Hello doctor,I am an 82-year-old senior. I went to my dentist to have my teeth cleaned and he did an exam first and the X-ray showed an infected tooth (#30). He has recommended that I go to an oral surgeon and have the tooth pulled. I do not want or cannot afford a root canal. Considering my age, what do you think about my starting to rinse my mouth with 3 % Hydrogen peroxide and delay the tooth pulling and see if the infection clears up?
Hello, Welcome to Chat Doctor forum. Well, as per your age, the root canal is the best option. But, as you cannot afford treatment then removing tooth is the only treatment left. Infection in the tooth cannot vanish permanently but you can keep using mouthwash for few weeks and gather money or take dental insurance to get root canal treatment done, if possible. Else, I suggest you go for treatment as soon as possible because the more you delay, more the infection will spread from one tooth to another. Also, inform your dentist about your medical health like blood pressure, diabetes, breathing problems if you have any, before removing the tooth. For more information consult a dentist online 