redone and the tooth needed to be extracted. The question was whether we place an implant or three unit bridge.We decided in her case to have the implant placed.In your case a retreatment of the rct can not be done and I doubt whether a new apico would be successful. I would suggest you discuss the same options I gave my patient.