Tooth Pain After Root Canal: When to Seek Help

Q: Tooth Pain After Root Canal: When to Seek Help

Hello： It is recommended that you visit a large medical institution for a detailed examination in "Oral Diagnosis" or "Oral Surgery." Wishing you safety and good health. <br>Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Director of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Perforation of the tooth during root canal treatment?

I underwent root canal treatment at the clinic, but I experienced pain every day for three weeks before discovering that my tooth had been perforated at the gum line.
The doctor later used a microscope to repair the root canal, but I couldn't determine whether the pain was coming from the tooth or the gum.
Eventually, the tooth was extracted, and now, two months later, the wound has not fully healed.
The gum tissue near the originally perforated tooth has shown signs of recession and bleeding, but there is no bleeding now.
However, the gum on that side has not healed properly and has a gap.
I experience daily pain in the gums, especially at the site of the perforation, which is particularly painful.
I have visited multiple clinics, had dental cleanings, used mouthwash, and taken antibiotics, but there has been no improvement.
Which specialty should I consult?

Mei Mei, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/10

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: It is recommended that you visit a large medical institution for a detailed examination in "Oral Diagnosis" or "Oral Surgery." Wishing you safety and good health.
Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Director of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/07/10

More Info

Tooth pain after a root canal treatment can be a distressing experience, and it is crucial to understand the underlying causes and when to seek further help. Based on your description, it seems that you have gone through a challenging journey with your dental health, particularly with the complications that arose after your root canal treatment.
Root canal therapy is intended to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, allowing for the preservation of the tooth structure. However, complications can arise, such as persistent pain, infection, or issues related to the surrounding gums. In your case, it appears that the initial procedure may have led to further complications, including a perforation of the tooth, which can cause significant discomfort and may lead to the need for extraction if not managed properly.

Given that you have experienced ongoing pain for two months after the extraction, and the area is not healing as expected, it is essential to consult a dental specialist. Here are some steps and considerations for your situation:
1. Consult a Periodontist: Since you are experiencing pain and issues specifically related to your gums, a periodontist, who specializes in the treatment of gum diseases and conditions, would be an appropriate choice. They can assess the health of your gums, check for any signs of infection, and determine if there are underlying issues such as gum recession or periodontal disease that need to be addressed.

2. Consider a Dental Surgeon: If the pain persists and there are concerns about the healing process, a dental surgeon may be necessary to evaluate the surgical site. They can determine if there are any complications from the extraction or if additional procedures, such as bone grafting or gum grafting, are needed to promote healing.

3. Seek a Second Opinion: If you have already visited multiple clinics without improvement, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from a dental specialist who has experience with complex cases. They may offer different insights or treatment options that could be more effective.

4. Monitor for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye out for any signs of infection, such as increased swelling, redness, or discharge from the surgical site. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate dental care, as untreated infections can lead to more severe complications.

5. Pain Management: While waiting for your appointment, continue to manage your pain with over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your healthcare provider. Avoid any irritants, such as very hot or cold foods, that may exacerbate the pain.

6. Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent further complications. Use a gentle toothbrush and consider using a saltwater rinse to help soothe the gums. However, avoid vigorous rinsing that could disturb the healing tissue.

In summary, your ongoing pain and the condition of your gums warrant a thorough evaluation by a specialist. A periodontist or dental surgeon can provide targeted treatment to address your specific issues and help facilitate healing. Remember, it is essential to advocate for your dental health and seek the appropriate care when complications arise. Your comfort and well-being are paramount, and with the right treatment, you can work towards resolving these issues.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Post-Root Canal Pain: When to Consider Further Treatment

Hello Doctor, I underwent root canal treatment at a dental clinic. This tooth had been painful for about six months to a year without treatment. When I finally had the opportunity to see a dentist, I was informed that I needed a root canal, and it was noted that the X-ray showed ...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: If you are really concerned about experiencing pain after getting braces, you can postpone the treatment for now, or you may try a temporary retainer to see how it feels. Be sure to chew carefully and avoid gulping down food. Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentist...

Post-Root Canal Pain: When to Seek Dental Care

Hello Doctor: About a year ago, I underwent root canal treatment on my upper molar. After the treatment, everything was fine until recently when I started experiencing sensitivity and pain in that tooth. It becomes extremely painful when it comes into contact with cold water, whi...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello, if the root canal treatment was completed without placing a crown for protection, and you are concerned about the risk of cracking, it is advisable to schedule a follow-up appointment for an examination immediately!

Understanding Tooth Pain: Causes and When to Consider Root Canal Treatment

About two years ago, I had a deep cavity in my lower right tooth and underwent a filling, which had been fine until recently. For the past month, I had a deeper filling done on my left side, which made eating uncomfortable, so I’ve been using my right side to chew. Approximately ...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello Mr. Yang: It is likely that the nerve of the tooth is inflamed. If the symptoms persist, you may need to consider root canal treatment. Dr. Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.

Understanding Root Canal Treatment: When to Seek Urgent Dental Care

Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about my situation. I had my upper right seventh permanent tooth extracted on August 25, and on September 7, I underwent root canal treatment on my lower right fourth permanent tooth. After the procedure, it was only temporarily filled with a ma...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: It is advisable to call the clinic first and inform them about the swelling and pain, as well as the quick wearing off of the pain medication. Inquire if it is possible to arrange an earlier examination to check for any bacterial infection at the extraction site.