Excruciating pain after root canal

[daykar21]

I had the first part of a root canal done (on the last tooth on the upper left side of my mouth) 2wks ago&after that procedure there was almost no pain.I went back for the 2nd part of the root canal 10 days later&the dentist said the tooth was still infected&was bleeding during the procedure.I have been on really strong antibiotics (Clindamycin 500mg 3x/day;Clarithromycin 500 mg 2x/day;Amoxicillin 500mg 2x/day)for 2wks now.I am also taking 600mg of Ibuprofen 2x/day for 2 wks.I developed a large abscess on the left side of the roof of my mouth. I had to go BACK to the dentist 2days ago. She put a hole in the abscess to drain it.She also prescribed 50mg of demerol 2x/day..I do not wish to continue to take the very strong pain meds (as I am a teacher with a 80min/day commute &was advised not to supervise children OR drive while on this medication).Since it is the weekend, I have been taking the Demerol whenever I feel the need for it.My concern is I am still having pain in the upper left portion of my jaw &now the roof of my mouth where i have a large hole.The root canal tooth does not touch my bottom teeth when I close my mouth (I do not yet have the post and crown) so I know the tooth is not irritated from my upper and lower jaws touching on the affected tooth.  

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

You should have your dentist refer you to an endodontist (root canal specialist) to have the area checked out.  There shouldn't be that much severe pain after a root canal.  Consultation with a specialist should hopefully find the problem and fix your situation.  

[daykar21]

Someone PLEASE help.  I had a similarly horrifying experience when I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth out (couldn't open my mouth or eat anything for 2 weeks and the left side of my face swelled to 3x its normal size) and subsequently developed a fear of dentists--I have not been to a dentist in 8 years (hence the severe infection and need for a root canal). I need to know if the pain I'm experiencing is normal, as I was told by others who have had root canals that after the procedure was completed they felt no pain at all.  I am sick and tired of using all my sick time to visit the dentist for the SAME problem.  What should I do? The pain and frustration are so bad it has me in tears all the time (and I NEVER cry).