Hi @janetws

I recently went through pretty much the same thing, except without tooth pain - I also developed a protrusion on the gum (#19/lower left molar with a previous root canal).

I had consults and x-rays with two endodontists and one with a periodontist - one endo and the periodontist wanted to extract the tooth. I refused treatment because, for some reason, I am terrified of ONJ. The second endo prescribed the following: Drill through the crown and pack the tooth with a medication to heal the infection, wait four weeks, then redo the root canal. Although I still have to wait a few months to ensure it’s healed, with any luck, this treatment worked! After the procedure, the endo reported that the root did not appear to be fractured.

At the time of the crown repair, I asked the doc what would be next if this didn’t work - he did speak of another treatment he had up his sleeve that would, I think, require removing the tooth structure at the gum line so as not to disturb the jaw bone, but that’s as far as it got - you might try asking if there is another way to handle your issues without extraction especially in light of your Reclast infusions.

I’ve been told that trigeminal neuralgia is absolutely indescribably horrible pain so I’m glad that was ruled out in your case.

We need to be our own advocates and remember that sometimes the doctor doesn’t always know what’s best for us. My doc gave the go-ahead for the periodontist to do the extraction (“apparently” he hadn’t read anything in my file that would contraindicate it, even though my meds - Reclast, Tymlos, Evenity - are clearly outlined therein).

Unfortunately, most of us are probably a bit older and our teeth and gums are beginning to show signs of wear and damage that need to be repaired using invasive procedures that clash with our meds.

Cheers, all, to a great weekend and a Happy Fourth of July! Beanieone over and out!