How to treat a fractured root canal treated tooth that is causing pain and swelling?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a root canal on a tooth a few years ago (upper left 5) with a deep filling. Last week the tooth broke in half, so I visited my dentist. He removed the other half as it was damaged beyond repair, leaving me with just the root of the tooth, which had previous root canal treatment. He then put a screw into the tooth and booked further appointments for me to have a crown fitted. Up until this point, I had no pain or swelling. Two days after this initial treatment, my gum above the tooth became swollen and painful, so I returned to the dentist yesterday, and he prescribed Amoxicillin. I have been taking this for one day, but my gum and tooth have become increasingly painful and swollen. I am worried that my dentist is not pursuing the right treatment. Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your question I can understand your concern. If the pain and swelling are not going off, you may be resistant to Amoxicillin (Amoxicillin trihydrate) antibiotics. You need to take it thrice daily for at least five days. Suppose after 48 hours; the symptoms are not responding. In that case, you may need to take another medication like Ofloxacin (Anhydrous lactose, modified corn starch, Hydroxypropyl cellulose, Hypromellose) 200 mg twice and Metronidazole (Magnesium stearate, Gelatin, Black iron oxide, Titanium dioxide,) 40 mg thrice daily and no Amoxicillin. This condition you face is an infection of the gums during the operative period. His approach is proper, but you may be resistant to antibiotics. I hope I have cleared all your doubts.

Thank you.