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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Facial Swelling Post Root Canal Treatment?

I have a dentist (in my opinion screwed up a root canal on a wisdom tooth, which he filled first, put a cap on - then five days later decided to do a root canal. After the canal was done, my cheek swelled up and has remained grossly swollen for five days now). Instead of prescribing this when I first complained of painful swelling, he has now ordered two antibiotics, metronisazole 250 3 x a day AND azithromycin 250 for 5 days concurrently. Even my pharmacist thought this was VERY unusual...what do you think?
Wed, 13 Apr 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..

I have gone through your query and can understand your concern.
Facial swelling post root canal treatment most commonly arise due to error root canal treatment causing bacteria to pass through the tooth into bone & then into buccal space of face. This occurs due to over filling( filling beyond the apex of roots). In some cases swelling could also arise due to to lack or improper use of irrigants (chemicals used to flush bacteria out of canal) during root canal procedure.
There is nothing to worry with use of antibiotics this infection will heal. Your doctor has prescribed you azithromycin & metronidazole, which is okkay. You should also take anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce pain & swelling. Warm saline gargles is also recommended.

Refer to your dentist
Don't worry you would be fine
Hope this information helps
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What Causes Facial Swelling Post Root Canal Treatment?

Hi Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concern. Facial swelling post root canal treatment most commonly arise due to error root canal treatment causing bacteria to pass through the tooth into bone & then into buccal space of face. This occurs due to over filling( filling beyond the apex of roots). In some cases swelling could also arise due to to lack or improper use of irrigants (chemicals used to flush bacteria out of canal) during root canal procedure. There is nothing to worry with use of antibiotics this infection will heal. Your doctor has prescribed you azithromycin & metronidazole, which is okkay. You should also take anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce pain & swelling. Warm saline gargles is also recommended. Refer to your dentist Don t worry you would be fine Hope this information helps