What could be the reason for the presence of a ball-like feeling in the throat after a root canal treatment?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am having a sensation of the presence of something like a ball on the side of my trachea when I try to touch my chin to my chest. No pain is felt while swallowing and there is a slight discomfort. This started the same day I underwent a root canal procedure when I had to keep my mouth open for almost one hour. I have had a TMJ problem on the same side for the past 15 years. The problem aggravated again after I went for a follow-up root canal after 15 days. Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for stopping by!

I am here to provide expert opinions on your medical issues.

I can understand your concern, as you are feeling some discomfort while swallowing in the form of a ball-like thing in your throat. As you are already having a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issue and recently got a root canal treatment for one of your teeth, you may probably be having GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and this may be due to the stress that you are facing presently. So please take some antacid. I hope you will get some relief. If after taking the antacid your problem persists, then you need a thorough examination of your throat and if necessary, an X-ray of the soft tissue in the neck in AP (anterior to posterior) and lateral views maybe required.

Thank you for consulting me. You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Glad to have you back.

I have gone through your reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), including the FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology) which indicates the presence of atypical cells. Therefore, please consult an onco surgeon and if he advises surgery, then do follow his advice.

I hope this helps. Do get back if you have any further queries.

Thank you.