Baton Rouge Dentist

Archives for May 2012

I had a root canal yesterday, is it normal to still be in pain?

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Yesterday I got a root canal and felt zero pain the whole time. Even after the anesthetic wore off I was good. Then about 3 hours after I got it done, it started to hurt and I expected that. I took some Motrin PM and it helped me sleep. But today it’s still sore. I can’t tell if the tooth is sore or the gum around it where I got the needle. I don’t have a dental crown yet, just some cement stuff and my next appointment is on June 4th. Is it normal to be in pain? Aleve isn’t helping at all and I want to eat but every time I chew on the other side it still hurts so I’m not even eating. Last night my whole tooth area was throbbing and today it’s just a dull pain.

Thanks, Michelle

Dear Michelle,

If is quite normal to feel some discomfort after root canal treatment. Even though the nerve of the tooth is removed you may feel some achiness. If your tooth had an infection it may take several days for the tooth to settle down. We recommend you take 800mg of Ibuprofen every 6 hours to help ease your pain if you have no allergies to this medication. Ibuprofen is a good pain reliever as well as minimizing inflammation within and around the tooth. Tell your dentist of your discomfort when you go in for your next appointment. He may want to take an x-ray to reexamine your tooth.

Post courtesy of Dr. Perry, Baton Rouge Dentist.

What are the chances of me getting my braces taken off temporarily?

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I want to join the Navy but I have braces and in order for me to go through basic training I need them off. My father has a contract with the orthodontist. What are the chances of her removing them so that I can go through basic training?

Thanks Brian,

Dear Brian,

We would advise you to ask your orthodontist about your situation. She will most likely be very understanding and accommodate you however there may be a fee charged when you have them put back on. Having your braces taken off for your short time in basic training will probably cause your teeth to shift some and move out of alignment from where they are now. Orthodontists have been known to take braces off of patients due to poor oral hygiene causing a gum infection or rampant tooth decay and will put them back on when the patients’ mouths are healthy again. Don’t hesitate to tell your orthodontist your situation for you are doing our country a service and she will probably most likely be able to meet your needs.

Post courtesy of Dr. Perry, Baton Rouge Dentist.