Expert: Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD - 12/21/2009

Question
Dear Dr Backlund,

My dentist crowned my lower right canine tooth four years ago with a porceline crown.  First he performed a root canal and then fitted the crown two weeks after the root canal.  I immediately noticed that it was not like any of the other crowns that I had had done in the past, and told my denist that the tooth was still sensitive.  He told me that it was quite normal to feel some pressure in and around the crown after the proceedure so I learned to ignore the discomfort, and although it didn't completely go away, I eventually adjusted to the weired feeling it occasionally gave me, but recently it has been giving me pain like a regular toothache.  It hurts when I have a hot drink, and it throbs within minutes of eating anything.  Could these symptoms be a sign that my root canal was not complete, and that there is some remaining pulp with a nerve tip that is infected?  If so, then what are my options?

Answer
Hi Georgina,

I'm sorry you're going through all this. Unfortunately, I have some bad news for you....you're dealing with another tooth. When a root canal is done, no matter how good or bad, there is no mechanism for the tooth to feel hot or cold....it just can't happen since there is now a break between the nerve at the end of the tooth and the hot or cold outside of the tooth. This is true even if one whole root has not been treated. Therefore, you need to see your dentist to find out where your hot sensation is coming from.

That said, it also doesn't mean your not having trouble with the root canal. You might have two things going at once. Another option would be to ask for a referral to an endodontist to get both situations examined. Then you would know for sure what is going on and what your options are.

I hope this helps. Happy Holidays.....

Gary Backlund DMD, MSD