Expert: Tony Appleton BDS DPDS - 11/14/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello Dr Appleton,
I had a root canal treatment around 3 years back. I did not get a crown at that time and now around 2 months back, the filling was broken on the teeth. When I went now to a different dentist, he told me that there is some infection at the end of one of the roots by X-ray, and he will prefer to do the cleaning again. He started and on the first day he put medication with some needles in the three canals of my molar teeth. In the second and third appointment also, he just changed medication (spanning over one week). However, after one day of the third medication change, I started feeling pain in my jaw. I can feel some lump from inside by mouth (by tongue) and from outside. I feel uncomfortable the whole day. Although the pain is not too severe but its irritating the all day. I have to take Ibuprofen every 5-6h to remain comfortable. What do you suggest could be the cause and the solution now? thanks a lot...

ANSWER: Hi Paras

The tooth has become infected again.  The treatment for this is basically what you are having done - re-root treatment.  You may need some antibiotics as well.

Regards

Tony Appleton

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Dr Appleton,
Thank you for your reply. I went to the Emergency yesterday and the doctor was able to clean one of the roots (probably infected). I was much relieved. However, my doctor again did the cleaning today morning and made a temporary filling of tooth with cotton and some temporary material on the top. The canals are empty. Since I also started with the antibiotics yesterday, there is very little inflammation/swelling left. However, now with this temporary filling, its seems like a lot of pressure on my Jaw. I do not have any pain but just that my jaw on the one one has a lot of pressure and in-between, I also felt that it goes to that side of my brain. Do you also have suggestion, what it could be? Thanks a lot.

Answer
Hi Paras

It is pretty normal to have pain like this following treatment - the whole area is inflamed and can feel a bit miserable for a couple of days.

Take pain-killers and keep away from the tooth and it should settle over the weekend for you.

Regards

Tony Appleton