I have a lump above one of my teeth for about three years. My dentist has been watching it and said it is a chronic abscess. I started getting nervous about this because I read these type of lumps could also be a cyst. I asked to see a specialist and my dentist complied. The specialist said there is a chance that it is a cyst and in that case, instead of a root canal treatment which has a risky success rate, that I can extract the tooth. I have to tell you I don’t know which problem I’m hoping for. I have terrible dental anxiety as it is. I’m not sure what to do.
Olivia
Dear Olivia,
Dentists learn a lot about cysts in dental school, but hardly any dentist actually sees one in their practice. It’s quite uncommon. Hopefully, that will help put your mind more at ease. Your dentist called it an abscess which tells me he knows it is an infected tooth. I would get the root canal treatment. I feel fairly confident that will take care of the problem. In fact, I’ll be willing to bet that you’ll suddenly find you feel better than you have in a while for no apparent reason.
I’m a little uncomfortable with the fact that your dentist left you with an active infection for three years. That means that you have been spilling bacteria into your bloodstream for the last three years. That can wear a body down and is bad for your general systemic health. That is the reason why I made the comment you will suddenly feel better.
Dealing with Dental Anxiety
I wanted to address the issue of your dental anxiety. Please don’t feel alone in this. In fact, there is a great solution for you. My suggestion is that you have your root canal treatment done with a sedation dentist. Not only are they compassionate with anxious patients, but they can provide you with a medication that will allow you to completely sleep through your procedure.
Look for a dentist that offers oral conscious sedation. It would also help to make sure they are DOCS certified, so you can make sure that they have the training you need to feel safe.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.