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Dentistry & Dental Issues For support and discussion about dentistry and dental issues. |
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02-17-2019, 10:04 PM | #2 | |||
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Grand Magnate
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Hi Lizhasproblem,
If the swelling had not occurred prior to the dentist attempting the root canal treatment, then based on your description, I would say that the lump is likely the result of that root canal procedure. Here's why I think that... 1) All root canal procedures are flawed in the sense that it is not possible to remove all of the infected nerve tissue from inside of the microscopic canals which are INACCESSIBLE irrelevant of how many times the tooth is worked on. Thus leaving every root canaled tooth chronically infected. I will post a diagram of the anatomy of a tooth so you can see just how many of these tiny canals are in every tooth. 2) The dentist knew there was an additional large canal but could not gain access to it because it was either calcified (closed off), or too tiny to get into, or it was too curvy to instrument. So all of his efforts were extremely irritating to the tooth causing an inflammatory response.. thus initial swelling. 3) The fact that the post op xray showed "rubber material from the root canal procedure" clearly indicates that either the dentist did not remove the tooth in it's entirety (a root may still be present with some rubber material in it) OR the dentist may have removed the entire tooth but he may have perforated the tooth during the root canal and pushed the rubber material beyond the tooth into the jaw bone. Both occurrences are not uncommon, but very problematic. Leaving a piece of infected root, even just the tip of a root after an extraction can result in a chronic and severe infection. Perforating the tooth during a root canal procedure and then pushing the rubber material beyond the root tip into the bone or sinus can also result in a chronic and severe infection. Neither occurrence is acceptable to leave as is... an oral surgeon would need to make a definitive diagnosis, possibly do a dental CD scan, and then remove whatever is there. 4) The ENT referral may be warranted if the rubber material or piece of root was pushed up into the sinus cavity. I assume was an upper tooth? 5) The reason the area is still swollen is because there was likely a long standing infection in tooth/area prior to the root canal treatment which has now spread due to the additional problems created by the root canal treatment. Inflammation can be severe enough to actually close off a previous opening where the pus was able to drain out of. Antibiotics may help reduce some of the inflammation as it lowers the bacterial count, but it won't be of much help as long as the "culprit" of the infection (a piece of the tooth and/or rubber material from the rc procedure) is still keeping the infection brewing. I would get a copy of the pre op xrays, post op xrays and the CT scan and consult with a different oral surgeon ASAP. Not an oral surgeon that your dentist refers you to, but someone you find on your own or through a friend, relative or colleague. You still may end up at the ENT, but if this is a dental problem, which it appears to be, then a Maxillofacial Oral Surgeon would likely be able to take care of it. In the meantime..... I would apply very warm "moist" heat to the outside of your face over that swelling, use a wet washcloth and cover it with a dry towel, hold it on there for 15 minutes. Do this 4 times a day, especially before bedtime. Sleep with your head elevated if possible. Rinse with very warm salt water 4-6 times a day swishing it deliberately in that area of your mouth. In 4 ounces of water add one teaspoon of salt and stir. Both of these things will encourage blood to flow in that area and possibly help to soften up the tissue enough to create an opening for it to drain. Keep in mind that neither of these things are a cure as the opening will keep closing from the inflammation and infection. ~~~~ If it does open~~~~, use a drawing down motion with you cheek to draw out the contents but be sure to spit it out and rinse out your mouth thoroughly afterwards. Do not swallow it. ~~~~If it does open~~~ You can try to push on the outside of your cheek to encourage drainage. ~~~~If it does open~~~ Do not put your bare finger inside of your mouth to push on the swelling. You may use a sterile gloved hand or gloved finger to gently push, but not a bare hand. The last thing you want is further contamination. If you smoke, stop. The chemicals in tobacco will cause further irritation and inflammation, prevent healing, and possibly reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotic. They also could easily cause severe complications post operatively. Keep yourself well hydrated with water... drink half your weight in ounces. Ex: if you weigh 100 lbs, drink 50 ounces of water every day (does not include any other drink). Avoid sugary foods as they suppress the immune system, eat plenty of vegetables, fruit and lean protein all of which encourage the immune system to do its job~ Get in to see a different Maxillofacial Oral Surgeon asap but be sure to either bring copies of all of your pre op and post op xrays and scan or have them sent to his office prior to the appointment. I hope this helps.... keep in touch to let us know how you are doing. Bryanna Quote:
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Bryanna ***I have been in the dental profession for 4 decades. I am an educator and Certified Dental Assistant extensively experienced in chair side assisting and dental radiography. The information that I provide here is my opinion based on my education and professional experience. It is not meant to be taken as medical advice.*** |
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