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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swelling In The Cheek Where The Root Canal Was Done?

Monday I had a root canal done by an orthodontist. He prescribed me 800 mg Motrin and hydrocodone. I took the Motrin as prescribed. The side of my cheek where the RC was done began swelling Wednesday night. He called in penicillin go 500mg and I began taking it it is Friday night. Should he have prescribed a stronger antibiotic.? I dont have anymore pain but should I still take the Motrin? If I go to the emergency room would they be able to help? Will taking the antibiotic reduce the swelling alone
Mon, 14 Jul 2014
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Dentist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery,  's  Response
Thanks for your query, I have gone through your query.
The swelling could be because of the endodontic flare up pr it can be because of the remnant infection. Consult a oral physician and get a radiograph to rule out whether all the canals have been filled properly and to rule out any infection.
If there is defect in RCT and infection you have to get it retreated. If it is because of the remnant infection then take a course of antibiotics like amoxicillin 500mg and metronidazole 400mg tid for 5 days(if you are not allergic). Along with these you can continue Motrin. Do saline gargling.
I hope my answer will help you, take care.
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Dentist, Periodontics,  Dr. K.S.V.Ramesh's  Response
Hi
Thank you for your query with HCM,

Drugs what you are on on are analgesics and opiods. So only your dentist asked you to start with antibiotics. No need to change or for higher antibiotics please continue with the same.

Swelling might be due to periapical inflammation or infection which is of improper instrumention or failure to take all the pulpal remanats.

Whatsoever i would suggest you visit your dentist and get it checked once again along with another radiograph.

Hope i have answered your query
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What Causes Swelling In The Cheek Where The Root Canal Was Done?

Thanks for your query, I have gone through your query. The swelling could be because of the endodontic flare up pr it can be because of the remnant infection. Consult a oral physician and get a radiograph to rule out whether all the canals have been filled properly and to rule out any infection. If there is defect in RCT and infection you have to get it retreated. If it is because of the remnant infection then take a course of antibiotics like amoxicillin 500mg and metronidazole 400mg tid for 5 days(if you are not allergic). Along with these you can continue Motrin. Do saline gargling. I hope my answer will help you, take care.