DENTAL CARE

Q: A:I drove 1 hour and 20 Minutes To See You! Let us all do this together. One …two…three…. Why? Of course, I am flattered when people drive long distances to seek my help. I have a patient who lives in Cincinnati and comes to see me. The patient who travels considerably is usually one who read my column or called a friend of a friend, and I received a kind recommendation. However, with my new patient this week, that was not the case. She lives somewhere near Youngstown and could not find anyone who would see her in less than six weeks. Her mouth showed signs of swelling, and back surgery was imminent for her. Her surgeon would not treat her back with a raging infection in her mouth. Her swelling is a consequence of this infection. All my readers know that if you have a problem, know that my staff will go out of their way to create a same-day appointment for someone in need if possible. Together with the ability of those who prefer to make an appointment online, landed this patient at my doorstep. She sought out the care of an emergency room at her local hospital before she looked for a dentist. They prescribed antibiotics and told her that three broken teeth on her lower left side needed removal. “These teeth were broken into the gums and were the cause of the infection.” I looked in her mouth and saw these teeth. I could tell just from observing that these were old root canal teeth that rotted in her mouth. These broken fragments were the ends of the root canal teeth. Since root canal teeth have no feeling, pain was not part of the problem. I knew that these teeth were not the cause of her swelling and discomfort that came along with the swelling.

I suggested that some x-rays would be beneficial to find the source of her problem. On one particular x-ray, I found some evidence of infection around another tooth. I was still puzzled as the size of her swelling was not consistent with that single tooth problem. At this point, I recommended that we use some state of the art technology and do a 3D image of the lower jaw.

I am glad that I moved in this direction. The image showed me multiple teeth in the jaw with significant infections. The broken root canal teeth were not the problem as the hospital had conjectured. The infected teeth were not candidates for root canal procedures for a variety of reasons. The only choice left involved removing five teeth and strong antibiotics to get things under control. As I mentioned earlier, back surgery was in her schedule. She had a car accident and was part of a process of multiple surgeries. Scheduling the teeth removal and planning for replacement would be a challenge for all. We discussed the permanent replacement of the teeth. She did not want anything to come in and out of her mouth. To accomplish this goal would depend on her healing and appropriate addition of bone as needed. If permanent teeth would not be a possibility, I offered to lock down the removable teeth to create the most stability for her. Time and healing would clarify these choices. She left happy and confident that she had stumbled upon the right office. I felt honored that I would be the one to help her through this challenging time in her life. If you have a problem and want an opinion in a timely manner, please call Megan at 440.951.7856, and she will help set up a create a visit for us to answer your questions and concerns. I look forward to meeting you. Jeffrey Gross, DDS, FAGD is an Ohio licensed general dentist and is on the staff of Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine. The Healthy Smile 34586 Lakeshore Boulevard (¼ mile west of Route 91 on Lakeshore Blvd) Eastlake, Ohio 44095 440-951-7856 Severance Medical Arts, Suite 603 5 Severance Center Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118 216-371-2333 www.jeffreygrossdds.com