Heat sensitivity after 3 root canals and a tooth removal

[adamantium]

About 4 years ago I started experiencing pain in my left upper first molar when eating anything (not heat-related at this time). I was told it was due to a wisdom tooth that was still in the gum, so I had it removed. Then, when the pain remained, I had a root canal done on the molar. The pain remained, and I just dealt with it for a few years.

Then I got an infection and was told that the pain and infection were related to my second molar (this was by a different dentist). So I had a root canal done on my second molar. The pain disappeared. But the tooth was sensitive so I didn't get it capped. After a few months, I started experiencing intense pains in the first molar when eating (not drinking), anything hot. I was referred to a root-canal specialist who believed he should redo the first root canal I had had on my first molar. Afterwards the heat pains subsided for about 2 months. Now they are back and occur even when drinking.

What could be causing this pain? Could it be something besides the tooth? Maybe the gum? I have already been to 2 dentists and a specialist.

Thanks.
Sam

[scottma]

A root canaled tooth is generally not responsive to thermal stimulus. if a non-vital tooth does respond to thermal or elctrical stimulus, the possibility is neuritis.

[adamantium]

Thank you. The tooth is now sensitive to all temperatures. If this toothache isn't odontogenous, why would it have ceased for 2 months after having my root killed during the root canal?

[scottma]

Not all toothaches are odontogenous. If there is no structural pathology of alveolodental tissue, non-odontogenous toothache is probably the culprit of pain. Seeing an orofacial pain specialist is advised.