Pain after root canal?

Question

I got an emergency root canal done three days ago. I had a deep cavity last week and the dentist filled it and when i went back on monday, it was infected and he did a root canal. He left the tooth open and I have another appt tomorrow. He said i would have some discomfort, but it's been three days, and the discomfort has remained the same - it's a dull, deep ache, and because it's radiating, I don't think it's from the tooth that's been worked on. I was wondering if it is normal to feel this pain 3 days after a root canal?

It is not extreme, but it is uncomfortable. Is there a way of forming an abscess after a root canal? Also, I think some food may have gotten into the open tooth, and I can't get it out, even if I brush gently. As far as the pain goes, I needed a lot of novocaine b/c the tooth was infected - i got about 8 injections. Can the ache be because of the injections? Shouldn't it have stopped hurting already if that's the cause?

Thanks for everyone's responses. I got my root canal on Monday. It's Wednesday now and I'm going back tomorrow. I'm thinking he probably left it open because it was infected and wanted it to drain. He told me when I go back in tomorrow, he will put in the temporary filling and take some Xrays. As i mentioned, I did have many (8) novocaine shots. He gave me codeine to use, but said he would hold off on the pencillin as the tooth is open. I haven't used the codeine yet b/c it's a serious painkiler - 4 motrin gets rid of the pain. The pain, though, is scaring me, not b/c it's intense, but because it's always there and it's not lessening. I just hope that the pain is normal and that it will go away. It's a dull ache and am wondering if this is normal and, if so, for how long it will continue?

Answer 1

I had the first part of my root canal done on Monday. The endodontist I went to gave me a temporary filling as I'm not going back until the end of the month for it to be sealed off. Here it is Wednesday and I'm still a bit sore. My gums and jaw were quite inflamed after the dental work. I'm still taking ibuprofin to help with that. But considering yours was left open, it is possible that you got food in there. The pressure of that could cause some discomfort. If ibuprofin isn't helping any, I'd call the dentist right away as there may be a problem.

Answer 2

Well, I don't think that he should have totally left the tooth open. Did he put anything in it to protect it, like a temporary seal, or something?
I had a root canal done three years ago, and it hurt...alot. I actually had to go in again after the initial procedure because I was in so much pain, and he determined that he didn't get all of the nerve that should have been removed during the root canal. So, perhaps something like that is causing your pain. I don't think it is possible to get an abscess after having a root canal, because it is much harder for bacteria [the cause] to get stuck in a somewhat open area.

If you've ran out of pain killers, and you are still in moderate pain after 7 days or so, I would go back to the dentist to see what's going on.

Answer 3

ok, my sister had a root canal from hell a couple of months back. The area around the tooth got soo infected that she had to go to the emergency room and was in the hospital for days. Come to find out the dentist didn't do it properly. aslo she also had a cyst in there too. She did have pain for several days. You may have to try and eat soft food and not on that side.Also gargle with a peroxide and water mixture or listerine.

Answer 4

My son just had a root canal done and he just felt some minor soreness for a couple days. Yours sounds to be a little more severe so I would call the dentist back and tell him. He may want you to come baack in to see whats going on.

Answer 5

I'm not a dentist but it doesn't sound right to me that he left your tooth open.... considering that you can get food stuck in there causing a horrible infection. I may consider getting a second opinion (an emergency appointment with another dentist maybe?). There are lots of bad dentists out there... watch out.

Answer 6

Buy some Spirulina tablets and chew a couple of them to a paste consistency, and then apply with your tongue to the root canal area. It will help invaluably.Penicillin is very good for that too.

Answer 7

i understand how you feel, When i had a root canal I was in pain for like 9 days it was worth pain that giving birth to my baby, dont worry about in a week your going to star feeling better just try to take some advil or something.

Answer 8

you should have received antibiotics for the infection, you did not mention that and also some pain pills. if he didnt, i would find another dentist! geez, my mouth would hurt from the novocaine injections alone! god, sounds like medieval torture to me! call and demand!

Answer 9

Amusing