Expert: Frederick R. Liewehr DDS, MS, FICD - 10/17/2008

Question
Dear Dr. Liewehr,
Due to continual pain following root canals of teeth #'s 8 & 9 in May, the teeth were re-treated using calcium hydroxide in July. Since then, there has been just minor pain reduction in the treated teeth, and sensitivity and pain when biting with the two adjacent teeth (#'s 7 & 10). I should clarify that I attempted to bite with the adjacent teeth for the first time since May just two days ago, and am still exoeriencing pain from this. Also I clench my teeth sometimes while sleeping. What might be going on?

Thank you for your assistance.
Nicole

Answer
I really couldn't tell you without seeing you. If you had the teeth treated because of trauma, that could explain the pain. One or more roots could be fractured, either by trauma or during the endodontic therapy. Calcium hydroxide helps kill bacteria, but if the pain is coming from another source it wouldn't be expected to help. Clenching your teeth should not really affect the front teeth, as they are not supposed to hit when you bite straight down, but some peoples' teeth are not correctly aligned. I'd see an endodontist if I were you.