 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Laura,
I can only assume that when your husband had his teeth extracted, the dentist left a root in. This can happen sometimes. A root can break during an extraction and a piece will be left in and unless the dentist examines every tooth very carefully, it may not be noticed.
An infected root can remain in the bone undetected because the body can fight the infection and there can be no obvious symptoms.
The doctor is correct that it should be removed because the infection can spread.
Hope this was helpful.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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