Ok I had root canal #26 3 days ago. Right now all my lower front teeth are achey feeling. I have a sore spot on my chin in area by where tooth had rc. If I accidentally touch or or hit it (yes I've done that) I about go through the roof! Inside of my lip area connected to gum that is on right side in front of area that had rc is swollen and sore. Is this normal? I've never had rc before and everyone I've talked to said just a little sore for a couple days. Nothing bad. Well yesterday I was in so much pain I wanted to rip my head off. I did have infection and started antibiotics two days before the rc. I'm still on the antibiotics. Just wondering if I'm being a baby or need to call my dentist. I don't want to call and they think I'm an idiot for calling.

Hi Jacqueline,

It is fairly common for the area near the tooth to be sore, even painful and/or to swell up. This is because the tooth is infected and the procedure stirred up a lot of bacteria causing the tooth to be further inflamed. The inflammation causes pressure in the periodontal ligament and the jaw bone. You may develop a pimple like bump on the gum below this tooth, this is called a fistula. This too indicates the infection is not limited to just the tooth.

It is best to call the dentist and inform them of what is happening. Although this indicates a problem, it is a common occurrence after an rc procedure and often shows itself again at a later time.

In case your dentist did not tell you it is your right to be informed that there is no dental procedure, including a root canal, that can "cure" an infected tooth making it healthy again. The rc procedure is done to attempt to "save, as in retain" the tooth for an undetermined amount of time. All root canaled teeth will harbor infected nerve tissue inside of the tiny canals even after the procedure because there is no physical access to these canals and antibiotics cannot reach them either. So unfortunately this tooth will never be healthy again.

The only options you have when a tooth becomes infected are to have the root canal or extract the tooth. The rc procedure leaves you with an unhealthy tooth, the extraction removes the problem. Replacement options at this time may be a dental implant or a bridge. If the infection progresses into the bone, replacement options become limited due to the loss of bone from the bacteria.

If you have not been told all of this by your dentist, I'm sorry to be the one to tell you. However, it is your right to be properly informed so that you can make a decision that you believe is in your best interest.

Please never feel like you are bothering the dentist with your questions or concerns. Do not assume everything is okay if it does not feel right to you. Also, although many people have had root canals done and seem to be okay with those teeth, they most likely have not been informed of the information that I have given you here. Physical symptoms are often ignored and/or not always indicative of the severity of the problem and should not be the only sign to look for with most things that affect our dental and medical health.

Call your dentist and inform him of your symptoms. He may prescribe more antibiotics and/or want to re treat the tooth. Please feel free to discuss the information that I have given you.

Please keep us posted.

Bryanna