I have never liked going to the dentist. Today, Sunday, after a night of NO SLEEP, I (Rob) got out of bed to learn I am "One of only 15% of root canal patients whose face swells, hurts like hell and needs antibiotics." My lower jaw is so inflamed it looks like King Kong's jaw jutting out from my face.Yeah, it hurts like H#%L.IT STARTED WITH NO PAIN - Two weeks ago I had a 6 month check up and x-rays showed a dark spot had increased under the root of a tooth from years before. (That's why I dread 6 month check ups). There was no pain in the tooth.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?- That meant the tooth's nerve was dead and it was basically eating itself and the bone in my jaw, so I needed a quick root canal. The root canal was really painless. The oral surgeon that did it was amazing.
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| King Kong's swollen Jaw juts out- That's mine today. |
A VERY PAINFUL NIGHT - So last night, I was taking anti-inflammatories and Oxycodone that we had on hand. I applied ice packs every couple of hours. Nothing helped.
EMERGENCY CALL - I was ready to go to the ER this morning because MY FACE HURTS and I can only eat out of one side of my mouth. But I called the Emergency line that connected me to my oral surgeon. I told him I have a full dose of unexpired antibiotics at home (that I got for another tooth, but didn't wind up using), and more Hydrocodone. He said that's what I need to take- so I am.
TOMORROW - I need to go into the office and get the infection drained out of it. LOVELY.
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FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS:
IF YOU'VE NEVER HAD ONE - You're Lucky! A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. ... The tooth's nerve lies within the root canal.
Why Does Tooth Pulp Need to Be Removed? When a tooth's nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth.
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENS -
1) Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
2) Bone loss around the tip of the root
3) Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin
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