Swelling after root canal?

Question:

I had a broken lower molar that started to act up the past couple weeks. A dull aching pain. I went to the dentist and he recommended I save the tooth, get a root canal and crown the tooth. He is not able to finish the root canal and puts a temp seal on my tooth and has scheduled me to come back in to complete the root canal on Monday. About 6 hours after the root canal my cheek and lower jaw started to swell up. It now is almost a golf ball size swelling. The dentist did not indicate there was an infection, but did provide me motrin and antibiotics. I've been taking both and icing the swelling (which is pretty tender), so far it hasn't gotten any bigger, but not any smaller either. Should I be worried?

Answers:
ABSOLUTELY! Get he tooth opened up immediately. I am a dentist, the bacteria is causing a huge infection and unless you treat it now, the infection will travel farther. The dentist should have left the toot open to drain and by not cleaning it all out, an infection has presented itself. The only reason you are not in huge pain is because of the antibiotics. The swelling is NOT a good sign and you need care ASAP if not sooner. Call and go NOW>this can not wait! If you have any other questions, please ask! Marie

I would call your dentist and tell him how swollen you are. That is not normal. He is going to need to open your tooth up again and let the infection drain. That is why you are so swollen. Continue to take your antibiotics until they are all gone. This will help clear up the infection and you might need to be put on more since you are so swollen. Call you dentist ASAP! I hope it gets better soon.

Open up the problem immediately to a dentist before it's too late or else the infection will get worse. Bad bacteria in the mouth react quicker and attack the depths of your mouth and teeth.

The infection causes the swelling but since it doesn't get worse, you should still be careful and ask your dentist's help from time to time. You may use OraMD as your alternative "at home" medicine in case of problems on your mouth.

Swelling after root canal?

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