Anyone had Root Canal Troubles?

[MichealKnight]

I hope it's ok to post this here. I'm sort of desperate. I fully realize this isn't a doctor Q and A site, I am merely asking for other's experiences. Today is Feb 24th.

Jan 25th: I had a toothache a few days so they saw me. It was determined I needed root canal, and they were nice enough to do it right then on the spot.

Dr said "you'll have a little discomfort, but have dinner tonight, have breakfast tomorrow" - gave me a Feb 23rd appointment to continue.

Of course, that same night I could feel there's no way I'm biting down, ditto next day. Days after that....I started having horrible pain in that tooth. Took Tylenol, and prescription strength Motrin and upon calling dentist. Approx Feb 7th I went back in - they 'irrigated and packed it' again - Kept the Feb 24 appointment but *this* time, upon MY request - they prescribed antibiotics.

Within 1.5 days I felt better. I stopped taking Tylenol -- and while there was tenderness I felt functional, eating, talking, living, etc.

About 3 days after the antibiotics were done.....the pain came back. BAD. I could NOT bite down on it. I'd take the heavy-duty Motrin, PLUS Tylenol. A friend also gave me a few "Tylenol-codeine" pills......and a few times it was so unbearable I had those. The tooth hurt, that part of jaw hurt, even my ear on that side is feeling something.

I called Doc office a few days ago, and begged for another course of antibiotics hoping that will calm it down. It has - but JUST a little. It's 2am now and I'm up and hurting.

My appointment is TODAY. Maybe I'm just panicking but I feel like it's weird that this is *still* going on. I'm *not* prone to tantrums - but a few days ago when I called, and they said there's no doctors available - I was THIS close to just going to their office, nicely telling them to either treat me, OR call the cops or an ambulance, I'm fine either way - frankly only Covid fear prevented me.

Anyway, anyone had experience with this? I've lost 9 pounds in the last month because it's tough eating. I really am having trouble functioning properly as the pain is real. I wanna ask the doctor "what the heck, do we just keep meeting, irrigating, packing, and send me home hurting for a month again?".

The practice has a stellar reputation - it's a money factory too. There's another doctor there that I feel more confidence in (for no tangible reason) but I don't know how to tell the current doctor "Doc, I think you might suck, I want the other person...now please don't screw up my mouth ".

I'd be ecstatic to hear people's experiences with this. Today will be my 3rd Dentist visit in 30 days and I'm hurting.

Thanks.

 

[austin944]

I've had root canals done on two teeth, and never experienced any pain or inflammation, and never remember taking any antibiotics before or after the procedure. I could eat normally afterwards and don't remember any special instructions I was given.

One tooth lasted 40 years, and another tooth had two re-infections after 10 years, each re-infection spaced at least 5 years apart before the tooth finally cracked in two and needed to be pulled.

My infections were not painful, but I understand they can be.

I am not a dentist and I have no idea what to expect from atypical cases.

I dunno, if I were in your shoes, I would try a completely different office, if that's available to you.

Edit: I do not think it is valid to use typical root canal cases to judge your case. Each case can be unique.

 

[RetireBy90]

I have had several root canals over the years and all but one went well. The earliest was in late 70s while I was in the Army. The dentist had trouble with getting the root I believe as the root was curved and they had to send you to a separate room for an x-ray. I had 3 visits with the dentist, and each time they did the root canal again and packed the tooth with a cotton and antibiotic. I would come off the novacain and have to self medicate overnight, and went on sick call the next morning again. Finally they got all the root and it lasted about 45 years when the tooth cracked and had to be pulled. The other procedures all went much better and I was more or less fine the next day.

Don't give up, Best of luck to you.

 

[Dawg52]

I had one tooth with a root canal done and didn't experience any of that. After a few years the roots failed and i ended up having to do an implant but that's another story.

 

[JoeWras]

EDIT: I misunderstood OP and thought they were still waiting. So, this post below may not make any sense. I still recommend endodontists for root canals. The chance of success is greater.

OP: it sounds like you are about to get your root canal so this advice may not matter. I'm suspecting that the practice has a specialist which is why it took so long.

In the future, if they push back that long, you may want to consider going directly to an endodontist. They are expensive, but worth it. Basically, all they do is root canals. My dentist referred me to an endodontist for a simple root canal. The endodontist was an amazing wizard. I didn't feel a thing and marveled at the 26mm wire puller that was jammed into my tooth to extract the root. He even let me see it. It was pretty cool.

Endodontist info here. You don't need a referral, although that is best.

https://www.aae.org/

 

[Aerides]

So you actually had the root canal on Jan 25, and now a month later still have discomfort?

A root canal (my experience) is a one and done surgery. Not part one and part two to "continue". And that one-and-done...no you eat soup and stuff for a day, and take home a pain prescription.

The timeline of two appointments is confusing, like they didn't actually do a root canal the first time but something as a stop gap? And since the bad root is still there, that's the pain you have, continuing from the tooth ache?

