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 I just had a root canal done 6 days ago, and as soon as I left the dentist I started on Ibuprofen 800 mg 3X/day. My tooth is still painful whenever I bite down. The tooth is no longer sensitive to hot or cold, however, I can't chew on that side, and it hurts and aches all the time, especially when I wake up in the morning. My tooth is also feeling loose. It's my lower left tooth (second from the back.) I had another root canal done about a year ago, (different tooth and by a different dentist)and the next day it was totally fine and it felt so much better. Previously on this tooth, I've had a cavity that had been re-done in December, then about 2-3 weeks ago I went in for the first part of the root canal. After that, It was no longer sensitive to cold, but it still hurt. When I went to the dentist 6 days ago, I told him. when he took out the temporary filling, he got out all the roots and said that it should feel better now. Unfortunatly it doesn't. I also catch myself clenching my teeth, even throughout the day. Could this be contributing to the problem? I'm really worried because I live in a town that has only 1 dentist, and he doesn't have a great reputation. Any advice that you may have would be greatly appreciated
Answer Hi LeAnne,
WOW....sorry to hear you're going through this! I think you are right on! There is an extreme liklihood that all your problems are coming from the fact that you are hitting on that tooth high and grinding & clenching your teeth just make things worse. It is a very simple matter to grind off a little of your tooth, either the upper or lower, and I think you will feel amazingly better.. You should be able to close your teeth together and grind from side to sdie with no pain. Since I'm sure you can't do that, I really think you need a bite adjustment. Give you dentist a call and get in...it only takes a couple of minutes.
