QUESTION:
I had a root canal on my tooth due to an abscess about a month ago. Ever since, my gums around that tooth have been red and swollen and I’ve been having a headache and earache on that side. The tooth beside it feels very hot to the touch. What does this mean?
ANSWER:
It is not unusual for the gum around the tooth to be irritated following a root canal. The process isolating the tooth to do the root canal can irritate the gum tissue, or if a crown was prepared on the tooth that can bother the tooth. The tooth feeling hot to the touch is unusual. If it is the gum that feels hot there may be infection in the gum. If it is the tooth itself the tooth could have an infection or problem which needs to be evaluated. The headache and earache on that side could again just be related to having had your mouth open for an extended period of time for the root canal or it could be related to a change in the bite following the root canal or crown. All of these things should be evaluated by your dentist or specialist who did your root canal. If you need the name of someone in your area to check things for you let us know and we will make a recommendation for you. You are also welcome to see us in Fort Lauderdale just call (954) 522-3228.
Hope this helps,
Nick DeTure DMD
AskADentist.com