Pain in old root canal...

[erin-x]

I had a root canal in the furthest back tooth on the bottom about a year ago. It started to hurt yesterday so I phoned my dentist. He gave me antibiotics without checking it over but the pain has gotten worse today. Can it be infected? I thought that if the root was dead you would not be able to feel anything. If it is infected, can it infect other teeth aswell?

Thanks xx

[mushroom25]

i had root canal work on a top cheek tooth about 2 years ago, and it began to hurt toward the end of last year. the dentist x-rayed it, and referred me to the dental hospital. there, they discovered that an infection had grown under the tooth and eaten a hole through the jaw into the sinuses. apparently this is not uncommon, and is because there are sometimes root branches that even the best dentist can't get to, this is the seat of the infection. it's treatable, the dental surgeons drill through your jaw and fill the tooth root from underneath, and it's about 80% successful. so far I've had no more trouble, but it's left a hole in my jaw covered only by gum tissue - they warn you not to sneeze too hard, or it could rupture.

of course, your issue may not be like this - but be sure the dentist takes a good look...

[erin-x]

Oh my god Mushroom... Seriously! I'm so scared now :(

[J9PUR]

To answer your points in turn:
1) Yes, it could be infected
2) Although the pulp tissue containing the nerves within the tooth would have been removed during the root canal treatment, further inflammation/infection occurs around the periodontal ligament of the tooth, and this is where the pain arises. The pain feels as though it is from the tooth itself, but it is coming from AROUND the tooth.
3) Most unlikely

Ideally you need to return to your dentist for investigation, diagnosis and treatment. You will certainly need a radiograph (x-ray) taken to help with the diagnosis. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may include: re-root canal treatment, root surface debridement, hemisection of the tooth or extraction. Hope this helps.

[anneasquith]

excuse me erin. i hope you feel better soon,, J9 i am extremely happy to read your excellent advice im sure much appreciated on this site.

[erin-x]

Thanks Anne :) and thank you J9. That's made me feel a bit better (not the actual pain though lol) If it stays this bad i'm definitely going on Monday. Can't bear the thought of work tomorrow, it's going to go so slow and it's going to be all I can think about :( Anyway.. thanks again xxx

[bushbaby_de]

Hope you're feeling better now. I had a root canal just the other day so I feel your pain. Whilst the infection has its hold they can't really do a lot as anaesthetic wouldn't work so its normal to give you antibiotics to see if that cures it and to go back a week later if you still have pain. I had a re-root canal on another tooth two years later under similar circumstances. The problem is, whilst its hurting you can't imagine it ever going away and can't think of anything else. I really hope its improving :)

[erin-x]

Aw thanks bushbaby :) I've finished my antibiotics and it is completely fine now.. no pain whatsoever :) xx