I have toothache after root canal, is this a bad sign?

Question

I had a root canal done on a big tooth, which is mainly filling, three weeks ago tomorrow. There was a bit of pus in the tooth and I know there is only a 50/50 chance. But after the root canal, all I could feel was the bruising and the tooth itself gave no discomfort. But about three days ago, it became tender to touch and I cannot chew properly. I am not getting constant pain, just when my tongue touches the tooth and when I try to eat. Is this possibly a sign that the root canal is failing? Anyone else had this? Serious answers only, thanks.

Answer 1

Hi there, sorry to hear you have pain.

Firstly a " dry socket" is only a possibility when a tooth is extracted!You know that of course..I just saw someone answered that.The tooth is still there,so theres no socket, wet,dry or otherwise!!!

My name is Paul and I am a dentist in Dublin.

Contrary to popular belief a root canal can "Fail".

As you know the root tips are pointed and very narrow. It is very dificult to fully fill this canal where it tapers off.
If a minute space is left, bacteria (pus, basically) can breed there. This can result in an abscess.

I know this as a dentist and also cos it happened to me lasst Christmas, and was in a word Agony.

I dont mean to scare you,I'm just advising you to revist your dentist and Insist on an x ray.
It may well be your tooth settling down after surgery but do not take a chance.

The last time a patient presented to me with an abscess After root canal,I opted to treat the root via an opening I made in the gum and bone.This is known as an apisectomy, and several dentists are unable ,or unwilling to perform it and may need a specialist.
When my own tooth suffered that fate I had a colleague extract it rather than have an apisectomy.

These are the facts, the likelihood is you do not have this problem but Im just giving you knowledge before you approach your own dentist,forewarned is fore-armed!

Good luck!

Answer 2

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RE:
I have toothache after root canal, is this a bad sign?
I had a root canal done on a big tooth, which is mainly filling, three weeks ago tomorrow. There was a bit of pus in the tooth and I know there is only a 50/50 chance. But after the root canal, all I could feel was the bruising and the tooth itself gave no discomfort. But about three days ago, it...

Answer 3

If you haven't had any problems for for the last 3 weeks and then all of sudden it is bothering you the tooth could very well be fractured. Have the dentist check the bite first, but being sensitive to touch and to chew on usually is a good indication of a fracture somewhere. If the DDS gave the tooth a 50/50 chance there is usually a good reason such as bone-loss, decay into or close to the furcation or down one of the roots and he may have tried heroics to save it.
If the tooth is fractured, will he be the one to remove it or will he reimburse you some of the out-of-pocket expense to have someone else extract it? Normally the Endodontists(Root Canal Specialist) in our reimburse any out-of-pocket expense (if it is within a short amount of time such as a month or two) when the patient shows them a receipt from an Oral Surgeon/Dentist showing that the tooth has been extracted.
Good luck.

Answer 4

Were you put on antibiotics after the root canal? You say there was pus so that indicates infection.

There are several reason why you could still be hurting. One could be a lingering infection. Another could be that the dentist didn't get all the root before closing it up. Another could be that there is a 'hidden' root. You said a 'big tooth' so I'm assuming you got this done on a molar? They generally have 3 canals but sometimes people have a 4th canal that the dentist didn't see. OR, the tooth is just still aggravated.

In any case, you should call the dentist.

Answer 5

It took me about 4 weeks to have my mouth settle down completely after root canal work and it really hurt just when I thought it was getting better. I don't think root canals can fail really because they fill the gap with the equivalent of concrete & steel (!) but if you have any serious doubts then ring the dentist - that what they get paid loads of money for.

Answer 6

Did the dentist tell you there was only a 50/50 success rate for the treatment?

Has the treatment been completed or do you have more visits? It sounds like the tooth is 'hot' again for some reason... you may want to call the endodontist and schedule and appointment to have an xray taken... it's the only way you'll find out what's going on........and you'll probably be put on antibiotics for a week or so...

Best of luck to you~

Best of luck to you~

Answer 7

ive just had root canal its horrible but your tooth is bound to ache when a dentist has been playing round with it iv had tooth ache 3 days after root canal its still abit tender but its ok anything is better than the pain i suffered before so yes its normal

Answer 8

i feel so sorry for you Ive been there it took forever for the pain to go away I had it done on a big tooth at the back. My advice get it pooled out that's what I done I couldn't take anymore of the pain, and my clown of a dentist told me only to expect "slight discomfort" what a joke everyone I have spoken to about it has said the same it's mortal agony.

Answer 9

it's not usual to feel discomfort after endodontic therapy.
See the dentist about having the bite adjusted so you can chew properly.

Answer 10

no but you could have dry socket,,or still infected why your getting pain..absest will cause a great deal of pain..if keeps up after total 72 hours after being there GO BACK GET RECHECKED ...if not go to ( E.R.)!!!!!!!!!!!