Dr,

First I would like to thank you for all the wonderful work you are doing on this site.

For the past, 5 months, I have been having the following effects:

- Dry Mouth

- Burning and rather uncomfortable tongue

- And lately, pus on tonsil (just 2 weeks ago)

I have to tell you that right before this happening, I had three (3) root Canals done the same day (I still do not believe I needed them). The hole thing was done during one visit (exactly 2 hrs). The burning and rough feeling in tongue was right after this and before the crowns. My dentist also felt I needed three crowns which he put during a second visit (took 1 hr for the three). No point in mentioning how much all this cost.

My questions now:

- Could the above be related to HIV (dry mouth + tongue sym.)

- Could they be related to the dental operations I had (My do claims no way)

- Could the Pus on Tonsil be related to HIV

Thank You very much. God Bless

From what you have described, I cannot see any relationship between the conditions mentioned and HIV infection. Possible reasons for your sore tongue include dry mouth and potentially rough edges on one of the root canal treated teeth prior to the placement of the crown. It is not an uncommon practice to take teeth that are being endodontically treated out of occlusion, meaning reducing it down a little so it does not come into contact with the opposing teeth, thus reducing potential trauma. Also, it is conceivable that a rough edge may have been created during removal of decay. The reason I am hedging in this direction is that you mentioned your tongue was sore after the root canal therapy and before placement of the crowns. One more note: posterior teeth which have been endodontically treated are usually crowned to protect them as they are more brittle than vital teeth.

Take care,

DR