Expert: Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD - 2/12/2005

Question
I had a root canal done last year in May on my back tooth. Ever since I had it done, I am not able to chew on the tooth and constantly have had a pulling and burning pressure in the tooth.

I have seen a root canal specialist and two oral surgeons who find nothing wrong with the tooth.

My doctor has tried Neurontin and Tregretol and thinking it may be a nerve problem but they do not give me any relief.

Could you please let me know if you have had patients with this problem and would I to do to
get some relief.

Thank you in advance.


Answer
Hi Linda,

WOW... sounds like you are really going through it! I don't blame you for being frustrated. However, you have done all the right things and still no relief. I have never had a patient go through exactly what you are going through, but if you truly believe the specialists have given you a through exam and conclude there is nothing wrong with the tooth, I see only 2 options. One is to extract the tooth and replace it with a bridge or implant and the other is to do exploratory surgery on the end of the root ( if it is surgically accessible ), to see if there is something that could be fixed that might not be seen on xrays. I admit that has a questionable prognosis and is something else to go through, but it would be a last hope to prevent extraction. It's a tough call and a VERY personal decision...there is no right answer, just depends on how bad you want to save the tooth.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD