Hi, I have been really down lately but to top things off my molar has been hurting for 5 days now. It is the one from which evil mercury cast was taken off. Now, below the tooth I have a bump in a form of a pencil sharpener, which is somewhat of a red color, and is painful affecting the whole side of the head. I tried to pop it, but it was really painful and bad smell came out. Then the bump turned blue and grew in size causing more pain and suff ering. Doing some research, I am afraid that this is root canal infection, namily my tooth is dead. I have 2 options: root canal or extraction. Obviously it's not going to be root canal, therefore extraction. But now how can I, a young handsome man be missing a molar on my left bottom side? The thought makes me so depressed. How will I be able to chew with my left side. It's like a big part of me is going to be missing for the rest of my life. I need some suggestions or help cause I can't think straight from this. Why did this happen? I was helping myself so hard and yet <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />