I had a root canal on Friday. I have an old injury to my left tmj joint which required an intense reconstructive surgery about 15 years ago. Any prolonged dental work where my jaw has to be forced to stay open usually causes the tmj and my ligaments around my jaw to swell. Because of my condition my endontist was not able to successful get all the root in one of my canals after trying for two hours. He decided to permantly fill the tooth. He gave me 600 mg of ibuprofen and 7.5 by 325 of Vicodin and told me to Alternate them for the inflammation and pain from the procedure and the trauma of the procedure to my ligaments. The pain in my jaw and ligament are less sensitive, but now my gland under my jaw is swollen and is very painful. When I take the dose of 600mg of ibuprofen the pain remains the same or worsens in my gland its hard to swallow. When I take the dose of Vicodin the pain in my gland is much less. I called them today and they started me on pencillin incase some how the procedure caused an infection.  Im starting to wonder if the ibuprofen is the reason my gland is reacting in the first place. Could it cause the gland to react?
Hello, Thanks for writing to us. The swollen glands are due to improper root canal treatment undergone. Entire infected pulp has to be extirpated prior to placement of permanent restoration. I would suggest you to visit a dentist and get reject done. Take medications too. Hope this helps.