Jan 25th: I had a toothache a few days so they saw me. It was determined I needed root canal, and they were nice enough to do it right then on the spot.

Dr said "you'll have a little discomfort, but have dinner tonight, have breakfast tomorrow" - gave me a Feb 23rd appointment to continue

I don't know what they did on Jan 25 but if today is the actual root canal then that should clear things up. If the expectation when you leave there today is not "ok you're done, you'll be sore for a day or three and then good" - then yes I'd call another dentist. Ask to see their oral surgeon.

Either way, yes, I'd shop around for a new dental practice after this. They flaked on you a bit here it seems, with the lack of follow up, the 30 days apart whatever that is, and then telling you despite pain they couldn't see you in the interim.

Hoping today goes well and clears all this up.

 

[JoeWras]

Ah, Aerides noticed it looks like OP already had the root canal surgery. If so, then something went wrong. You should get relief after the procedure with eventual calming down.

I'd get a second opinion. My endodontist was very methodical with the R.C. Nothing was done "on the spot." It required some films and planning. I didn't have an abscess, but I believe most R.C.'s with abscess require the antibiotics before the procedure.

Something is not adding up here.

 

[Aerides]

Yeah I'm thinking whatever they did the day of Jan 25 was a stop gap and not an actual root canal - and that today is the full show? Or they did just one side of the root and not the full thing? It's been a while, but it requires some anesthesia, some prep beyond say a normal tooth drilling. You KNOW when you have a root canal, it's a whole deal, and not a "ok more next time" kinda thing.

In most cases, the follow up is for crown and top stuff.

 

[MBAustin]

I've had two root canals, both by endodontists. Both were supposed to be two-stage procedures as the OP described - one to clean and pack the canal with antibiotics and the second to finish the job. In both of my cases, they did not get all the root out the first time and so I ended up with 3 appointments (may have been 4 with one of them). I got antibiotics and pain meds both times after the first appointment. I did not have any severe pain with either, but the second one left that tooth sensitive to lateral pressure for many years (it has finally calmed down to barely noticeable). Fortunately, biting down was not painful so it didn't affect eating.

I second JoeWras's suggestion to see an endodontist that has a good reputation for difficult cases. Good luck!

 

[Speculator]

I have had several root canals done over the last 50 years and what seems to be happening is that as I age, the procedure does not go as planned (one visit and done) and requires a follow-up visit to an endodontist, who "cleans" up the problem. I asked my dentist about this and his answer was that "sometimes the initial root canal does not need more work and sometimes it does." My thoughts on this are that there may be age-related factors involved, since I seem to be having more issues with root canals since my mid-60's. In fact, the last two root canals I had done (over a four year time span since turning 65) have required follow-up visits to an endodontist. Prior to this, I had never even heard of an endodontist. Go figure....

 

[JoeWras]

Think of it like this. There are framing carpenters, and there are finish carpenters. Both get similar training. Both can dabble in the others' specialty, but in general, they are best at one of them.

Dentists learn a lot of skills to avoid the pulp. Root canal therapy is the opposite, it is all about digging deep and removing the pulp. Endodontists are the framing carpenters or the foundation repair guys. They can handle the difficult, deeply broken foundation issues.

 

[MichealKnight]

Thanks Everyone

Everyone, I am very thankful for all the replies and please keep them coming.

Today 1pm I have same dentist. I'm gonna nicely, but firmly say something to the effect of "sir, I appreciate all you've done, but now it's been 30 days, and already 2 visits. And other than the 5 days I felt good with antibiotics, each day is very painful. I can't eat, I've lost 9 pounds. My doctor is worried that despite medication my blood pressure is up. Can you please call an Endo.....and get me in today or tomorrow".

A friend of mine who is experienced with doctor's offices thinks that they will refer me to an Endo, and they will be able to get me in ASAP (I've called multiple offices and I'm being told April).

Worst case: I *did* get on Endo appointment for March 1. Well reviewed guy. It's a "consult".

So worst case - if today's dentist resists sending me to Endo, I am thinking I will politely get up, wish him a swell day, and just plain leave. I've got antibiotics till March 1, and if I need, a friend is willing to give me some pills that are part Tylenol, part Codine for the pain. Any thoughts?

 

[JoeWras]

Sounds like a good plan to me.

 

[CRLLS]

DW went to her dentist for a temperature sensitivity issue. He decided she needed a root canal. He no longer does root canals on molars. After attending a seminar and seeing today's tools, he decided he doesn't have enough magnification to do it right. The nerves are too small and run deep. He sent DW to a well respected endodontist to get it right the first time. That taken care of, the local dentist put a crown on. Soon, the temperature sensitivity came back. Back to the endodontist she went. He did some kind of 3D scan (x-ray ?) and couldn't see anything in the images. He decided to drill thru the crown and see what he could see. He found a very, very tiny nerve root still there. He took care of it and filled the hole. Now a year or two later she is still fine. My point is, molar nerve roots can be very difficult to get right the first time, even by the well experienced specialists.

