Betcha he's lying to you. I don't see how it could possibly heal over, all be ok for a full 3-4 weeks and then suddenly flare-up unless he left the ligament in there or who knows what else. You didn't have an abcess there before and now you do right? No brainer in my opinion. You called him on it and he is playing defense now.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/censored.gif" alt="" /> dentists no kidding, 95% of them.

you better call a couple more dentists, describe it to them and at least get other opinions. If it gets badly infected, well jaw infection can become brain infection and will take weeks to get over. you don't need antobiotics as much as you need the area cleaned out properly. I am amazed he wouldn't do it for you. very conscientious of him. But typical of liars I guess. He'd be admitting his mistake if he did.

I'd go straight for the hydrogen peroxide. instantaneous results, on the outside anyway. No swishing bacteria ridden in my puss around in my mouth thanks. Just kill it.