If a tooth has had a root canal but presents with increased discomfort, the most logical next step is to?

The most logical next step when a tooth has undergone a root canal procedure and is exhibiting increased discomfort is to retreat the root canal. This is typically indicated when there is ongoing pain, as it may suggest that the initial treatment did not adequately remove all the infected or inflamed tissue, or that there is a new infection or a complication such as failure of the previous treatment.

Retreating the root canal allows the dentist to clean out the existing canal system again, ensuring that any remaining bacteria can be eliminated and any potential new issues can be addressed. This step is crucial for preserving the tooth and alleviating pain, before considering other more invasive measures.

In this context, the other options do not directly address the underlying issue. Scheduling a follow-up in six months would not provide the patient with immediate relief, and simply prescribing pain medication does not resolve the root cause of the discomfort. Referring to an oral surgeon might become necessary if there's a complication that requires surgical intervention, but the first step towards resolving the discomfort should logically be to reevaluate and potentially retreat the root canal.