Tag Archives: tooth infection

Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Hurts Again

I had a root canal treatment. It hurt for a bit afterward, then it stopped hurting. A few days later it started hurting again. My dentist said that it is normal for tooth pain to gradually increase after a root canal for several days. I’m just worried about it because I was fine. Have you heard of this happening?

Lisa

Dear Lisa,

Illustration of a root canal treatment

While it is true that pain after a root canal treatment can increase and then peak a few days later, that does not seem to be what you are describing. You said the tooth did that but then stopped hurting. Then, a few days after that it began hurting again. That is a completely different scenario.

What you are describing could be a failed root canal treatment. There are lots of canals in those back teeth and some can be tucked away somewhere that the dentist may not be able to find it easily. I would make the clarification with your dentist that it had recovered and started hurting. There may still be an active infection there.

It is better to have it looked at than to leave it, assuming everything is fine, and then have it blow up into a dental emergency. It could be that a second root canal treatment can solve the issue. Or, it might be that this tooth cannot be saved and it will need to be extracted. If it does need to be extracted, make sure you replace it. Otherwise your other teeth will shift and that will throw off your bite and could lead to migraines. The best tooth replacement option is a dental implant.

This blog is brought to you by a gentle dentist in Phoenix, Dr. Hillary Peck.

Emergency Dentist

Antibiotics for a Tooth Infection

I’ve had a tooth infection and went to see a dentist. He prescribed me antibiotics that I’ve been taking antibiotics for 11 days. I was fine for a while, but now it seems to have started acting up again. Do I just need to refill the prescription or do I need another visit to the dentist?

Kevin

Dear Kevin,

A man holding his jaw in pain.

I’m hoping there was some miscommunication between you and your dentist. While the antibiotic is useful until the infection can be dealt with by a dentist, it does not eliminate the infection, as you have discovered. Once the antibiotic is completed, it doesn’t take long for the infection to rear its ugly head.

With a tooth infection, a dentist has to get in there and physically remove the infected pulp. This is typically done with either a root canal treatment or by extracting the whole tooth.

It is always better to save any tooth you can, so a root canal treatment would be the better choice if it is still possible.

If the Tooth Cannot be Saved

In the case that it has been too long and the tooth cannot be saved, it is important that you replace the tooth as quickly as possible. The longer that spot is left open, the more you will be dealing with the adjacent teeth shifting or tipping into that spot. This will throw off your bite leading to jaw pain, headaches, and even TMJ problems.

Ideally, you’ll want to have a dental implant for your replacement. It is the closest thing to having a natural tooth again. This will help you preserve the underlying bone. If that is not possible, there are other options such as a dental bridge or a removable partial denture.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Hillary Peck.

Affordable Dentist

Affordable Root Canal Now

I fear I’m developing an emergency situation and need a root canal right away. I’ve had a cavity that I haven’t dealt with simply because of finances. I predicted I’d have enough money in two more paychecks. But, this morning I woke up with a swollen face. I fear it’s worse than I thought. Is there any way to deal with this in an affordable way quickly or am I stuck waiting for another month?

Laura O. – Illinois

Laura,

You’re in a bit of a pickle. I don’t want you to think I’m insensitive to your situation because I’m not. Before discussing your options, I wanted to make sure you understood how serious this is. It seems like you have some idea based on what you’ve written above. I just want to make sure you know that people still die from tooth infections. The good news is they rarely die from it when they get timely treatment. There is hope.

There are dentists who, not only strive to be affordable dentists, but will work with you on payments. Most dentists have payment plan uptions either in-office or through Care Credit. Let them know what’s going on and I’m sure you’ll find a dentist willing to work you.

Worst case scenario, you can go to your primary care physician and get some antibiotics. IT will not cure your infection. but it will buy you some time. Just don’t take too much time.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Kevin Peck.