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 Hi Dr. Backlund,
I have a crowned molar (gold) that has bothered me for several years. I experience pain upon biting or chewing which varies in degree. Sometimes, biting lightly causes pain whereas biting hard might not...and vice versa. A GP dentist took an x-ray, checked my bite and seemed to doubt I need a root canal. I've noticed that if I put ice on it, I feel pain, whereas I don't on the adjacent teeth. I feel I must do something because it's very irritating and I'm positive something's just not right. By the way, my general medical and dental health is quite good and I have no gum problems. I suspect, in spite of the x-ray not providing a diagnosis, that I need a root canal. Does that sound reasonable or likely, based on my symptoms? Is there any further test I can conduct myself before going to the expense of seeing an endodontist? (I don't mind, at all, if it's necessary...but would rather not if it's not. Thank you very much for any advice!
Charlie
Answer Hi Charlie,
Sorry to hear you're having this problem. The fact that you feel cold in the tooth tells me that the tooth is still alive...in fact that is the test we use on crowned teeth to determine whether a tooth is alive or dead. That would explain why nothing shows up on an xray, since the tooth needs to be dead for xray changes to occur.
That said, you could have a tooth in the very early stages of problems, especially if it seems to be MORE sensitive than other teeth to ice. If that's the case, you will probably need a root canal anyway.
Unfortunately, I think it is time to see an endodontist and let him/her help with your decision. If I had to guess, I'd say you will end up with treatment.
