This morning the abscess cavity was flat and painless.
The jaw felt - and feels normal.

Dr. Millstein was jovial, friendly and flattering, an odontic
used car saleman, if ever there was one. Motorized, digitized
X-ray images were obtained in a single swoop with a space age
gadget. (No wonder Kodak is in bankruptcy) The Chinese proprietor
also took a quick look. His verdict, conveyed by Dr Millstein:
sequential extraction of all remaining teeth and roots in multiple
sessions. Two lower implants to tether a lower plate. Floating
upper plate. Time required for multiple procedures: 6 mos. 
Possible complications of extractions, implantations, and prostheses,
not mentioned, - and I didn't ask. Prognosis if untreated: recurring
abscesses with adverse effects on general health and quality of life.
Diminished satisfaction from dining.  Impaired esteem of grandkids
for toothless grandpa. I asked Dr.  Millstein - who is now seventy-
five years old and has practiced dentistry all his adult life, if he
had ever seen endocarditis complicating dental abscess: No. Brain
abscess: No. Airway obstruction: No. Mediastinal sepsis: No. But he
had observed two patients with endocarditis subsequent to brushing
of teeth, one with a pigs valve replacement, the other with rheumatic
heart disease. Bottom line for proposed reconstructive surgery: $15,000.-
I told Dr. Millstein that I had the money, but wasn't sure if I had the
humor. Would discuss this with you and with Mommy. You might consider
cross-examining Dr. Millstein about relevant issues from your
perspective when you see him later in the week. At your convenience,
please tell me what you think.