I had a root canal several years ago and about three weeks ago it started hurting again. I went back to the dentist and he agreed to do a re-treatment. When it was done, he prescribed me penicillin and gave me Vicodin for pain. The pain was bad at first then got a little better. But, now it is worse then at the beginning. I’ve been in pain ever since then. I called him back and he said to give it two more weeks and if it isn’t feeling better by then to call him back. I don’t think I can take two more weeks of this. My Vicodin prescription has been out and I’ve been on constant ibuprofen since then. I need help. Am I imagining things or is something really wrong?
Madeline
Dear Madeline,
Pain is usually a sign of a dental emergency
I’m concerned about some things I’m hearing. You should be aware that once an initial root canal treatment fails, the following treatment will only be successful 50-75% of the time. However, this sounds like you need to see an endodontist quickly. This is a root canal specialist.
Your dentist should have at the very least changed your antibiotic. Once it was obvious the first antibiotic wasn’t working, the next step would have been to switch you to a more potent antibiotic like clindamycin.
I’m concerned that the pain started to get better and then got worse. This is a bad sign. In fact, I’d consider it a dental emergency. If your dentist doesn’t get you in with an endodontist right away call one yourself and let them know what is going on.
At the very least, they’ll get you a new prescription until they can get you in. Hopefully, they leave room in their schedule for emergency appointments and can get you in right away.
This blog is brought to you by Auburn Family Dentist Dr. Raymond Bolt.