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View Full Version : Do I need root canal treatment?


Jaycee1972
14-05-2009, 1:53 PM
Hi

I had a white filling about 3 years ago while pregnant and it was quite a big one and close to the root. The tooth has been sensitive on and off ever since. Back in Jan 09 I had pain in it and the dentist I had at the time said it was infected, prescribed antibotics and said if problems persisted I may need root canal treatment.

I have since moved house and changed dentists. After a week or so of awful toothache on and off (kept thinking it was settling down but it would flare up). My gums were inflamed and would bleed on brushing.

Anyway, I got an emergency appointment yesterday morning, the dentist took an x-ray and said the filling was close to the root but there was no infection. I went back later the same day and she took out the old filling, put a dressing and temporary filling in and sent me home to see if it would settle. She said if I were still in pain, after 10 days or so to go back and she will have to do root canal treatment. If it does settle I have an appointment booked for early July to have it refilled.

My question really is how long should it take to settle down if it is going to? I had awful pain last night although I did get some sleep I had to get up at 5 and take more painkillers (I am taking paracetamol and ibuprofen as one or the other doesn't touch it). The pain is different to before the treatment yesterday and already my gum is less inflamed and sore, I can press on it without hitting the ceiling - but the whole tooth itself is really painful and if I catch it, it really makes me jump. In one sense it is better as there is less throbbing but the whole tooth now is really painful. The painkillers are making it bearable unless I touch the tooth. I don't want to not give it time, but don't want 10 days of this pain either. What is usual? Anyone have any experience of this?

Thanks x

adouglasmhor
14-05-2009, 1:56 PM
A couple of days at most, probably start to feel a bit better by the end of today.


And stop touching it if you can.

Toothsmith
14-05-2009, 3:05 PM
From it's history, I think it's a bit over optimistic to hope it will settle.

If it's still as bad tomorrow, I'd ring up and get back.

Jaycee1972
14-05-2009, 6:05 PM
If it's still as bad tomorrow, I'd ring up and get back.

Yes, will do, thanks.

Jaycee1972
15-05-2009, 2:30 PM
Seen a different dentist this morning at their sister practice as no dentists in today at mine!

She said it was infected (and probably wouldn't have shown up on thursdays x-ray if in early stages) and prescribed antibiotics. I have been advised to alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen at 2 hourly intervals - although she said I might not need them tomorrow as the antibiotics should settle it down. Here's hoping!

adouglasmhor
15-05-2009, 3:10 PM
Sorry to hear that, hope it settles quickly.

Toothsmith
15-05-2009, 4:33 PM
If it has an infection, antibiotics will settle it down, but it will need further treatment.

Are they booking you back in for that?

Jaycee1972
17-05-2009, 9:23 AM
I already have a 50 min app booked at end of June but will phone on Monday to see if they can get me in sooner. Might ask them to ring if they have a cancellation. Other practice said to phone original one.