Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

pain after root canal - normal?

26 replies

southeastastra · 08/02/2011 18:49

i had it done this morning and am now feeling really rough - really really sore and have taken codeine with nurofen and paracetamol :(

just wanted to see if it was normal

OP posts:
herbietea · 08/02/2011 18:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
southeastastra · 08/02/2011 19:11

thanks it's agony i was expecting to feel better

OP posts:
Dentistnotheretobejudged · 08/02/2011 19:26

Yes, quite normal I'm afraid. Some people don't see a dental procedure as a small operation. If you had an op anywhere else on your body you would expect it to be sore afterwards so try to think of it in those terms.

The painkillers you're taking sound good, all have their own part to play so stick with them (within sensible limits) until it goes away.

If it's still sore or getting worse after 48 hours, go back to your dentist. The worse the problem with the tooth, the more likely you are to get post op pain.

Onlyaphase · 08/02/2011 19:40

After my last root canal the tooth and socket felt really bruised and sore for a couple of days and it hurt when I bit on the tooth.

I was a tad surprised by this as I'd thought that the nerve in the tooth had gone, so why was it hurting? But then figured that the whole socket was bruised and this was what was actually hurting me.

Anyway, it was fine after a couple of days.

Dentistnotheretobejudged · 08/02/2011 19:48

There are two bits of a tooth that can cause pain. The nerve and the periodontal ligament which holds the tooth into the socket. Even if there is no nerve, the ligament (pdl) can be bruised or infected which causes pain although the symptoms are different from nerve pain.

Original poster
southeastastra · 08/02/2011 19:53

i was wondering the same as onlyaphase. i can't think of anything but the pain! it only eases when i rub it or put hairdryer on it!

OP posts:
amerryscot · 08/02/2011 19:55

Yes, it is normal.

Dentistnotheretobejudged · 08/02/2011 19:55

I'm trying to help here ladies! Any other questions or should I get back to cutting the dog's toenails?

Original poster
southeastastra · 08/02/2011 19:59

thanks dentistnotheretobejudged, just glad it's normal! can you think of anything else i can do to ease it for now am dreading bedtime.

OP posts:
Dentistnotheretobejudged · 08/02/2011 20:13

Not really I'm afraid, when I had a kidney infection, I would take my painkillers and have a hot bath with a large glass of red, that would see me through to the small hours. Not that I'm advocating drinking on a school night :o

You have my every sympathy, I had root canal treatment as a 14yo and it was the only time I was ever EVER allowed to go home from school early.

Original poster
southeastastra · 08/02/2011 20:19

a glass of Wine would be fab if i had some.

i think the tablets are finally kicking in a bit now. was panicking, googled the procedure too so no wonder it hurts.

OP posts:
Dentistnotheretobejudged · 08/02/2011 20:23

Dr Google isn't always a friend! Don't worry yourself by looking at pics online, it really is a routine treatment for dentists, I did two today and have four on thursday (actually quite tedious!!).

Original poster
southeastastra · 08/02/2011 20:56

i have to go back friday so hopefully it will be ok - hurting again now :( am so fed up

OP posts:
Original poster
southeastastra · 09/02/2011 07:05

been up all night - should i go back for more anti-biotics?

OP posts:
fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 09/02/2011 07:10

Dentist will know much better than me, a mere receptionist..but perhaps the tooth needs drained..if there is a temporary filling in it it might have fluid underneath, extremely painful..I would call your dentist this morning and try to get an appointment

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 09/02/2011 07:13

Definitely call them though, being up all night is not generally expected after a root canal and they should know about it

Original poster
southeastastra · 09/02/2011 07:53

thanks - have a really busy day at work too

OP posts:
Dentistnotheretobejudged · 09/02/2011 10:17

Yes, what fanjo said. Have they completed the root canal treatment or was that the first appointment.

PS Fanjo, I would give anything to have a receptionist right now!

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 09/02/2011 10:55

Dentist - do you pay well? Grin

Dentistnotheretobejudged · 09/02/2011 11:03

lol, unfortunately you would have to be security cleared to work here, that takes about 8 weeks :o(

I have one starting on Monday though so all is not lost, I quite like answering the phone.......

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 09/02/2011 11:16

the novelty will wear off!

fanjoforthemammaries7850 · 09/02/2011 11:16

(although I have noticed people don't tend to shout at the dentist like they do us!)

LadyOfTheFlowers · 09/02/2011 11:18

Everytime I have root canal it hurts, but only when pressure is put on it really, like it is bruised as others have said.

Hope you feel better soon. :)

starfishmummy · 09/02/2011 11:46

I was having root canal and after one appointment it was really bad. Went back for the next appointment and thedentist told me off for not going back; when he drilled into the temporary filling a whole load of pus came out (sorry if tmi) and it felt MUCH better, instantly.

So helpful as all the info here may be, the only really useful thing is to see the dentist

paddyclamp · 09/02/2011 16:53

I'm gonna go against the grain here but i've had a few root canals and only one of them had me in agony afterwards...i was told that it was because they had disturbed an infection...had to have antibiotics..but i am talking total agony here! The other 2 didnt hurt at all afterwards