Need a root canal but can’t have it

[catsandlavender]

So I’ve had a mouth ulcer above a tooth which I had a filling in ten years ago for over a month; this ulcer has resulted in a small area of exposed bone.
Emergency appointment with the dentist today resulted in him telling me I have a tooth infection in the tooth I have a filling in and that I need a root canal. The infection had broken through my gum which had released the pressure, so I haven’t been in any pain. Obviously I can’t have the procedure done.

My question is - is it safe to just leave this?! I have antibiotics that he said to take if it starts hurting but he said don’t take them otherwise because they won’t cure it. Surely this is a massive sepsis risk, leaving a badly decayed tooth where it is?!

I know the dentist has no choice and they were brilliant today I’m just worried.

[rosydreams]

personally i would just get the tooth removed

[catsandlavender]

It’s a molar which I really don’t want removed because it’ll make it harder to eat on that side. Pretty sure they are also not doing extractions at the moment

[Arrowcat]

No it's not a sepsis risk. The pus is currently draining and your immune system is good enough to be keeping the infection in equalibrium. Which is why you haven't felt pain. The source of the infection is the tooth and there's only two ways to get rid- RCT or extraction. They can't do RCT ATM so antibiotics only if it flares up is sensible. These bacteria are very good at becoming resistant to antibiotics when the source (tooth) is still there so it makes sense to use sparingly.
Hope that's helpful and makes sense.
A sepsis risk would be if you were immuno compromised and then even a small cut or brushing your teeth would be a risk.

[stillfeelingmad]

You can get emergency treatment still, wouldn't this count as an emergency? My mum just had an extraction done as it was medically required

[catsandlavender]

@Arrowcat thank you so much. That makes total sense and is really reassuring!
@stillfeelingmad the root canal drilling (I think) turns mouth fluid into aerosol which is a huge risk even with PPE so they can’t do it at the moment, maybe I could have it taken out but really want to avoid that!

[rosydreams]

i had a tooth taken out i felt miles better after,a week later it wasn't sore and i can eat fine .

[Nikki2ol6]

I had a huge issue with a molar tooth once and it needed a root canal but in the middle of my root canal the dentist could only find 2 roots not the 3rd! Told me he would need to do a temp root canal and send me to the dental hospital to see a specialist and I just had him remove the tooth there and then! Lucky I did as the stupid thing was deformed with 4 roots!! Best choice I ever made getting rid of the stupid thing it caused me so much grief! If I was you I’d have it removed ASAP