Dental and Oral Health (Adults)

Onset severe pain 3 weeks post root canal

04/02/2008 09:18AM

Question:

I had a root canal 3 weeks ago and everything was going great. In the last 4 days I have developed severe pressure type pain in the tooth that had the root canal. I am not having any cold or heat pain, just severe pressure pain and now the gum is red and swollen. I returned to the dentist 2 days ago and he said that it is not uncommon to have pain return to the tooth with a temp. crown. He placed me on antibiotics and pain meds. He said once the perm crown is placed on the tooth the pain would not return. I am not sure I agree, I think the tooth is abscessed. What can happen to cause this AFTER a root canal?

Answer:

I cannot tell you what is happening with your tooth with such limited information (no exam, radiographs, etc.). If you would like a second opinion, I would have an evaluation done by an endodontist.

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Response by:

Melissa McCartney Drum, DDS, MS
Assistant Professor
Section of Endodontics
College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University