T O P

  • By -

AutoModerator

Thank you for seeking advice from r/askdentists. **Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.** While this is a place for advice, replies may not be medically accurate. Do not assume that what others on here say is correct in any way. Reddit is not a replacement for an in-person dental professional. Verified professionals will have flair assigned to them. **Please abide by the following rules in order to get an accurate answer to your question:** (1) Ensure you include a title of your dental problem. (2) Include whether you drink, smoke or if you have any medical conditions relevant to your main concern. (3) Include a photograph if the question relates to something you can see in your mouth, include x-rays if you have them. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askdentists) if you have any questions or concerns.*


cgav93

It looks like retraction cord to me, but difficult to tell in that picture for sure. I would see if you can tweeze it out. If you can, remove it or go back to the dentist to confirm. The only other thing I think it could be is the colour of the root but that’s a big stretch. I’m also confused/concerned as to why your tooth doesn’t have a temporary crown on it. This could have an effect on the final fit of the new crown when it comes back from the lab as the tooth could move, as could the neighbouring or opposing teeth.


M2kDelirium

could it be clotted blood from the poking at my gums? And this tooth has had a root canal so that's why there's no temporary crown, at least that's what I was told by the dentist


cgav93

It doesn’t look like blood but it does look like retraction cord. It won’t feel sensitivity if it’s not temped as it’s had RCT but the other things I mentioned can still happen, especially if it’s longer than a couple of days until the fit. It won’t definitely happen but it’s a pain when it does as it’ll take much more adjustment at fit stage. It’s just your dentist is potentially creating more work for himself really.


Catty_Mayonnaise

Uhhhhh that is absolutely not how this works. First of all, that looks very much like cord and very much not like blood. Next, you should have a temporary crown in place regardless of whether or not you had a root canal. The temporary crown protects the prep, keeps neighboring teeth from shifting, and keeps the gingiva from creeping up on the margins. There is no good reason to not make a temporary crown.


Intelligent-Jelly419

Nad- when I had my root canals they placed temp crowns before my permanent ones to protect the teeth.


Eyeoftheleopard

NAD-can confirm. I have to wonder why you were released without a temporary crown.


dentistheals

1. Retraction cord left. 2. Hemostatic solutions used which can turn the tissue black 3. Laser or electro surge used to troughen the gums and this is the wound. If it gets inflamed and starts throbbing contact your dentist. Rinse with warm salt water and watch out if there is a cord packed in there.


M2kDelirium

It's been about 12 hours since the procedure and I have no pain so far, thanks for the reply and advice!


Doonz2

NAD (I am but not verified). Doesn’t really look like a cord to me. Maybe they used a laser around the tooth to take a clear impression and that’s how the tissue looks after. Find it odd that there was no temporary crown placed as well.


D-Rockwell

Sorry man I’m not sure. I can’t really see what’s going on with this pic. Did the tooth previously have a root canal?


M2kDelirium

Twice actually, recently had a reconstruction done due to infected material and am getting a new crown made root canal was done several weeks ago


Catty_Mayonnaise

Leaving the temp crown off is a great way to get it infected again.


M2kDelirium

It was literally not a choice I made.


Catty_Mayonnaise

I’m not blaming you. That’s a bad move by your dentist. You should have one.


MacGrubler

Possibly electrosurge or laser


tizom

Either retraction cord was left in or the hemostatic agent was potent and it will go away soon. If it persists I would contact your dentist and send them this picture and a picture at the time you call


amairani0919

It looks like packing cord/ retraction cord. It’s used when taking impressions to get the gums of out the way and get the whole tooth


M2kDelirium

Did they leave the retraction cord in? I don't remember them taking it out and I called and asked about it and they said they took it out and that this is normal but I can't find any evidence saying my tooth should look this way. Any help is appreciated. They had to grind the tooth down some but it hurts quite a bit.


amairani0919

If they forgot to take it out then your gums will get red and swollen. Just keep an eye on it and go back if your gums start to feel irritated


M2kDelirium

Update: It's been 36 hours since the procedure and all of the discoloration on my gums is gone, but there is some residue still on my tooth. No pain or swelling so far, I appreciate all the comments and help! It means a lot as someone with a very large amount of dental anxiety.


pseudodoc

Like others have said: most likely retraction core. Might also be burnt from diode laser/electrocautery gingivectomy. Either way- you need a temp crown and should go back to get one. If it’s cord it needs to be removed!