Infection in or above a root canal

[Puzzled]

Hi,

I don't know if anyone can help with with a possible answer but I had crowns replaced on my front teeth and one I have had a crown for years and a root canal years ago.  The second cap I ended up with a root canal last October.  It is the first time I have actually had crowns that matched and looked nice.

Last Friday the front tooth with the root canal done in October started throbbing.  My dentist immediately had an appointment set up for today to have things checked out with an endodontist and she did put me on amoxicillin. 

Wonderful.  I saw the endodontist who told me that not only was there a problem with the crown that was hurting but the crown next to it had managed to create an opening and it was infected but draining so I had no pain.  That tooth has to come out now.  The root on that crown has always been broken and has been reinforced with a pin ( I know the is not the proper word but it alludes me at this point.  The point where the break occurred in the root is where it has created the opening in the gum to drain the infection. 

The second tooth the endodontist offered to try a stronger antibiotic, but was obviously not thinking it was going to work.  I don't know where the heck that infection is.  It must be way up at the top of the root.  I am to see and oral surgeon for a consult on Thursday and have impressions made by my dentist on Thursday.

Would anyone have any idea why I would wind up with an infection at the very top of a root?  The two infections are separate issues.  I know sjogren's can go inside and attack your teeth but I just had my teeth cleaned a few weeks ago.  I do intend to call my Rheumy and see if she has anything to say on this or if she knows of a doctor that specializes in sjogren's.  I do think there is one about an hour and 1/2 away but I'm doubting he is a surgeon and I am gathering that there is a rush to get the first tooth out.  Is this typical for sjogren's patients or am I again coming up with something strange that no one is going to know why this has happened.

If anyone has had an experience like this I would appreciate the help.  This sounds as though it is going to be a very unpleasant experience.

[Carolina]

I have had three teeth with root canals and crowns develop abscesses.

Two of them were saved by opening the crown with a small hole to clean out the infection, and the strong antibiotics.

The third developed due to a vertical crack in the tooth which allowed the infection to enter my jaw.  I had to have the tooth removed, and I now have an implant in that location.

The 'theory' is that bacteria that remained in the area of root canal finally multiplied and the result was the abscess.

I am also Immune deficient and so my immune system was inadequate to prevent the infection from growing.  But I didn't know it at the time.  All I knew was that I was have a horror show with my teeth.

These are not, generally, infections that enter from outside. 

I'm so sorry, Puzzled, that you are going through this.  We have more than 'our share' for sure.

Hugs,  Elaine