Expert: Tony Appleton BDS DPDS - 11/23/2008

Question
Hi there.  I was just hoping you might have a suggestion for me.  I am up early with extreme tooth pain.  My dentist or doctor has not figured it out & it has been about a year.  Every 3 - 5 weeks it flares up.  One year ago I got a crown.  I complained of tooth pain after it.  I was sent for a root canal.  I still get a 3 day constant headache that radiates into my cheek bone.  No pain meds have worked yet.  I have had night guards made, teeth have been filed down to correct my bite, I had a root canal through my crown, I had my wisdom tooth out a 6 weeks ago, I've had my sinuses x-rayed.  I am fine for 3 - 4 weeks & then when it starts I can't even sleep & I feel sick.  I am taking T3 right now.  I also have a CT scan booked for next week and and Neuro appt in Feb 2009.  Until then, I don't know what I am going to do.  Any suggestions?  Cindy in pain in Vancouver, BC

Answer
Hi Cindy

Did you seen an endodontist for the root canal or did your own dentist perform it?  It may be worth a second opinion from an endodontist to rule out the tooth as this is the most likely cause.

Failing that it could be neurological - a condition such as trigeminal neuralgia.  This is a problem with the nerve itself and can be extremely painful.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Tony Appleton