After root canal...

[year5teacher]

... my whole mouth tastes like blood 🤦‍♀️ I had an ulcer or maybe abscess which was constantly draining and painless on my gum at the root of the tooth. I have a temporary filling now and will have that until the 30th December when I have to go back for the second fucking stage of this fucking procedure.
I’m just a bit concerned that I have read that a RCT can “activate” an infection which was previously low level and painless. Surely that’s got to be bollocks? I don’t really know what I’m asking, I just feel so shaken up and stressed at this ongoing hassle.

Best thing you can do is call your Dentist to ask.

When was it you had the work done? I've had a couple and it be the taste of the temporary filling that you're getting.. i know mine made my mouth feel strange while they were there.

Like literally an hour ago 😂 @Calabasa My dentist seemed to think all was fine with it. It’s just left me feeling so shaken up because I was tense the entire time.

Are you on antibiotics?

Hi @year5teacher. I’m really sorry to hear that. I had a root canal done yesterday and ended up crying in the chair and all over the poor receptionist afterwards. It really is a very horrible procedure. Was it done on a large molar? I’m sorry they couldn’t do all of it in one go.

I don’t think you should be able to taste blood. Though I don’t know much about it. Is there an emergency number to ring at the surgery? Such a pain it’s the weekend. There might be an answerphone that gives you an out of hours number to ring. You might just need to speak to someone for reassurance.

Have you got pain? I share your frustration over the long drawn out treatments. I have to go back and get a crown on that tooth and two others. Bloody teeth! Why are they so fragile?

Let me know how you’re doing. I’m surprised how much the procedure shook me so I really feel for you.

I’ve had a few done over the years. You’ve only just had the treatment and admit to being very tense. You sound like you are ‘coming down’ from the adrenaline your body has produced. A bit like shock from being in an accident.
Take painkillers if allowed and get some rest. I find cleaning or rinsing my mouth out helps get rid of the ‘dentist taste.’ Follow any instructions from your dentist. Mine used to suggest salt water mouth rinse to help things heal, as it is cheap. But you can use corsoldyl(?) mouthwash.
As pp said a temp filling can taste and feel odd, just as you get used to it, you will have the final fix.
Give yourself some tlc tonight and take it easy.

Thank you so much everyone. I found the whole thing really hard and it was embarrassing how much I was shaking the whole time. 🤦‍♀️ @ButEmilylovedhim yes it was on my second back molar. It doesn’t hurt at all now but it’s just the constant taste which is worrying me but it’s probably too early to be concerned. She told me that if it’s swollen tomorrow to call 111, but she said it probably won’t be. I’m sorry you had a tough time too, it was worse than I expected to be honest. I’d convinced myself it would be fine.

@jessstan1

Are you on antibiotics?

No, I haven’t been prescribed any.

It was much worse than I thought too 🙁 I think I was lulled into a false sense of security by a fairly straightforward one root small molar root canal I had years ago.

Take it very easy the rest of the day and maybe stay on top of the painkillers so it doesn’t start to hurt after the local has completely gone. I was told to take ibuprofen and then supplement with paracetamol if that wasn’t enough. Mine hasn’t been that painful but can’t bite on it now and the electric toothbrush ooh no! Take good care xx

I’ve often thought the design concept of human teeth is pretty poor. Sharks teeth seem infinitely better.
Root canals are easier these days than they were - but they are still an invasive procedure which causes trauma to your mouth. Swelling and bruising will abate. Painkillers, mug of tea (via a straw if necessary!), keep your mouth clean and REST. You will feel much better very soon. Mouths seem to heal incredibly quickly.
Above all, follow your dentists instructions.

I haven’t been given antibiotics either.

I think antibiotic cover is essential in the op's circumstances.

Thanks all, the taste has gone now and there’s still no pain, no swelling etc. The dental surgeon said to phone her if any issues so I’ll see how it is on Monday and then phone - I’ll ask about antibiotics but the previous dentist I saw said it was best not to take them while I was waiting for the treatment as once the infection came back it could be painful when it wasn’t originally.

Is it not the taste of the chemicals the dentist used to clean out the tooth you are aware of? The infection should be cleared away now, so you probably don’t need antibiotics.

@Judystilldreamsofhorses possibly, it was a very metallic taste!
I’ve woken up a tiny bit sore and my gum is swollen and tender. Going to see how it goes and call tomorrow to see if I need antibiotics but I know swelling is very common the next day.

@ButEmilylovedhim how are you feeling today? I hope it’s not hurting you anymore! your message was so kind yesterday.

Hi @year5teacher! Sorry, just seen your message! How are you feeling now? Are you feeling more over it now in yourself? Hope so. Mine is ok, maybe a tiny bit more sore today than yesterday. I can’t bite on it at all now but it’s easy to forget and misjudge the chewing! I took some more painkillers as even a drink of water swooshing by made it feel tender. The side of that tooth is still missing as that’s where it crumbled, he just filled the top surface so it doesn’t even really feel fixed. My appointment to have the crown started is in Feb, two months away. The receptionist offered me January, I just shook my head and blubbed! Couldn’t face it so soon 🙁😂 She was so kind and sweet and concerned, aww.

Take it easy sweetie! I guess from your mumsnet name you’re back hard at work tomorrow! Mind yourself too xx

@ButEmilylovedhim oh god I feel for you! It’s so horrible feeling like you just have a weird temporary tooth in your mouth basically 😂 I ate two magnums and felt a bit better about the whole thing this evening. I wish my next appointment was a bit further away, horrible to think I have to go back in just over two weeks but I suppose it’ll be over and done with quicker...

You too! Yep just the last week left now, just doing some planning but going to stop now! You have a lovely week xx

@year5teacher Thanks for your kind message! How are you feeling now? I think the two magnums was a ver smart move! I’ve been having the odd glass of totally medicinal wine 🤣 I’m wondering if I should have gone for the nearer appointment, oh well, decision made, I’m sure that appointment has gone anyway now.

Have a good final week! Here’s hoping we’ll be all good tooth wise for Christmas xx