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

Question
I had a root canal done a week ago and two days after the root canal I started having a low grade fever now going on for one week.  They gave me amoxicillin 500 mg 3 x day for 7 days which I am on the 5th day but still have the low grade fever.     
I did go back for a recheck she said everything looks okay but
she didn't take any xrays.  Is this normal?

Answer
Hi Cindy,

I'm sorry to hear things aren't going well. There are a couple of issues here that maybe I can help with.

First, you didn't mention having any problems with the root canal...just the low grade fever. If the root canal checks out OK and you're not having pain in the tooth, then you might want to see your physician since the fever may be coming from some place else and is just a coincidence with the root canal.

As for the X-rays, there would not have been enough time elapsed for there to be any changes on an X-ray, so your dentist showed good judgement not exposing you to unnecessary radiation.

Hope this helps.

Gary Backlund DMD, MSD