I had a root canal on tooth #30 many, many years ago. In the last year I have suffered on and off a dull throbbing sensation. After taking many x-rays during the year, a dark spot at the root finally showed up. I was referred to an oral surgeon who performed the apicoectomy. It has been two and a half weeks since the procedure. I still have a little numbness in the corner of the right side of my lip that goes vertically down to my chin. I also have a sensation of the right side of my gumline feeling like it is packed with gauze( the doctor states that this area is still slightly swollen). I have not had any pain in the tooth, until the last few days. The pain is the same throbbing sensation I had originally been having. Is all of this normal? Do I need to give the healing process more time? I have never had this done, so I am not sure what to expect and how quickly to expect it! Thanks for the info!

oopsies

[This message has been edited by Kerry21 (edited 04-06-2002).]

is your pain meds working??? that happend to me for a week after i had a root canal.. its really a part of all the healing.. it stinks!! eventually it goes away.. i would give it this weekend, if its still killing ya, pick up the phone and call!


good luck!

Still having throbbing pain, about every other day. I went back to the oral surgeon and he said everything looked great. I told him I still had a little numbness and throbbing pain. He said it may take 4-6 weeks and from what I have read it may take 6 months until the doctor can completely evaluate the healing process! Some of the numbness and inside swelling has gone down, but it is the pain that is concerning me because it started two weeks after the surgery and it is the same dull ache that I had before the surgery. I guess I have to be more patient, but that is difficult for me. The whole thing is creating such anxiety, that I think if I had to do it over again I would have just had it completely pulled. I guess I still have that option. The surgery cost about $600. If you have insurance that will definitely help. I would definitely recommend doing a little research on the apico vs. complete removal and make sure you find an excellent doctor. Mine was good, but I was not happy with his bedside manner, definitely shop around. The surgery was a cinch, I was in "twilight" vs. just novicane. I had minimal bleeding and was eating cookies that same night(not on that side of my mouth, of course). The problem started the two weeks after, tomorrow will be 4 weeks since the surgery. I also experience ear aches on that side, I was hoping this surgery would resolve that, oh well. I have had teeth problems my whole life, did not take care of them when I was young. I have lots of cavities, which have led to root canals and crowns. I also have receeding gum lines. I am a mess! Anyway, hope the pain goes away soon, any more advice from anyone who has had the surgery would be greatly appreciated!!!