H
Hello1
Junior member
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2019
- Messages
- 4
- Location
- USA
I had a root canal retreat completed about 2 months ago on tooth 18 (last molar on the left before wisdom teeth. I no longer have my wisdom teeth). Since then I have felt tingling on various parts parts of my face including my cheek, lips, chin, and jaw. About 90-95% of these sensations are the same side of the root canal although I do occasionally feel them on the other side. The sensations come and go but I do experience them daily. I also have a feeling of soreness/ache on both sides of my jaw and on the left side of my neck. (I may have had the neck and jaw symptoms pre-root canal. My neck has felt tight/strange for some years now.) Thankfully, I am not experiencing anything I would consider pain. I also have a bit of a post nasal drip that is only on the left side of my throat that only started after the root canal. I am usually pretty healthy and rarely get sick/have colds.
Initially, I wanted to have the tooth removed because I thought these were symptoms of an going infection but I have been told by the endodontist who performed the root canal, my general dentist, and another endodontist whom I went to for a second opinion that the tooth looks good and I should not remove it. I have also been told that it is not possible for me to still have an infection due to the amount of antibiotics I have taken. (I have been in about 4 rounds of antibiotics since I visited my general dentist to complain about the weird sensation I was experiencing in my jaw that led to the retreat.) I have an appointment to put in the final restoration in early November.
When I tell my endodontist about my symptoms he maintains that it just takes some people a few months to feel 100%. I feel like his favorite word to use is ‘inflammation’ and he says that is probably what I am experiencing. After the retreat he mentioned that the root had ‘micro cracks’ but said that he would put the success rate of the root canal at about 95%.
I have a few questions:
Thank you!
Initially, I wanted to have the tooth removed because I thought these were symptoms of an going infection but I have been told by the endodontist who performed the root canal, my general dentist, and another endodontist whom I went to for a second opinion that the tooth looks good and I should not remove it. I have also been told that it is not possible for me to still have an infection due to the amount of antibiotics I have taken. (I have been in about 4 rounds of antibiotics since I visited my general dentist to complain about the weird sensation I was experiencing in my jaw that led to the retreat.) I have an appointment to put in the final restoration in early November.
When I tell my endodontist about my symptoms he maintains that it just takes some people a few months to feel 100%. I feel like his favorite word to use is ‘inflammation’ and he says that is probably what I am experiencing. After the retreat he mentioned that the root had ‘micro cracks’ but said that he would put the success rate of the root canal at about 95%.
I have a few questions:
- Is it possible that I still have an infection and that is what is what is causing these symptoms? It doesn’t appear that there is a straightforward way to test for infection and none of the dentists I have spoken to want to put me on any additional antibiotics.
- Are these signs of nerve damage and if so, is there anything can/should do? I have already been on a few courses of steroids. I am ok now but I am worried about the sensations I am feeling turning to pain or if they are a sign of ongoing damage to my facial nerves.
- I have thought about going to see an oral surgeon several times but I am not sure they can do anything besides extract. Since I don’t have any teeth behind this molar, my only option for replacement will be an implant which I am not crazy about.
- Any additional thoughts/advice? I can post my x-ray if it will be more helpful.
Thank you!