Expert: Frederick R. Liewehr DDS, MS, FICD - 4/13/2007

Question
I just had a lower molar root canal the other day for irreversible pulpitus, there was no infection but the tooth had a crack in it but the endodontist did not see that the crack extended anywhere. Most of the tooth structure was still good. I have no cold/hot sensitivity anymore and no more throbbing pain but when I touch or press on the tooth there is sensitivity, is this common after RCT even if it was successful?

Answer
I can't say for certain where your pain is coming from - there are a number of possibilities. First yes, it is common to have some minor discomfort after endodontic therapy; this normally lasts only a couple days. 3 Advil 4 times per day should help. If the tooth is "banging" when you bite, it needs adjusted. You can tell if this is the case by grinding your teeth together. If that hurts, it needs adjusted. This, too, should settle down within a week. If, after a week, it is still sore to biting on something, but doesn't hurt when you grind, it could still be the fracture. Often you cannot see them clinically; staining with special dye helps during the root canal treatment. There are other possibilities, such as an undiscovered canal, that your endodontist can explore if the tooth does not improve in several months. In the meanwhile, you will want to have the tooth protected from breaking with a temporary crown or ortho band. Your regular dentist can place this for you. I would be certain it feels good before spending the money on a permanent crown. Good luck!

Dr. Liewehr