Hello,
I'm a 44 year old male. About two years ago (Jan. 2007) I had a gumboil (first one ever) below #44-45 that popped and then disappeared after about two weeks worth of antibiotics and Peridex. At that time, the dentist did a regular cleaning, but no scaling and root planing (S and RP) nor incision.
I had my very first Panorex last month (Oct. 2008), that show a 2-3 inch radiolucency that scallops under the roots of #42-45.
Today, I went to the Oral Surgeon who thought it was a traumatic or simple bone cyst, but would have to biopsy to make sure. He said it was near the mandibular nerve so there is a possibility of losing feeling in my chin (permanent or temporary) if he took the bone sample.
I currently have no pain, discomfort, or other symptoms in the area, and the percussion tests on #44-45 were negative. He said the teeth and gums all look good, with no signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Do the benefits outweigh the risks in having this bone biopsy done?
Did the first dentist make the correct call by not doing any S and RP or incision where I had the infection?
Is the radiolucency a sign the infection is still present?
Thanks.