root canal pain

I'm still in pain from the #8 root canal.  It has now been two weeks.  It's not the tooth that hurts, but the gum right above the tooth in the front.  I especially feel it when I touch it in a certain spot.  Now I also see the fistula coming back above that.  Dr. Said pain is normal.  I've had about six other root canals with no pain, and I understand that the #8 is one of the easier root canals to do.  Also, when he injected the novacaine, it got a big lump in the injection sight,where he told me to "just massage it", right before the procedure.  Is that normal?  I've never had that before either.  One more thing.  He did the root canal in a half hour.  Is that normal for #8?  It seemed like he was really jabbing me with the prong, or whatever it is.  Please advise.  Thanks.

[scottma]

If the fistula( sinus tract is the correct term) persists after completion of root canal obturation, it indicates that there is periapical infection present. treatment options are, redo root canal, periapical surgery with retrograde filling, extraction. Seeing an endodontist is advised.

[nayananova]

Hi Melody6,

I just had a root canal about two weeks ago and now I'm starting to feel pain again as well.. I had a root canl on a molar a long time ago and have not had any pain ever since, but this one is definitely different... I'm also feeling pain right above the tooth in the gum.. and it's only to hot and cold and in the morning..I think it's because the dentists I'd seen didn't clean the nerve out entirely and I'm very affraid of getting a super serious infectin.. why do you think you are having so much pain? and did you go to a dentist here in the states?