Dental Health & Cosmetics

I had a root canal done on Monday, actually it was the second appointment...the one where they put in the permanent filling.  The first appointment for the root canal was 3 weeks prior to that, I took antibiotics afterwards to heal the abscess before they could put in the permanent filling.  (the tooth had cracked, which is why it got infected and needed the root canal). 

Anyway, I see the dentist Tuesday (July 3) to get fitted for a crown, which will be placed on in a few weeks.  So right now it's just this "shell" of a tooth in there with the permanent filling in it.  I'm not chewing on that side, not flossing directly around the tooth, not using my electric tooth brush on the underside of the tooth lest I loosen the filling...long story short, I'm doing everything they told me to do to be careful of the tooth until the crown gets placed.

SO, tonight I can't even sleep because my tooth is throbbing so bad.  It hurt right after the procedure, but not really all that bad (the first procedure was much worse!)...this is definitely worse pain than it was when I got home on Monday.  It's very sensitive to pressure I've found...I can't even close my mouth, resting my teeth on top of each other, without getting pain/aches. 

This is the first time I've needed any dental work...I guess I just thought that after the root canal your tooth was supposed to feel BETTER, ya know?  Anyone have a root canal before who can tell me what your post-op experience was like??  I have the appointment scheduled for less than a week from now to get fitted for the crown, but I'm thinking if it keeps hurting like this maybe I should see them sooner?  I really hate to act like a baby if you're supposed to be having discomfort afterwards though....I guess I just didn't know what to expect and so I don't know if this is normal or not!

TIA!

Welcome Krista!

I have had many root canals done and can tell you for sure that you need to call and get in to see the dentist, especially before the weekend! Throbbing pain can indicate a buildup of pressure, so the sooner the filling is removed/opened, the better. Your dentist may need to leave the tooth with another temp filling, until you are both sure everything has settled down. Here is some basic information about root canal work that you might find helpful...

http://oral.health.ivillage.com/dentalrestorations/rootcanaltreatment.cfm

Please check out the info, see if getting in to see your dentist is warranted and keep me updated, OK?

CL of  Back & Neck Pain, Stomach, Digestive & Bowel Disorders and  Dental Health & Cosmetics

 

  

hello!

this is not uncommon. sometimes after a filling is placed in a root canal tooth it can be sore. also, if it feels like you hit that tooth first when you close together it might be a bit 'high' and need an adjustment.

does the pain get worse when lying down?

a root canal can actually bruise the tip of the tooth that is set into the jaw. it takes a few days but it usually subsidies.

i would recommend motrin and if it feels high or doesn't lessen in the first 48 hours i'd call the dentist.

take care!