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 -------------------------
Followup To
I apologize for not getting back to you soon. I wanted to make sure I compiled as much information as possible.
Dr. Backlund: Can you describe your pain?
Answer: Throbbing, almost constant.
Dr. Backlund: Is it hot/cold tender?
Answer: Yes, very much so.
Dr. Backlund: Does it come and go?
Answer: The pain leaves for a few hours after I take the motrin.
Dr. Backlund: Does it throb or wake you up at night?
Answer: Yes, the area throbs. So I can get some sleep, I chew the motrin, then wash it around in my mouth. It hurts worse in the morning. I also have three fillings around the root canal tooth. The whole area hurts.
Dr. Backlund: Is the tooth sensitive to biting pressure?
Answer: Yes, but the tooth is also sensitive light finger touching.
Dr. Backlund: Do you ever feel swelling?
Answer: Yes, behind the tooth with the root canal and the one next to it.
Dr. Backlund: Have you ever had ANY relief...now, during the root canal 2 years ago, or at anytime in between?
Answer: The only relief I get is from the Motrin. The relief from taking the Motrin lasts for 3-4 hours, but the pain never really leaves.
Dr. Backlund: Are you ever free of pain now and what can you do to stop it besides putting the Motrin next to it?
Answer: I'm never really free from the pain. Other than the short leaved, relief from the (850mg) of Motrin I've been given to take, there is no relief.
Dr. Backlund: Also, have you seen a specialist about this or just your general dentist?
Answer: Yes, I have seen a specialist. He said he would recommend pulling the tooth to my dentist. I can't be certain that he did recommend it, but my dentist said he will not pull the tooth. My dentist wants to save the tooth.
Dr. Backlund I hope this information assists you with determining what could possibly be happening to cause this constant pain. Please do not hesitate emailing me should you have other questions.
I so very much appreciate your time, and would be so very thankful if you would share your diagnosis with me.
Thank you, and may you be blessed.
B W Cubbedge
Question -
Dr. Backlund,
I had a root canal performed in 2003. I have complained since then about the pain. The pain has since escalated to extreme. My dentist has taken xrays, but says nothing shows up. My dentist has even taken sinus xrays. Since nothing shows up, he will not pull the tooth even though I have said, "do it'!
I have to lay the 850mg of motrin on the tooth for precious (short lived) moments of relief.
It throbs when I wake up and during the day. The pain so greatly effects my concentrate, I can't make it all the way through continued education classes I am taking.
Is it possible to have all this pain, and nothing show on an xray, FOR NEARLY TWO YEARS. Is this normal?
It is taking it's toll.
Thank you in advance for any possible suggestion I may pass along to my dentist.
B W Cubbedge
Answer -
Hi BW,
I need a little more info to try to help. Can you describe your pain? Is it hot/cold tender? Does it come and go? Does it throb or wake you up at night? Is the tooth sensitive to biting pressure? Do you ever feel swelling? Have you ever had ANY relief...now, during the root canal 2 years ago, or at anytime in between? Are you ever free of pain now and what can you do to stop it besides putting the Motrin next to it? Also, have you seen a specialist about this or just your general dentist?
Any other info will help. Pain is tough to diagnosis sometimes and the more info the better...
Best regards,
Gary Backlund DMD, MSD
Answer Hi BW,
I wondered what had become of you.... thanks for the answers.
What I can tell you is that teeth that have root canals DO NOT feel hot & cold. So you have at least one other problem that needs to be dealt with prior to allowing any extraction. If the root canal tooth is extracted, your hot & cold WILL NOT GO AWAY! There is a possibility you have more than one problem going here, but you need to deal with the hot/cold pain first. You can find where that pain is coming from by taking a sliver of ice and touch all the teeth in the area with the ice while watching in a bathroom mirror. Once you know where it is coming from, it is highly likely you will need another root canal. Since the tooth also hurts at night, it may be that you are grinding your teeth. If that is the case, you need to deal with that also....possibly by wearing some type of splint at night so you don't grind against the tooth.
In situations like this, it is very easy to over treat in an effort to get rid of your pain. If you were my patient, I would solve the hot/cold first, then give it some time, see what pain is left over, then deal with any residual problems you might still have.
I know that this takes time and you are about at your wits end, but take things slowly and start with the temperature problem.
Hope this helps. Let me know what happens. Good luck!
