A patient asks:
I have a tooth that needs a root canal, there is a crown on that tooth, should I be on antibiotics? My tooth is throbbing and sensitive to hot, my dentist says take Advil? There are 4 days till he sees me, what should I do?
Answer: I would see another dentist is this happened to me. The tooth should be treated as an emergency. Heat sensitivity may become constant pain quickly. Endodontics/ root canal therapy can be done through the crown and the opening in most instances can be repaired after treatment. Antibiotics are not indicated based on your current symptoms, however if this is not treated right away and the infection spreads to the end of the root into the bone or beyond then antibiotics may be necessary.