I need an advise a realistic one without making a drama out of a situation - #21333
I had a root canal treatment 1-2 weeks ago The nerve was removed, and I was told that the inflammation was very deep. The nerve was taken out, and a temporary filling was placed with liquids inside to calm the tooth. I have an appointment on January 27, 2026 for another rinsing and a new temporary filling, and only after that a final appointment for the permanent filling. So far, I had no pain, but for the last 2–3 days I have been experiencing pain, and yesterday it was so severe that it radiated into my throat. I have to mention that recently I did not brush my teeth well, drank a lot of juice, and ate a lot of sweets and spicy food. Today the pain is much less, but I am consciously trying not to eat on that side and not to bite down. From time to time it hurts even when I am not doing anything or biting. Yesterday the pain was so bad that I could barely speak without pain. The problem is that I am in a other country until January 22, 2026. I have the following pain medication with me: IBU-ratiopharm direct 400 mg powder for oral (powder)use. I have heard that it stops inflammation down to the nerve and relieves pain. However, I am afraid because about a year ago, when I had a real bad inflammation, I took this medication and it did not help at all. I am afraid that from today, January 17, 2026, until Thursday, the pain could get much worse and that the painkillers might not help anymore. Now I have the following options: 1. Either I travel home on January 18, 2026 and then call my dentist on Monday to make an appointment, or 2.I stay in the other country until Thursday (as planned) and then call my dentist on Friday to ask if I can come in early in the morning. Option 2, staying longer abroad, would be preferable for me, but I have two fears: 1.That the pain becomes unbearable and painkillers no longer help. 2.That if I wait for 5 days, the tooth may no longer be salvageable and might need to be extracted because I waited too long. Yesterday the pain was pulsating and almost unbearable. At the moment it is tolerable, and I have not taken any medication yet at all. I would also make sure to brush my teeth properly and only chew on the other side. What do you think?
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Doctors’ responses
Your symptoms are most consistent with a temporary post–root canal flare-up, not treatment failure. Waiting until Thursday is medically acceptable as long as pain stays manageable and no swelling or fever appears. A delay of a few days will not make the tooth unsalvageable. Use ibuprofen if needed, maintain strict oral hygiene, and monitor symptoms closely.
Best decision is to visit a dentist.
Hello
This sounds like post–root canal flare-up, not an emergency. Waiting 5 days will NOT ruin the tooth or force extraction in most cases. Ibuprofen 400 mg is appropriate; you can take it every 6–8 hours with food if needed. Avoid sweets, juice, spicy food; brush gently and chew on the other side.
Go home early ONLY if pain becomes constant, severe, or swelling/fever appears.
If pain stays tolerable or controlled with ibuprofen, Option 2 (stay, see dentist Friday) is reasonable.
If pain becomes unbearable despite medication or swelling starts, travel earlier.
I trust this helps Thank you
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