The radiograph clearly reveals a retained root piece left behind from the previous extraction several years ago. Over time, the body has isolated this root fragment, leading to a chronic localized infection, seen as a dark shadow (radiolucency) around the tip of the root piece.
The current empirical medical management prescribed to you is highly appropriate as a short-term measure. This combination will temporarily suppress the active infection, reduce local tissue inflammation, and manage discomfort. However, medications alone cannot cure this issue because the root fragment acts as a permanent, non vital foreign body where bacteria can hide. Therefore, surgical removal/extraction of the retained root piece is absolutely the correct and definitive treatment plan to completely eradicate the focus of infection and allow the bone to heal properly.
Next Steps
Complete the prescribed course of medications exactly as directed by your dentist, even if your symptoms improve, to ensure the active bacterial load is properly controlled before surgery. Schedule the minor surgical extraction of the retained root piece with an oral surgeon or your treating dentist once the acute phase of inflammation has been managed by the medications. Maintain strict oral hygiene by gently brushing the surrounding teeth and using warm saline rinses or an antiseptic mouthwash (like chlorhexidine) after meals to keep the area clean until your procedure.
Health Tips
While this is a common dental finding and not a medical emergency right now, do not neglect getting the root piece surgically removed after finishing your antibiotics. If left in place permanently, the chronic infection can slowly expand, destroy the surrounding jawbone, damage the health of the adjacent healthy teeth, or occasionally flare up into a painful, acute swelling (abscess). Once the root piece is removed, the area will heal beautifully, and you can consult your dentist about options like a dental implant or a bridge to safely restore that missing space if you choose.