Expert: Frederick R. Liewehr DDS, MS, FICD - 11/25/2008

Question
About a year ago I had a root canal done, and I still have sensitivity to that tooth. A new dentist took over the the practice and did an X-ray and said I had a 4th canal. He started drilling and the crown came off which was done a year ago. I had the new root canal done on Nov 2. If I don't take the pain meds (vicadin) every 4 hours the whole side of my face (up to my eye) is painful and I get a terrible headache. He says I just need to give it more time. He sanded the crown today. And said it doesn't think it fit good so I may need a new one.

Answer
There is definitely something wrong. After three weeks it should be fine. Taking a narcotic like Vicodin every 4 hours for three weeks is ridiculous and dangerous. You may very well have a fractured root, or something else going on. Either you need to see a competent endodontist or have the tooth extracted.