AboutGary Backlund, DMD, MSD Expertise I am an Endodontist ( root canal specialist ) and can answer questions about root canals and their treatment. I cannot diagnose or treat online, but can answer general questions. I have been a specialist for 25 years and am Past President of the Washington State Association of Endodontists.
Experience 25 years practicing as a specialist
Organizations American Association of Endodonists, Past President Washington State Association of Endodontists.
Question QUESTION: I have finished my antibiotics and have no more "pain" but there is still a bump on the gums and if I run down steps or plop on the couch the tooth hurts. It is 12 days afetr the route canal. The endodontist says to give the tooth longer to heal and if not then he can make an incision in the gum to help it drain a bit. How long should I wait it out? Is this part of the normal healing process?
ANSWER: Hi Wendy,
Sorry to hear you're going through all this. Your question just doesn't have an easy answer since everyone heals at a different rate. What I tell my patients is that you should see some improvement each day...maybe not much....but at least some. If not, you should call your endodontist back. It is a pretty simple procedure to make the small incision to drain the abscess which is what he suggested. What you are going through is not routine, but it certainly happens.
Hope this helps.
Gary Backlund DMD, MSD
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QUESTION: Thanks for the answer. I am willing to wait it out since I was in such awful pain before but how long (approx.) should I give it? Is it ok to leave alone for a while?
Answer Hi again Wendy,
You won't do any harm by waiting. Nothing much should happen. Worse case, the swelling starts getting bigger and then you can call your dentist. I wouldn't give it much more than 7-10 more days. It should be doing good by then if it is going to heal.
