HomeAnswersDentistryroot canal treatment (RCT)

What could be the cause of persistent jaw pain and headache even after RCT of 19 and extraction of 18?

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 root canal done three months ago on tooth number 19. I have not had a crown done yet. I went to a new dentist for tooth pain in that area, and he said he could not help me because the X-rays showed the root canal was not finished. I called my endodontist back, and they said that they had complete the root canal and did not fill one of the roots for post space. My X-rays have been reviewed by an oral surgeon and another endodontist, who concluded that the root canal does not look complete, as one of the roots is not filled with the filling material used. It was also determined that tooth number 18 needed a root canal, and I may lose that tooth. I opted to have tooth number 18 pulled five days ago in hopes of helping the severe tooth, jaw, and ear pain I am having, but It did not work. I still have the pain, and to complicate matters, I now have bone exposure on the tongue side of where my tooth was extracted. I saw the surgeon yesterday, and he filed it down. My headaches are ridiculous, and I worry the infection is spreading to my head. I have had three recent sinus surgeries, and this does not feel the same. I have been on antibiotics for over a week with no relief.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Thomas

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Naveen Thomas is an expert in Dentistry. He is experienced and well-versed in all treatment modalities of Dentistry.

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

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The root canal is fine, and no infection is involved. The space was created for a post, and the root end was filled properly. You may have a sinus infection, and the pain related to the exposed bone area is troubling you.

It would help if you got treatment for that. Continue antibiotics for a week more with a stronger anti-inflammatory and painkiller. It will be over in another week.

Get one more appointment with the doctor who treated the sinus and takes the medicine with their consent.

Thank you.

Answered by
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 2, 2023
Reviewed At May 8, 2026

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Naveen Thomas is an expert in Dentistry. He is experienced and well-versed in all treatment modalities of Dentistry.

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

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Naveen Thomas

Dentistry

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Naveen Thomas is an expert in Dentistry. He is experienced and well-versed in all treatment modalities of Dentistry.

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

Listen to related tracks in our music library
Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

root canal treatment (rct)

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.