About Steven Litwin DDS Expertise I can answer all questions pertaining to dental health for all ages. Topics can include but not be limited to: TMD/migraines; Orthodontics, Implants, cosmetic procedures, crowns, veneers, periodontics (gum treatment), oral surgery, and other areas of interest/concern in the dental field.
Experience I am a practicing dentist in the Baltimore area and have been for over twenty years. I have treated thousands of patients over the years and continue to provide dental health care for them in all aspects of dentistry. I also include non invasive treatment for patients having been diagnosed with TMD and/or chronic headaches/migraines and have had great success without the use of medications.
Organizations Member of The Greater Baltimore Implant Study Club
Education/Credentials I graduated from Georgetown University Dental School in 1987 with a D.D.S. degree. I have completed countless continuing education programs throughout the years in all areas of dentistry.
Past/Present Clients I have patients that travel from out of state to have me provide for their care. Patients come from Pennsylvania, Florida, Delaware, and other areas in addition to the state of Maryland.
I had a root canal on one of my tooth 2 years ago, and I've had a problem with that tooth even after the procedure. These are problems that have been unresolved, but I wanted to ask you this. You see, when I wear my retainer, the wire goes around that tooth on the back on top. That tooth is the anchor tooth for the wire on one side. I've had that retainer WAY before the root canal had to be done. And the wire clenches the tooth before and there was never a problem or any pain. After the root canal, when the tooth was crowned, as the wire goes around that tooth, it doesn't feel anything at first. When I wake up in the morning and take it off, that tooth is sooooooooooo sore. Now some may say maybe the wire is not adjusted correctly, but this is the thing. I've had that retainer long before the root canal, as mentioned earlier, and it's never caused any pain before. It's at the same exact position. After the root canal, it is so sore from the wire clenching and grasping it. That's why I'm concerned if this retainer pain is indicative of something wrong, perhaps? My orthodontist already has took away the wire so it doesn't go around that tooth, but now I'm concerned that tooth is not "normal" because maybe that's a clue that something is wrong. I mean why would it be so sore afterwards, but not before, right? Besides this retainer deal, that tooth sometimes hurts when pressure is put on it. I've followed up with the dentist many many many many many times (too many times if you ask me) and x-ray checked out fine. Nothing is wrong. So, anything you can give me would be great. I know I don't have the retainer problem anymore since the wire is gone, but this may be a clue to something. What do you think?
Answer Hi Kourtney,
Thanks for the question. Sorry to hear about your frustration and I am sure the reason to your discomfort will be found. One of the first things that I am wondering about is the possibility of either the crown hitting the opposing tooth prematurely when you bite and/or the possibility that you might be clenching or grinding your teeth at night when you sleep. Has either of these possibilities been explored? I am going on the premise that the root canal is working and there is no failure of it or fracture in the tooth of course. Is there any temperature sensitivity when eating or drinking on the tooth? Has the surrounding teeth been tested as well as the gum been evaluated? Kourtney, if all of the above has been looked at and none of the above are an issue (including whether or not you are clenching or grinding) and it only hurts when pressure is applied to that specific tooth only then the only possibility would then be that there is a microfracture in the tooth and/or the root canal is questionable. Kourtney, I realize how upsetting this is especially due to the retainer issue but please understand that the wire of the retainer usually needs to be recontoured to fit around a crown after the fact. But that does not mean there should be pain thereafter and for so long. Kourtney, if after all of the above has been looked at and the answer is still unknown I would like to then suggest you have a second opinion by another endodontist. Please do not misunderstand and think that I am saying your other dentists are wrong its just that sometimes another specialist can see something that a previous one may not see. Remember, if there is discomfort this is not something you should just be living with. Stay the course take a deep breath and make sure the things I mentioned above have or will be evaluated and if all else fails you should then think about the second opinion. Hope this helps and hang in there.
