AboutGary Backlund, DMD, MSD Expertise I am an Endodontist ( root canal specialist ) and can answer questions about root canals and their treatment. I cannot diagnose or treat online, but can answer general questions. I have been a specialist for 25 years and am Past President of the Washington State Association of Endodontists.
Experience 25 years practicing as a specialist
Organizations American Association of Endodonists, Past President Washington State Association of Endodontists.
Question QUESTION: Hi
My front tooth had a root canal about a month ago...All was fine but 2 weeks later I started to feel pain in the tooth. It wasn't so bad. I thought the bite was off so did the dentist. So we went ahead with the crown and post. Well the pain is still there. I am not sure what is causing my pain. When I touch it it feels like I am getting a small shock pain. That is the only way to explain it. The back of the tooth where the gum line would met the tooth I can feel a small separation ands it sore back there.I also feel pain when I push on the upper gum in the front of the tooth
Before I had the root canal my dentist put me on antibiotics as he said i had all the classic signs of an infection. Is it possible I still have the infection. I go back for the crown on July the and I am scared out of my mind. It took al the courage I gad to get this root canal done. Please help.
thank you for your time
Gin
ANSWER: Hi Gina,
I'm sorry you're going through all this. Yes, it is certainly possible you still have an infection and maybe the root canal is not working, Obviously, I can't help there since I can't examine you. Root canals should feel like any other tooth in your mouth. When that is not happening, there is a problem. I would suggest that you ask for a referral to an endodontist for a 2nd opinion before you go back for the crown.
Hope this helps.
Gary Backlund DMD, MSD
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Again
I went back to Dentist today. He thinks it maybe the bite or me grinding my teeth at night. I am not aware i do this, but i might..... He took the bite down.
He took no x rays, told me he saw or felt no infection.
After doing that I still feel the pain. How long does it take for the pain to go away after he fixed the bite. Right way or a few days?
I go back July the for the crown.
He said he still would like to put the crown on. I said I don't think we should do it with pain. He said he would put it on but not permanently. If i still have the pain he will sent me to a speciality dentist.
He did mention a crack. But how do I know I have a crack?
How do you test for that?
If i have a crack what then? This is my front tooth.
Would you put a crown on permanently or temporary if a patient still had pain?
Many thanks for your help...
Answer Hi again Gina,
If it truly is your bite that is the problem, it would take several days for things to feel better. What is important is that you slowly feel like things are getting better. It's hard to put a time on how long, since everyone and situation is different, but you should notice improvement as each day goes by.
Cracks are VERY difficult to diagnosis. They can't be seen on X-rays and don't have a particular set of symptoms. Usually you do a good exam, measure how the gum is attached to the tooth and get a good history of pain & previous treatment, etc. Then put it all together and try to make the call. It is hard for us specialists even. Should your tooth be cracked, you may end up losing the tooth.
In our office, we usually don't suggest putting on permanent crowns, even temporarily, if the patient is having pain. We like to know why they are in pain and figure out what to do about it.
