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 just a had a root canal redone on Thursday, so two days ago. Two years ago the dentist who treated me did not seal it correctly and an infection started to grow. I was sent to a specialist and he said that he needed to redo the root canal to take out the infection or cut into my gum. I went back to the first dental office and another dentist worked on the root canal. My questions are the following:
1. How do I know for sure that all of the infection is gone?
2. How long should the pain last after the treatment?
3. What happens if the infection is not gone or has spread?
4. What can I eat?
5. Should there be any swelling after the treatment?
6. Should the dentist shaved off the top of the molar after he put the temporary tooth?
Thank you in advance,
Yvett
Answer Hi Yvett,
You ask good question, but they don't have black & white answers. I'll try to do my best to answer and explain what's happening....
1. How do I know for sure that all of the infection is gone?
The only way to evaluate healing is with X-rays and monitoring symptoms. We recall our patients 6 month after treatment, so it will take at least that long for changes to show on an Xray.
2. How long should the pain last after the treatment?
We don't expect pain. In our office, we tell patients the tooth will be a little sore for a day or two and should be controlled with aspirin or nothing. Anything worse than that may mean the tooth is infected or you need your bite adjusted.
3. What happens if the infection is not gone or has spread?
If you are talking short term, you may need antibiotics. If you are referring to something 6 months from now, you may need surgery on the end of the tooth or maybe even extraction.
4. What can I eat?
You should be able to eat anything you want. Since I can't see the condition of your tooth, it's a little hard for me to say, but we never restrict our patient's diet. We make sure they can function normally when they leave the office.
5. Should there be any swelling after the treatment?
Not normally. Swelling is often a symptom of infection and you may need to be on antibiotics. I would suggest you call your dentist, even on this weekend, if you have swelling. It has the potential to get worse and the sooner you get started on medications, if they are necessary, the quicker you will feel better.
6. Should the dentist shaved off the top of the molar after he put the temporary tooth?
Once again, since can't examine you, it's hard for me to say. In our office, we make sure the bite is OK before the patient leaves the office. That would be the only reason for shaving off the tooth. Sometimes, if a crown is planned, the dentist will shave some tooth off just to make sure it's not hitting. That's not a big deal since there is a lot of tooth reduction when doing a crown.