 

[pacergal]

Every root canal I have had done has been by an endodontist. I have never had a one and done, 1st visit to open, clean and pack the roots, 2nd to complete the root canal and fill tooth or back to dentist for crown.

OP--definitely encourage an end appt/referral. Good luck to you and hope you feel better soon.

 

[MichealKnight]

UPDATE - I told my story to Dental Assistant. I asked for new X-RAYS, she said doctor didn't feel it's needed. I told Dental Assistant that I'm the kind of nice-guy that girls get bored of, but today, I'm sitting in this chair until I get a new X-RAY, or the police come ask me to leave. (I'm never like that. I never complain. But one month of pain - I'm a bit militant). Doctor says to her "Do the X-ray only because he wants one so bad".

DOCTOR looks at x-ray, to his credit says "I don't have an ego problem. But today's x-ray shows it's gotten worse over 4 weeks". Then HE said "would you see a specialist?". So he got me a 4:30 appointment today at a well reviewed specialist (Endo), AND - WITHOUT me asking he said - they will refund a good chunk of the root canal money I paid and the office manager repeated that to me when I checked out.

I doubt the Endo will fix it tonight, but I feel like at least something progressive will be done and a plan will be hatched.

 

[braumeister]

Good things come to those who sit and wait.

 

[audreyh1]

Root canals can go bad. Apparently the rate is higher than one would think - after many years!

But obviously your's failed immediately!

Endodontist required for sure!

 

[MRG]

I'm sorry you had such a painful experience. The one and only R. C. I had was by an endo and the worst part of the experience was driving home after dark. Sixty miles of darkness isn't any fun. I tucked in behind a tractor trailer and let them clear out the deer.

I do remember the endo was empathetic to pain and prescribed appropriately.

 

[Aerides]

Wow this thread is a ride. I'm glad things are progressing in the right direction OP, and I'm really glad you dug your heels in on getting the right attention.

 

[W2R]

UPDATE - I told my story to Dental Assistant. I asked for new X-RAYS, she said doctor didn't feel it's needed. I told Dental Assistant that I'm the kind of nice-guy that girls get bored of, but today, I'm sitting in this chair until I get a new X-RAY, or the police come ask me to leave. (I'm never like that. I never complain. But one month of pain - I'm a bit militant). Doctor says to her "Do the X-ray only because he wants one so bad".

DOCTOR looks at x-ray, to his credit says "I don't have an ego problem. But today's x-ray shows it's gotten worse over 4 weeks". Then HE said "would you see a specialist?". So he got me a 4:30 appointment today at a well reviewed specialist (Endo), AND - WITHOUT me asking he said - they will refund a good chunk of the root canal money I paid and the office manager repeated that to me when I checked out.

I doubt the Endo will fix it tonight, but I feel like at least something progressive will be done and a plan will be hatched.

So glad there is some progress, that he actually admitted it was getting worse, AND that he got you an appointment *today* with the endodontist and will refund some of the root canal money. That's encouraging. Good luck with the endodontist.

BTW, I have had countless (probably over a dozen or two dozen?) root canals in my life. My teeth have always been awful. Back in the 1960's root canals were more of an ordeal, but today they are so much easier. These days I'd rather have a root canal than have any significant amount of drilling for a plain ol' cavity. So yeah, you were 100% right to push back at them and demand that something should be done, IMO.

 

[Bamaman]

Most local dentists that are good are too busy to disrupt their practice to do a root canal. Here, they just automatically refer you to a husband/wife endodontist team.

Only thing is that the endo's accept cash and ATM cards only. No insurance accepted. They'll give you a receipt to file with the insurance company where patients can be reimbursed. They've gone from $800 to $1000 per root canal recently.

My dentist referred me to another endodonist 40 miles away who takes my insurance. And he's more like $700ish to do the job. My share was much better--well worth the drive.

The endodonists deal with root canals all day long. And they usually get you in fast. No reason to fool around with a general dentist that's really not comfortable doing R.C's anyway.

 

[RobbieB]

Both of mine were referrals and both were not pleasant. Both were crowned after and I've had no problems. Been seven years.

 

[Golden sunsets]

So I hope to hear that your visit today will solve your problem once and for all. [emoji1696]

Both DH and I have had multiple root canals and each of us have had 1 bad experience. In each situation, the practitioner had not "gotten all of the root". I feel your pain. It was excruciating.

I will say that I would never have a root canal from any other than an endodontist. I had a root canal earlier this year after a gap of maybe 10 years since my last RC and I was amazed at how high tech and quick it was. The technique has improved dramatically.

Hopefully you'll be painless by this evening.

 

[gailwinters]

I have only had one root canal, and it was done by my dentist. The procedure was completed in one visit, and I didn’t even fill the prescription for pain relievers. I think I might have taken one Tylenol.

About three years later, that tooth cracked and now I’m in the process of getting an implant which will replace the root canal tooth as well as the adjacent tooth, which also cracked many years ago. I have a small fortune invested in those two teeth: one root canal, two extractions, two bridges, and an implant.

Hope you get relief. Tooth pain is the worst!