SMB

I had a root canal done on my front upper right tooth 3 weeks ago. I felt great for the first 2 days following the procedure, however I then suddenly developed serious throbbing pain in that general area where the root canal was done that radiated up through my nose and into my eye socket.. Causing what felt like a horrible sinus headache. This went on for 10 days and was barely controlled with Advil, Vicodin and Augmentin (I called the dentist several times during those 10 days, went back for a checkup where they did another x-ray and said the root canal looked great and was hence prescribed another round of antibiotics and pain medication).

The pain has mostly subsided, however now that I am able to feel where the source of the pain is coming from (since it is not so severe and widespread anymore), I am pinpointing it to the very upper part of the inside of my mouth, not on the gums but more deep within the tissue of the upper inside of my lip / mouth that 'connects' to my gums. When applying pressure to that area, I can feel a painful sensation in my nose (only on the right side and along the middle of the inside of my nose where the cartilage is). I also feel that same pain when I push on the inside of my lower nostril on that side as well. Again, all of this is contained to the side and area where I had the root canal.

I am scheduling an appointment with an ENT, but has anyone experienced this? What could this be caused from???

3 years ago I had an accident that resulted in 3 of my front teeth having hairline fractures / cracks in them. I had crowns put on all 3 of them and I was told by the dentist (at the time) that there was a chance one day I'd need root canals on any one of those teeth. Fast-forward to a couple of weeks ago and I started having pain to the touch or bite on one of those crowned teeth. No other pain.. I went to the dentist last week (a different one and actually a very highly-qualified specialist) and a root canal was performed- That was last Tuesday (a week ago today).

I actually felt great until 3 days afterwards and then I started to experience extreme pain / throbbing that seems to be coming from way up high where the root is- Almost inside of my nose since it's one of my front teeth. The pain is UNBEARABLE without taking 4 Advil and a Vicodin every 3 hours (when I've got that combo / dose in me I feel absolutely fine). Without it, or in taking it late, my tooth throbs and the pain radiates through my nose and into my eye socket on that side. I called the emergency number on Saturday night and explained my symptoms so they prescribed a heavier antibiotic (Augmentin vs. the Z-Pack they originally gave me).

It did not get any better the rest of the weekend, so I went back in to the dentist yesterday. They took an x-ray and said everything looked great and said to give the antibiotics a chance to kick in. I'm now on day 3 of this antibiotic; it's a week post-procedure with no improvement.

The dentist called a few minutes ago to see how I'm doing and after telling him I'm no better, he's concerned the tooth could have a fracture and may have to be pulled. I don't have pain when I press up on the tooth; it actually feels like the 'trigger' is way up high in the gum, almost 'behind' the bottom of my nostril- That's where the pain stems from if I push on it. There may be very slight swelling, but nothing noticeable to the eye.

What could be going on here?? I am terrified I'll have to have my tooth pulled. The dentist said, if they have to do that, I will have to have the two crowns taken off on either side and they'll have to put a temporary bridge on until the area heals and they can put a post on it to prepare the space for a dental implant. And that will take a period of months before they can make it look 'natural' again. He wants me to give it a few more days before they do something drastic.

I've been reading about these so-called 'flare-ups' that happen in about 5% of root canal procedures- Could this be what I'm experiencing? I really hope that's what this is- I DO NOT want to go through having my tooth pulled..

I appreciate any insight from anyone who's been through something like this and would love if a dental specialist could chime in.

Thank you!

Hi, I was in an accident 2.5 weeks ago and suffered a deep gouge / cut on my face, basically on top of my cheek bone. The swelling has gone down (there may be some *very* slight residual), but the actual area where the gouge is and about a 1/2 inch surrounding it is numb- and basically along the cheek.

I went to the doctor after the cut got slightly infected (I kept it clean, covered, and with loads of Neosporin on it), and she gave me oral and topical antibiotics. She didn't think my cheek was broken (and if it was, it's just a hairline and there's nothing the would do about it), so there's nothing else they can do. She said they wouldn't have stitched it anyway because of the irregularity of the wound.

I'm worried about the numbness though- Now that it's mostly healed, I'm really noticing this, especially when I squint or 'cringe'... Has anyone experienced this type of numbness, and does the feeling come back?

Thanks!