Question:

Two weeks ago, I noticed a small pimple on my gum, by a lower incisor. I made a dentist appointment, and last week had the first half of a root canal treatment performed. Immediately afterward, the white spot on my gum disappeared. Tomorrow, I go back for the second half of the root canal. However, today the gum “pimple” is back. Is this common? Was the treatment not successful? Any advice you could offer would be much appreciated.

Answer:

This reply is probably too late, but recurrence of the drainage/pimple can occur after initial treatment, especially if the temporary is leaking or worn down. Another possible reason for the recurrence is that all of the necrotic tissue/infection had not been removed at the first appointment, and finally, that the source of the infection may be another tooth.

Obviously, I am unable to tell you which of these may be the reason, but you should monitor the situation after the treatment is completed and let your dentist know what is happening. The pimple should resolve itself within approximately 1 week after treatment is completed and not return if the treatment was completed successfully.

If it continues to return, even after the root canal is finished, you may wish to have a specialist evaluate the case for you.

For more information:

Go to the Root Canals health topic.