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 Hello, Thank you for taking the time to read this. Here is my situation. A few weeks ago I started having pain in my jaw, upper and lower and sometimes into my ear canal. I went to my dentist who took some x-rays and said he didn't see anything but gave me some penicillian to take. I took the penicilian and after about a week the pain went away for about 4 days. After that the pain came back even worse along with new symptoms of ear ache, dizzinss and tingling finger tips. It was a Friday night and it hurt so bad into my upper and lower teeth I could barely stand it. I took motrin, tylenol, aleve, nothing was working. The only thing that helped ease the pain for awhile was rinsing that side with baking soda and warm water. Saturday I called my dentist but he was not in, he called me back on Sunday and said that I probably need a root canal and wants me to see a specialist. Well, it is Monday evening and I am still taking motrin and tylenol but the pain has really eased up. It is not as intense as it was and seems to be getting better. My two back teeth one upper and one lower just seem very sore and if I bite down the hurt but I don't have that really bad nerve pain.
My questions are: If I needed a root canal wouldn't that have shown up on the x-rays? If I need a root canal wouldn't the pain still be intense? Why would it ease up?
If I still need a root canal can it wait if the pain goes away? I have already maxed out my insurance and they wont pay till next year. Could I need 2 root canals since two teeth are hurting? Does it usually occur in 2 teeth at the same time?
I know you will have a hard time answering my questions without doing an exam but I appreciate any answers you can give me.
Thank You so much!
Answer Hi Valerie,
I'm sorry you're going through all this. Situations like yours can be hard to give black & white answers, especially as you pointed out without being able to exam you. Let me try to answer some as best I can.
In the early stages of an abscess, nothing will show on an Xray. There has to be bone destroyed to make a difference. Pain associated with an abscess can come and go, but, if it's an abscess, it will NEVER completely go away...it will just become chronic for awhile and then flare up. There is no way to predict when you will have trouble again or how long you can wait. Usually only one tooth at a time is affected, but it certainly could be two teeth. The only way to find out is with an examination. I would suggest that you, at least, get an evaluation by the endodontist to find out what needs to be done. He/she way be better able to answer these questions after they have seen you.
