Second to last molar root looks like it's touching the bottom of my jawbone. What happens next? (Also dental implant question)

I've had a regular x-ray, and will go in for a different kind of x-ray on Tuesday, but my dentist wouldn't divulge possible treatment plans without the second xray. I'm just trying to get an idea of what I might be in for.

The tooth has been giving me trouble for almost a year. At my last regular cleaning, my dentist told me I need to work on stopping grinding my teeth, because I had sprained the ligament that holds my second from the last molar. Since then, I have done my best to comply. The pain comes and goes.

Six months ago, a month after my regular cleaning, I had a sinus infection that apparently reached into my teeth as well, which was an absolutely miserable experience. I'd rather have a migraine. No question. My regular doctor and dentist at the time claimed they could do nothing but give me one round of antibiotics and pain meds. My dentist told me I would just need to learn to deal with the pain. The doc said I was blowing it out of proportion, basically treated me like I was just seeking pain meds. I didn't want pain meds, they make me sick. I wanted to be well again but I digress...

My new dentist pointed out dark areas where the root meets the bottom of my jawbone. I'm guessing there's either still the same infection, or a reoccurring infection? The past few days are the first time it hurts to the touch from the outside though.

What am I in for?

Also sidenote, I see that dental insurance companies rarely cover dental implants. Why is this? My childhood dentist put a cap on a baby tooth that never fell out, then my next dentist took the tooth out and told me to go see his buddy and get a dental implant. I did not, because I was a college student and didn't have an extra $4000 to pay all at once. That dentist would neither accept dental insurance, nor payment plans. I was ignorant and had no idea I could just pick another dentist. Since he never actually told me why the dental implant might be necessary, I just never got it. (I did ask. He just didn't see the need to explain things. My mere presence bothered him.) The next dentist said I might want to think about it in the future if my teeth start moving,but left it at that. My new dentist, whom I have seen once, has already pushed me to look into it. It has probably been 7 years. Why is the implant necessary and why won't insurance cover it? And why do dentists keep pushing it on me and not actually explaining the need?

Submitted May 21, 2015 at 09:10PM by erroneousneophyte http://ift.tt/1F51nPZ