Expert: Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD - 6/10/2005

Question
Hi one more time Gary,

Thank you for responding. I have a quick follow up that I forgot to ask you concerning anitbiotics and healing.

I've had 4 visits with my dentist (DDS, MAGD). The last and final visit is for next week. The molar where the abcess ocurred has a gold crown (which I'm keeping) and it was done a long time ago. It was quite painful and he was very thorough, taking X-rays throughout to make sure he completely got everything. The canals (3 of them, one that was somewhat curved) were filled and he prescribed the anitbiotic again, although he didn't think I would need it. The base of the molar was uncomfortable the first 2 days but better today. All I did was take aspirin to help with pain.

My follow up: Is it normal after an involved RC for there to be some discomfort for a few days after the canals are filled? And, for precautions, should I be taking the antibiotic?

I just don't like to take antibiotics if not necessary. I thought they were useless because, once the canals are sealed, they can't get to any remaining bacteria anyway. Again, your subjective feedback is very helpful-thank you.

Answer
Hi Dan,

It is not at all abnormal for teeth to become sensitive or even infected for a few days after the completion of the root canal. This occurs because the filling procedure stirrs things up again at the end of the root.

Antibiotics should ONLY be used if there is evidence of infection. I am TOTALLY opposed for their use as a preventive. That's the way people get desentsitized to drugs and their benefits. The antibiotics...if you need them...are for what is going on at the end of the root, not for inside the tooth. When blood flow stopped inside the tooth....probably a long time ago...the antibiotics have no way of getting into the tooth...with or without the root canal filling in place.

Good luck!

Gary Backlund DMD, MSD