How to relieve pain in an infected root canal-treated tooth?

Question

Hello doctor,

My husband underwent a root canal treatment three and a half years ago. The dentist provided a point-of-service that fell under a health insurance plan and gave him a temporary filling without a cap. He was not aware of the need for a cap over the treated tooth.My husband found out two years later at another dental office about the necessity of caps. Currently, the dental filling is eroding, and a large piece of the filling and tooth has broken off. It has resulted in pain, but we are currently unable to afford the necessary treatment. However, what are the minimum steps that we can take to resolve the pain? Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

We appreciate you contacting us with your medical concerns.

I am here to assist and direct you in better comprehending them.

Based on the information that you provided, it seems that the root canal-treated tooth has reinfection leading to pain. The absence of an overlaying cap has resulted in the breakage of tooth and filling too. The tooth needs to be thoroughly evaluated with an X-ray for further treatment plans. In case the tooth is still in a position to be saved then, re-root canal treatment is recommended, but if the tooth is grossly damaged, then extraction of that tooth is advisable.

As of now, the minimum you can do is take a painkiller and a course of antibiotics. I suggest you take a tablet of Ibuprofen (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) 400 mg two times a day or as needed and a short five-day course of tablet containing a combination of Amoxycillin and Clavulanic acid 625 mg three times a day. I suggest you consult a specialist, talk with them, and take the medications with their consent.

I hope this has helped you.

Please follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.