- Joined
- Jun 11, 2025
- Messages
- 5
Hi all,
Back in January, I noticed a puffy gum above my upper right premolar. Each day, the pain and swelling increased. By the fourth day, the swelling was so severe I couldn’t open my right eye. I went to the ER and was transferred to a local hospital with a dental team. They drained an abscess, but the infection had already spread into my sinus and the tear duct of my right eye.
The affected tooth was finally extracted two weeks later, but the infection persisted. I underwent sinus surgery and am now preparing for a second one due to a fully impacted sinus. It’s been nearly six months of long-term antibiotics for infection.
Recently, I had two root canals (incisor &k9) on the same side (upper right quadrant), and now the incisor tooth has broken. I was scheduled to have crowns placed on July 9, but now I’m unsure if that tooth can even be saved.
I’m a 47-year-old female. I had the same dentist until he retired at the start of COVID. He was known for doing large fillings. Admittedly, I’m not the best dental patient, but I’m not the worst either. I have extensive decay and am well beyond the preventative stage. I do have dental insurance, but I’ve already maxed out my benefits for the year. I also have CareCredit.
My biggest challenge is finding a practice that will actually create a comprehensive treatment plan. Most offices just quote a price over the phone—“You need two crowns; it’ll be this much”—without even seeing me. I understand that many practices are dealing with low insurance reimbursements, but patients like me are left confused and overwhelmed by the cost of crowns, implants, and limited options on the best route. I've witnessed other dentist telling me not to go to different practices because they overcharge or to only use a certain endodontist etc that leaves me questioning if I made the right choice?
When I had the initial infection, I underwent extensive imaging, including a 3D CBCT scan. I have the USB, but none of the dentists I’ve seen have asked to review it? I would think that could show much more than x-rays.? is there a reason no one wants to see it or maybe I'm not being forceful enough?
The office I’m currently with hasn’t been much better. When my front tooth broke last Thursday, I called right away and was told to come in. A hygienist tried to help, but both dentists were on vacation until this coming Tuesday and there was no emergency coverage. I’ve been without a front tooth for several days and it’s been very distressing.
I feel like I should finish treatment where I started, but I’m questioning whether the tooth can even hold a crown. Would I be better off with an implant? Do I even have enough bone for that? I know I don’t want removable options like dentures or bridges.
I'm just trying to save my smile. I have a big laugh and the tooth that was extracted on the road. It's also part of my line.
My biggest question and concern is can I still save my teeth or is it too late
Thanks for reading, and I appreciate any insight or guidance you can offer.
Back in January, I noticed a puffy gum above my upper right premolar. Each day, the pain and swelling increased. By the fourth day, the swelling was so severe I couldn’t open my right eye. I went to the ER and was transferred to a local hospital with a dental team. They drained an abscess, but the infection had already spread into my sinus and the tear duct of my right eye.
The affected tooth was finally extracted two weeks later, but the infection persisted. I underwent sinus surgery and am now preparing for a second one due to a fully impacted sinus. It’s been nearly six months of long-term antibiotics for infection.
Recently, I had two root canals (incisor &k9) on the same side (upper right quadrant), and now the incisor tooth has broken. I was scheduled to have crowns placed on July 9, but now I’m unsure if that tooth can even be saved.
I’m a 47-year-old female. I had the same dentist until he retired at the start of COVID. He was known for doing large fillings. Admittedly, I’m not the best dental patient, but I’m not the worst either. I have extensive decay and am well beyond the preventative stage. I do have dental insurance, but I’ve already maxed out my benefits for the year. I also have CareCredit.
My biggest challenge is finding a practice that will actually create a comprehensive treatment plan. Most offices just quote a price over the phone—“You need two crowns; it’ll be this much”—without even seeing me. I understand that many practices are dealing with low insurance reimbursements, but patients like me are left confused and overwhelmed by the cost of crowns, implants, and limited options on the best route. I've witnessed other dentist telling me not to go to different practices because they overcharge or to only use a certain endodontist etc that leaves me questioning if I made the right choice?
When I had the initial infection, I underwent extensive imaging, including a 3D CBCT scan. I have the USB, but none of the dentists I’ve seen have asked to review it? I would think that could show much more than x-rays.? is there a reason no one wants to see it or maybe I'm not being forceful enough?
The office I’m currently with hasn’t been much better. When my front tooth broke last Thursday, I called right away and was told to come in. A hygienist tried to help, but both dentists were on vacation until this coming Tuesday and there was no emergency coverage. I’ve been without a front tooth for several days and it’s been very distressing.
I feel like I should finish treatment where I started, but I’m questioning whether the tooth can even hold a crown. Would I be better off with an implant? Do I even have enough bone for that? I know I don’t want removable options like dentures or bridges.
I'm just trying to save my smile. I have a big laugh and the tooth that was extracted on the road. It's also part of my line.
My biggest question and concern is can I still save my teeth or is it too late
Thanks for reading, and I appreciate any insight or guidance you can offer.
