Swelling under chin after Root Canal
 

OK so on Monday Nov. 7 2011. I had a Root Canal done on my lower right, !st premolar or biscupid i think its called, anyway. Ive had a Root Canal before and from what i remember, everything seemed to go fine. So procedure was finished and i went home. Shortly after, the numbing went away and i felt my lower right part of the jaw, in front of the tooth with the RC, was starting to get swollen. I feel like this is normal so i just let it be. Swelling was slowly going down, but by the third day i noticed swelling right under my chin. It first started under the right side of my chin and slowly made its way towards the middle. Well Friday the 11th and pretty much most of the swelling has gone down in my face but the swelling under my chin has gotten bigger. I look i have a double chin, or had that "fatbooth" app put on me in real life. the tooth itself i still sore and painful but bearable, but unable to sleep, but the swelling under my chin has its own pain as well. Is this normal???

Re: swelling
 

I am by no means an expert. If the doctor said you would have some swelling, then maybe it is OK. However if no mention was made of that possibility, I would call right away and let him know. I wouldn't take a chance that something was wrong to worry me. call anyway. ginnie

Hi ATorres,

This does sometimes occur after a root canal procedure but it is not "normal" and should be evaluated by your dentist asap. The root canal procedure causes additional inflammation inside of the already inflamed/infected tooth. This inflammation/infection can easily proliferate from the apex (end of the root) into the jawbone and/or the lymphatic system. This swelling usually occurs a day or so after the procedure.

The problem with this type of swelling is that you run the risk of developing what is called Ludwig's Syndrome in which the swelling could actually cut off your airway. Not trying to alarm you but please don't wait to see your dentist.

Bryanna

Hi Bryanna
 

I am recovering nicely from my proceedure. thanks for responding to this young lady. I would call if there was any question in my mind. I am glad you are around this site for dental issues. You must be a hygentist or a dentist as you know alot about our mouths. We need the help to keep them healthy. The older you get the more important it is. thanks again ginnie

Hi ginnie,

Glad to hear that you are feeling well!

Just so you know...I am not a dentist or a hygienist... I am a registered dental assistant and patient care counselor. I've been in dentistry for 30+ years!

You're right...we need to keep our mouths healthy because they are an integral part of our systemic health!

Take care ginnie... :)
Bryanna

Re: dental issues
 

I lost the two teeth due to disease in my gums. I have it around one other tooth as well. I had trouble with this area my whole life, and didn't take care of it due to finances. They wanted to do gum surgery, and replace three crowns. You can't do that on medicare/medicaid. the health dept. does not correct, just pull teeth. there is no service for the poor. Now I fight to keep another. #18. I have pockets around the tooth and just had deep root cleaning. They gave me this pokey tool with a brush on it, that I am to insert between this molar. After the deep root cleaning, I am drawing blood and it hurts to do this. Is this normal,? The hygentist said for me to "go at it" I get re-checked in 6 weeks to see if I have helped the pocket. I flossed like crazy and it was not enough to prevent these issues. Any advise you can offer me so I can keep this molar would be appreciated. The rest of my mouth shows no gum disease other than empty space #4 & 5, which still has stitches that are slowly desolving. I want to keep the rest of my teeth, having no money, cute trick. I need a crown on #18 too and I am trying to save up for that. ginnie you have seen alot being an assistant thats for sure....

Ginnie, I use the stimulator on my gums. I have an area that the tooth has been a little loose for several years. It was recommended i get an implant . I have been using the stimulator on all gum areas every evening, as well as using Proxyl made by Colgate. Of course, flosing too. I do believe the stimulator and Proxyl rinse has really helped me keep the two teeth in that area. They have not gotten any looser in about 9 years. I swish the rinse and leave it on that area a little longer. I credit the stimulator flosing, Proxyl, along with brushing everying evening. I am not a comercial for Colgate's Proxyl; but even gargle with it when it feels like I am getting a sore throat. Good stuff.

Re: brush stimilator
 

Hi Ger, I will use that brush stimilator. It fits rather tight, and in some areas not at all. I do floss every day. I will get the rinse by colgate. I will do what it takes to get this tooth crowned and gum repaired. i grieved for the two teeth I lost. Thanks for your reply. I have to do better. ginnie

Ginnie
 

The stimulator tip does not have to fit all the way between the teeth; just near the gums between the teeth. it circulates blood flow and strengths the bone. Unfortunately, I did go thru the complete mouth of gum surgery some years ago to learn these lessons. The stimulator and Proxyl has helped save the two worse pocketed teeth.
Ger