Q. Dear Dr Moore 6 months ago I had root canal work on my tooth, having been told that there was some decay and I would lose the tooth if I did not have it. It was a terrible ordeal for me as I am a very nervous patient anyway and the dentist clamped my face to my jaw with a metal clamp which I found unacceptable and was unable to tolerate. It took 3 hours and cost over £600. A few days ago I started to have an unremitting pain in my mouth, gums and cheek which seem to be encompassing the area where I had the root canal work. I fear from all the information I have been able to glean that I have an abscess and may have to lose the tooth. I have been to see my GP who doesn’t know what is causing the pain but has given me antibiotics and told me to see my dentist for ex-rays. I have an appointment on Tuesday but don’t see any point in having the ex-rays until the antibiotics have cleared up the infection. I will not go back to the dentist who did the root canal treatment (a specialist in root canal work and not my usual dentist) as I am absolutely terrified of him. The way he pulled and clamped my face showed complete inconsideration for a woman’s feelings and when I finally emerged from the dentist after 3 hours I was inconsolable from the ordeal that I had tolerated. If I do lose my tooth I will definitely want to have an implant. I am now on my 3rd day of taking antibiotics and as of yet the pain I am suffering is just as bad as on day one so I am not sure if they are working or not. Please would you kindly advise me of my options regarding treatment and what you see as the likely outcome. Kind regards,