I had a traumatic root canal procedure in September. The pain was so intense that I asked the dentist if I could wait to get fitted for a crown. The pain lingered for a few days, so my dentist referred me to an endodontist. After taking X-rays, the endodontist said that my dentist missed a curved canal, and I would need a repeat root canal.
During the procedure from the endodontist, I felt discomfort near my jawbone. The endodontist said that she didn’t find any missed canals. Her findings surprised me because she previously said that my dentist missed a curved canal. Anyway, the endodontist told me that I would continue to experience discomfort for several days.
How long should the discomfort linger? It’s been four days, and the tooth still feels uncomfortable. How long will it take for the discomfort to decrease? I hope I won’t need a third root canal. – Thanks. Kylie
Kylie,
The endodontist estimated that you would feel discomfort for several days, so at day four, it is not alarming if you still have some discomfort. If the procedure fails, you will experience increased swelling. The key to evaluating your tooth is whether your discomfort gradually improves.
If the endodontist couldn’t find a missed canal, perhaps your dentist didn’t seal the tooth root properly. If the discomfort in your root canal gradually decreases, you shouldn’t be overly concerned. Otherwise, call the endodontist’s office to report your symptoms and get the specialist’s opinion.
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