Good day! First I should say that I am 37 weeks pregnant. A week ago my upper first premolar started hurting; it had broken three weeks ago and had already been filled years ago. Now this tooth hurts to touch and when I bite. My dentist suggested that I wait until delivery if possible, and I decided to wait. During the day I somehow manage, but to be able to sleep I take Lekadol. The pain that occurs during the day is not limited to touch; it also keeps throbbing slightly, more and more in the evening, and my cheek is slightly swollen as well. I would kindly ask for advice on what to do because I do not know whether I can endure another three weeks like this. Please also tell me what is allowed in my case and whether any procedure could trigger labour? Thank you.
Dentist Tomaž Rotar answers:
Dear Sir/Madam!
The signs you describe occur in inflammation of the periodontal tissues around the root tip, resulting from inflammation or subsequent necrosis and gangrene of the dental pulp. This is an irreversible condition that will not resolve on its own. I recommend root canal treatment of the tooth. The procedure is simple, is most often performed under local anaesthesia and does not affect your condition. In the event of complications, which are otherwise very rare, systemic antibiotics would only be necessary in extreme cases, and we advise against them during pregnancy. In such a case, consultation with your gynaecologist is required. The X-ray control of the treatment would of course be carried out after the pregnancy has ended.
Have a nice day!