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.
I appreciate your responses. If anything, I feel worse today than before. The
pain has lessened somewhat, but all I want to do is lie down the couch or go
back to bed. The endo took me off the antibiotic so he could put me on
steroids in hopes of getting the numbness/inflamation to go down. Have you
ever heard of this treatment? Believe me, I am wishing I had pushed for just
getting the tooth extracted. It is going on two weeks now since the root
canal was done and that's a lot of time to lose out of one's life. The thing I
didn't ask the endo was once I finish the steroids if I am supposed to start
the antibiotics back again? It is now the holiday weekend so I'm stuck with
the pain and misery until at least Monday morning. Thanks.
Answer Hi Charlene,
First, you are NOT stuck. Any endodontist worth their "salt" will have an answering service for after hours emergencies. I would call NOW and tell your endodontist what is going on. Since I can't exam you, it's hard for me to comment on whether your treatment is appropriate. What I can say is that if you actually have an infection, you should not be off the antibiotics....you might want to clarify that with your endodontist. When we use steroids, we often use antibiotics at the same time. They do not interact and can be used together. I would call to make sure you have your instructions correct.
