Q.
Hi Dr Solanki, I had a crown on a root filled molar last year, I have been told that the tooth itself is cracked. I have recently developed a sinus on the gum and when it was x rayed my dentist said that there was some infection in the bone under the tooth and that the bone has “gone” which I found alarming to say the least. However she said there was nothing she can do and that we should wait and see what happens and in the meantime apply corsodyl gel. She seemed to suggest that it was good to have the sinus because the infection can drain. I have had the same dentist for a while but I don’t feel confident in this instance and would be very grateful if you could comment and in particular address the following questions. Is it safe to leave an infection which is affecting the bone in this way? Could the infection clear up of its own accord (I have been under stress recently following the sudden death of my mum and wondered if this had contributed)? Is it safe to have a broken area on the gum particularly given the evidence on heart disease and gum problems? If I lose the tooth I will consider an implant but is the damage to the bone likely to prevent this as an option? I would be very grateful if you could advise me. Many thanks. Kind regards.