Expert: Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD - 11/2/2008

Question
I had a root canal done on my front number 3 upper tooth a week ago and am still experiencing pain.  I have returned to the dentist and have been informed that it looks like there may be something that has pushed up in that is causing the pain.  I am about to finish my antibiotics.  The pain has subsided but is still there.  It is sort of like a bruising feeling. However, if I press down on my gum just near my nose I get a slight pain and feels like a small lump.  Should I get another course of antibiotics?  As I say, the pain is better than what it was a about 3 days ago.

Answer
Hi Robyn,

I'm sorry to hear you're going through all this. Usually, when some material is pushed out the end of the tooth, it sets up a temporary inflammatory response. It just takes time for that to heal. The antibiotics were as much precautionary as for treating an infection. At this point, I would finish your antibiotics and see how healing proceeds. I suspect you will be fine. Should your pain start to increase, I would call your dentist right away.

Hope this helps.

Gary Backlund DMD, MSD