HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can Cotton Be Kept In Hole After Drilling A Tooth?

I had a root canal started on tooth #4 after feeling like it was abcessing - I was having pain behind my eyes and getting nauseous and shaky/weak - but the tooth didn't hurt! The dentist confirmed the tooth was dead (no sensation), and then drilled it and cleaned the roots a little. He left a hole filled with cotton to let it drain for 7 days while I wait for the final root canal appt. Is there any danger to having cotton in the hole and draining this way - i.e in bacteria migrating up the cotton filled drainage port? Also, the back of my head is tender where this root is emanating, and my neck is stiff ..... and I feel weak/tired - how dangerous is it to wait for this procedure? I've been on antibiotics since having this procedure -still 2 1/2 days until the final procedure.
Tue, 30 Sep 2014
Report Abuse
Dentist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,  's  Response
Thanks for your query, I have gone through your query.
The cotton kept after the cleaning procedure in a root canal treatment is common. It is done when the canal is not dry and when there is still pus discharge even after cleaning. In that situation a medicated cotton pellet will be kept for 3-5 days. Nothing to be panic, Complete the course of antibiotics, the infection will come down. The stiffness in the neck is not related to this.
I hope my answer will help you, take care.
I find this answer helpful
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Can Cotton Be Kept In Hole After Drilling A Tooth?

Thanks for your query, I have gone through your query. The cotton kept after the cleaning procedure in a root canal treatment is common. It is done when the canal is not dry and when there is still pus discharge even after cleaning. In that situation a medicated cotton pellet will be kept for 3-5 days. Nothing to be panic, Complete the course of antibiotics, the infection will come down. The stiffness in the neck is not related to this. I hope my answer will help you, take care.