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Are numbness and toothache present after a pulpectomy?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had a pulpectomy on a lower left tooth two days ago. I am still in pain and the outside of my chin and lower lip is still numb. The dentist told me I would not be in any pain after the procedure, but it is still hurting. I had Ibuprofen 200 mg four times a day. Is this normal to have numbness in the tooth?

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Shwetha. K. Shetty

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shwetha K. Shetty is a skilled Dentist specializing in Oral Medicine and Radiology, with expertise in diagnosing complex oral diseases, managing orofacial pain, and interpreting dental radiographs and imaging. She focuses on early detection of oral cancers, TMJ disorders, and mucosal conditions. Dr. Shetty is committed to delivering accurate diagnoses and personalized care to ensure optimal oral health and patient well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As I see this, there are two issues here. Firstly, the pain in your lower left tooth could be due to a couple of reasons. Whenever there is an infection of the pulp, the infection spreads beyond the tip of the tooth; it extrudes the tooth out of its socket within the jaw. When this happens the tooth is painful especially when it touches the opposing upper tooth.

The other reason for tooth pain could be that the entire infected pulp was not removed. Either way, you need to go back to your dentist. The second issue here is the numbness of your chin and lower lip. This usually happens when the nerve in the lower jaw gets nicked by the needle while giving the local anesthetic. If the damage is minor, the nerve repairs itself, and the normal sensation will return. If numbness persists after two to three months, then you need to consult your doctor.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At March 11, 2016
Reviewed At September 30, 2024

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shwetha K. Shetty is a skilled Dentist specializing in Oral Medicine and Radiology, with expertise in diagnosing complex oral diseases, managing orofacial pain, and interpreting dental radiographs and imaging. She focuses on early detection of oral cancers, TMJ disorders, and mucosal conditions. Dr. Shetty is committed to delivering accurate diagnoses and personalized care to ensure optimal oral health and patient well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Pulpectomy Numbness and Toothache Awareness Builder

Experiencing numbness or toothache after a pulpectomy?

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This tool provides general guidance and is not a substitute for professional dental advice.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shwetha K. Shetty is a skilled Dentist specializing in Oral Medicine and Radiology, with expertise in diagnosing complex oral diseases, managing orofacial pain, and interpreting dental radiographs and imaging. She focuses on early detection of oral cancers, TMJ disorders, and mucosal conditions. Dr. Shetty is committed to delivering accurate diagnoses and personalized care to ensure optimal oral health and patient well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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