Dr. Kevin Less, DDS

Yes. For starters it is wise to have the work done by an endodontist who specializes in performing root canals. He will have way more expertise in doing these procedures than a general dentist, especially if it is a molar tooth that needs treatment. Also, an endodontist will have more diagnostic capabilities and be better equipped with microscopes and advance imaging techniques than a general dentist. Please realize that molar canals can be as small as a human hair and are virtually invisible to the naked eye or even if the doctor is wearing loupes.

Yes you can but it will probably be a temporary fix unless you address the underlying problem that caused the infection in the first place. Nearly 100% of gum infection are caused by poor oral hygiene. Get busy with your tooth brush and some floss. Use warm salt water rinses 3-4 times a day and you will amazed at how fast the infection goes away without subjecting your body to unnecessary side effects of antibiotics

From the picture, I believe that is a sialolith blocking the duct of a minor salivary gland in your lip. A sialolith is a calcification that developed within the salivary gland and is now blocking and preventing the saliva from flowing out of the gland. Hence the swelling of the gland. An oral surgeon would easily be able to remedy the situation. j

NO! NO! & NO!...The fuse to a powder keg has ben lit and you are essentially asking for someone to tell you how long the fuse is. When a dental abscess like you have starts to hurt, it is because it has in medical/dental vernacular "overwhelmed the local defenses" Put plainly, the bad guys are winning and likely to spread through more tissue layers. Worst case scenario, you can end up being treated for a life-threatening infection in an intensive care ward with an antibiotic IV drip so that the antibiotics can get into your bloodstream to get the the point of infection without having to process through your digestive system first.

It depends on how many crown are being placed. It is extremely difficult for a dentist to place one crown in your smile and have it be unnoticeable. Crowns tend to transmit /reflect light differently than your natural teeth and the eye perceives that difference. Your best bet is to do an all porcelain crown of which there are several types. Better yet, if it is affordable for you, replace the teeth in pairs. Have the work done by the most competent cosmetic dentist you can find. He won't be cheap but you really do get what you pay for when it comes to cosmetic dentistry.

If the infection is advanced enough, yes it will show. Remember that the infection causing bacteria enter the tooth almost always through the crown area of the tooth. Then the infection must work its way down the root to the tip of the tooth. Then the bacteria can enter the bone and cause the typical dark shadow on the x-ray film. The tooth may be very painful as the infection works its way down the root, but you will not see evidence of the infection until it reaches the bone. Prior to that, the presence of the infection is diagnosed by the patient's symptomology