Yep. Same here, but people need to consult with their docs. Mine was fine. The doc gave me antibiotics in case I had a problem but I didn't need them.

On Amoxicillin to help fight off any infection post stage 1 of root canal. Flying back to DFW at 0710 in the morning and then on Friday DFW/MIA followed by a flight to Madrid.

Endodontist called me back this afternoon and doesn't think it will happen again, but definitely said to take Advil when I get on the flight (less than 2 hrs flight time).

I also assumed that it was a problem with the pressure differential interacting with the hollowed out tooth. There's simply no time to get in to see him to finish it before going to Spain on Friday. Too much work to do.

Thanks for all the replies and sorry for posting on the AA board originally. It took about an hour for my head/face/tooth to stop throbbing and return to clear thinking.

Haven't felt pain like that since I broke my arm playing soccer at age 7. Wouldn't wish that on anybody. Well...most anybody.

I can't help but think about the movie "Cast Away" played by Tom Hanks.

The character had dental problems but put it off because he was too busy
working for FedEx. Then the plane crashed in the middle of the Pacific
Ocean. He ended up alone on a no-name island. The worst part was
when he had to perform tooth extraction on himself without any medication
or booze to help with the pain. I believe he passed out.

I have a friend who can only use sedation dentistry.... enough said.

Your OP indicated that the pain occurred post RCT. Your clarification suggests a completely different situation. Your pain is a well known complication if root canal therapy has been begun, but not completed. You may experience similar pain during/after flight until the root canal is completed.

Correct, he only performed stage 1 on Monday. I had to fly to MSP Wed and I'm on the return flight right now. I took Advil prior to take-off, but it's already starting to throb. If I go through the same thing on this descent, screw my work obligations. I'm getting the next step done.

The Endodontist told me that he's only heard of this happening with top teeth because of their proximity to sinus cavity. That makes no sense. It's the gap inside of the tooth causing the pain in reaction to the rapid differential change in pressure. That's going to continue to happen as long as there's a void there in my opinion.

The subject has come up before

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...root-canal.htm

and several other threads. The people who have not done it generally seem to say it's OK, those who have tried have usually said no, there's no way I would do it again.

I'll listen to those who did it

This condition is not related to the sinus in any way and can occur on any tooth.