Gum Swelling After Root Canal Treatment in Children

Gingival enlargement

Hello Dr.
Chiu,
My son is nine years old and had a root canal treatment two years ago on a tooth near the lower left molar.
A few days ago, the gums near that tooth became swollen.
We visited the dentist, who drilled into the tooth but did not see any abscess.
The dentist prescribed anti-inflammatory medication for two days and applied treatment.
After two days, the gum swelling subsided.
The dentist then suggested monitoring for a few more days to ensure the swelling does not return (the dentist did not prescribe any more anti-inflammatory medication) before proceeding with another root canal treatment.

I would like to ask Dr.
Chiu:
1.
Is this treatment approach standard procedure?
2.
What should be done if the abscess cannot be cleared?
3.
Do you have any recommendations for further action?
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
I appreciate it.

gug, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/06/05

Dr. Qiu Qiongyao reply Dentistry

1.
It is recommended to perform an X-ray examination to determine whether the issue is related to the molars or the premolars.

2.
There are two possible causes for gum swelling: one possibility is that it is caused by tooth decay, leading to food accumulation and subsequent gum inflammation.
The other possibility is pulpitis, which can result in necrosis; if this is the case, the X-ray should be able to reveal it.
In such instances, root canal therapy would be appropriate.

3.
If root canal treatment is performed correctly and thoroughly, the abscess will definitely resolve.

Reply Date: 2006/06/05

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your question regarding your son's dental situation after his root canal treatment. It's understandable to be concerned about gum swelling and the overall health of his tooth. Let's break down your questions and provide some insights based on current dental practices and knowledge.

1. Is this treatment approach standard?
Yes, the approach taken by your dentist appears to be standard practice. After a root canal treatment, it is not uncommon for patients, including children, to experience some swelling or discomfort as the body heals. The dentist's decision to drill into the tooth to assess the situation is a common diagnostic step. By doing so, they can evaluate the condition of the tooth and surrounding tissues. Prescribing anti-inflammatory medication is also a typical response to manage any swelling or discomfort. The recommendation to observe the situation for a few days after the swelling has subsided is prudent, as it allows the dentist to determine if further intervention is necessary.

2. What if the abscess cannot be cleared?
If an abscess or infection persists despite initial treatment, it may indicate that the root canal procedure was not entirely successful, or there may be additional complications such as a missed canal or a fracture in the tooth. In such cases, further treatment options may include:
- Retreatment of the root canal: This involves reopening the tooth, cleaning out the canals again, and sealing them properly.

- Apicoectomy: If the infection persists at the root tip, this surgical procedure involves removing the tip of the root and sealing it to prevent further infection.

- Extraction: If the tooth is severely compromised and cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary.

3. What recommendations do you have?
- Follow-Up Care: It's essential to follow your dentist's recommendations for follow-up appointments. If the swelling returns or if your son experiences pain, you should contact the dentist immediately for further evaluation.

- Oral Hygiene: Encourage good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day and flossing, to help prevent further complications.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in symptoms. If the swelling returns or if there are signs of fever, increased pain, or drainage, these could indicate a more serious issue that requires prompt attention.

- Seek a Second Opinion: If you feel uncertain about the treatment plan or if symptoms persist, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from another dental professional, particularly one who specializes in pediatric dentistry or endodontics.

In summary, while the initial treatment steps taken by your dentist are standard, ongoing monitoring and follow-up care are crucial. If complications arise, there are several treatment options available to address persistent issues. Always feel empowered to ask questions and advocate for your child's dental health. Thank you for reaching out, and I hope your son's dental health improves soon!

Similar Q&A

Understanding Gum Swelling and Pain After Root Canal Treatment

A few days ago, I had a root canal treatment and started experiencing swelling and pain. The pain became unbearable, so I went back for a second visit the next day. They didn't clean it again, but they did place medication and perform an irrigation. I was also prescribed ant...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
After root canal treatment, if you experience swelling and pain, it may indicate that there is still inflammation within the root canal. It is advisable to return to the dentist for debridement and irrigation of the root canal, and to have the medicament reinserted for disinfecti...

Understanding Gum Swelling After Root Canal Treatment: Causes and Solutions

On September 6th, I had my first root canal treatment. The dentist noticed vertical cracks in the tooth and hoped to save it. On the 22nd, during the third treatment, I am now waiting for the crown. Starting on the 26th, I experienced gum swelling and pain, with a large abscess. ...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
If there is a suspicion of a vertical tooth fracture that extends to the root, even after undergoing root canal treatment, there may still be gum swelling and pain, or even the development of abscesses. It is advisable to consult a dentist for further evaluation.

Understanding Gum Swelling After Root Canal Treatment: What to Expect

Hello: It has been 7 days since my root canal treatment, but the gums around that tooth are still swollen. There is no pain, but I feel a dull sensation when biting down. After the root canal, the dentist's X-ray showed no shadows, indicating it was perfect. Is the wound sti...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: It is recommended to continue monitoring at the original clinic for about 1 to 3 months. If discomfort persists, then consider seeking a second opinion from the Endodontics department at a medical center.

Swollen Gums After Cavity Treatment: Causes and Solutions

Hello, I recently discovered a cavity in my lower left molar. During the treatment, the dentist administered anesthesia and filled the cavity (without extracting the tooth). However, after the anesthesia wore off, I noticed that the gum around that molar is swollen. Could this be...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: "Gum swelling" and the need for "root canal treatment" are not closely related. It is recommended to return to the original clinic for the dentist to confirm the cause of the gum swelling and to address the swelling first, as that is the immediate prior...