Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 7/21/2006

Question
Thanks for your quick reply. If I have to have the root canal, will they remove my crown and do the root canal and then replace the crown? I am hoping my $1300 will not have been in vain.

Mary
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Followup To

Question -
Hello Dr. Dalin,

First a little background, I have 6 or 7 Crowned teeth, probably 3 root canals and an implant. Other than the implant, I have never had any numbing during any procedure - I think I must have a high tolerance. Anyway, I had a back molar begin to bother me and during my last cleaning, my dentist noticed a visible crack along the top of the molar and we scheduled a crown. During the procedure I experienced quite a bit of pain and so asked for a bit of novacaine (or whatever it is they use), a temporary was put on and 2 weeks later the permanent. I have had pain ever since the original work was done, including now and the permanent was put on July 10th. Since I have never had ANY problems with past crowns I am a bit concerned about the sensitivity still on this tooth. I am taking Motrin 2 X a day, usually AM and PM. What do you think could be causing the problem and should I have it looked at?

Thank you!

Answer -
Mary
Here are some possible explanations for your discomfort: 1) the bite or occlusion is off on the new crown. if you hit too hard on it, it will become sore. you can adjust the bite and make the soreness disappear. 2) the crack might have extended down into the nerve of the tooth and it now needs a root canal. this occurs often when it comes to teeth that have large cracks in it.

i would make an appointment with your dentist right away and have the tooth xrayed and evaluated. you might end up needing a root canal but that will make the pain go away. good luck...let me know if you have any more questions.

jeff dalin, dds


Answer
Mary
This happens now and then. The root canal doc cuts a tiny hole in the top of the crown and does the root canal through this hole. You then go back to your dentist who then fills the hole in with some plastic. You cannot see it and it reseals things. The crown therefore is fine from then on as is. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Jeff Dalin, DDS