Can there be swelling after a root canal treatment?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a root canal performed before four months and a gold crown was fitted before two months. The tooth number is 14. The tooth had a crack in it a few years ago and finally became irreversibly inflamed and required a root canal. My tooth is still sensitive to pressure while chewing and the gums between teeth 14 and 13 continue to be painful while flossing. Sometimes, the gums between those two teeth will bleed slightly while flossing.

I also have occasional gum inflammation on the side that is towards the inside of my mouth. There are no open contacts visible on the crown and the dentist has taken X-rays to make sure that there is no cement stuck in the gums. The pain went away once after he did some scaling and cleaning, but returned in a few days. Could the current pain be caused by food getting stuck? I am keeping the tooth very clean with daily brushing and flossing. Occasionally, I will brush the tooth with some Listerine to keep it infection-free. I am wondering whether the crown fitted badly. I am currently taking Cefadroxil.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to our platform.

I have gone through your query and understand it.

In such a condition, I would like to tell you that the pain that is present in the gum between teeth number 13 and 14 is due to food impaction near the margin of the restored crown. It is relieved once after scaling according to your history. It is good that you maintain hygiene by brushing and flossing. Visit your dentist whenever the pain occurs in the gums and go for a physical examination and scaling of that same area to get relief from the pain. Also, avoid sticky food and gargle after every meal. You are saying that your tooth was irreversibly inflamed and required a root canal, so go for an X-ray of the affected tooth to check whether the secondary infection has started near the root end area or not. Also, your medicines are proper, which are prescribed by your doctor.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.