AboutBenjamin Schwartz, D.D.S. Expertise I can answer a range of questions in dentistry, ranging from cosmetic dentistry, fillings, root canals, and comprehensive treatment. Specifically, my fields of interest are in CEREC technology, Invisalign (Invisable braces), and Endodontics (root canals).
Experience
Licensed and full time general dentist. Treated over 200 Invisalign patients and have placed numerous CEREC restorations.
Website and Office Information: ProDent NY
Organizations
American Dental Association
Member of the Academy of General Dentistry
New York State Dental Association
CEREC Doctors
League of Dentists
Publications Schwartz Benjamin, Boczko Fae, McKeon S. Oral Care For The Elderly. Perspectives in Gerontology December 2006
Education/Credentials New York University College of Dentistry - D.D.S.
Woodhull Medical Center, 1 year post-graduate residency program - GPR
Question QUESTION: Hello! One week ago, I had the top two rear molars ( 14 & 15) on the left, prepped for crowns. Everything seemed to go well and I am currently wearing the temporary crowns.
My problem is, ever since the anesthesia wore off, I have been experiencing pain, but from my BOTTOM teeth! And the really weird thing is, the pain feels as if it is mainly coming from a tooth that has already had a root canal (thru a crown, tooth # 19)and it seems to radiate out to my bottom left ear for the most part.
I went back to the dentist today, so they took an x-ray and re-checked my bite, and said that all looks fine. The dentist asked if tooth #19, the one with the root canal thru the crown, had been permanently filled or if it was still the temporary filling; I said I hope it was permanent because it was done over 6 years ago and I had never had a problem with it. So she gave me a referral to an Endodontist.
I had no pain anywhere in my mouth until after these two crowns were done last week.
ANSWER: Hi Bonnie,
Welcome to Murphy's Law. :)
If the dentist made certain that 14/15 are not the culprits, then it may just be coincidental that now 19 hurts.
Do 14/15 have root canals in them? If so, how long ago were they performed?
Sometimes it is the top teeth that can hurt, but refer pain to the bottom teeth. But, if your dentist was certain that the top teeth aren't the issue, then it may just be your luck that 19 needs to be examined more in-depth.
If the access for the root canal was never 'fully' closed on 19, and there was only a temporary closing, then this can allow new bacteria to invade the root canal system. Now, that your dentist was busy drilling away at the teeth on top, the water/air being used might all of a sudden triggered something in 19, and caused it to start bothering you.
It's frustrating to say the least.
I would recommend seeing what the endodontist says, and taking it from there.
Please follow up with me on this and let me know what he/she says.
Thanks
Benjamin
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you so much Dr. Schwartz! I wondered if there was such a thing as "transference" of pain, but was afraid to ask my dentist at risk of sounding like a loon. She gave me a prescription for antibiotics, and if that doesn't help, I will go see the Endodontist.
#14 & #15 have not had root canals, and I am nearly certain # 19 was permanently filled, as I kept all of my appointments.
Answer You know the old saying;
"The only silly question is the one unasked".
Pain very often is referred from top to bottom or vice versa. However, if the pain is left untreated, it usually then localizes to one specific area.
Part of the role of a dentist is to be a detective. You need to be able to figure out where the pain is coming from, and then know how to treat it.
I am sure that your doctor did what is best for you. Sometimes, after a vital tooth has been prepared for a crown, the nerve may become agitated from all the fuss. In most cases, it heals up with no permanent issues within a few days.
I hope that this will be in your case, and then your mystery pain will go away.
Good luck with everything and let me know how it turns out.
