Crown for fractured tooth

[Gidget234]

After biting down on something hard two weeks ago, I had a lot of pain when chewing on that particular tooth. My dentist first said that part of a filling had fallen out and refilled the tooth. That didn't help.  Upon a return visit, he resized the shape of the filling and the pain was even worse.  He then said that my tooth was fractured in three places and would need a crown.  He shaved the tooth down, said he thinks he filed down all three of the fractured areas and fitted me with a temporary crown.  He said if that didn't help, I would need root canal.

I am still having pain when biting down (although not as severe as it once was).  Is this part of the healing process after having all that work done on my mouth.  I don't want to have a root canal and then find out that it didn't do any good.

A reply would be greatly appreciated.

[troubledteethtoo]

I always think of my Dad, who had the majority of his teeth pulled in this thirties, and has had dentures ever since.  Seems like a simpler route to go with out all this constant pain.  You can look at my story under "throbbing pain under crown".  I've moved often and have seen many dentists in my lifetime.  For the most part, they are either out to make money or clueless about how you feel and how to help you, not to mention trying to grope both you and the assistant at the same time.  I'm beginning to believe that the simplest road for cracked or fractured teeth, if they are not right in the front, is to simply have them pulled.  Yes, yes, I know all about teeth moving.  But I would never have implants...as you age, they come loose from your jaw and need to be removed...revisit all that pain...remember that care free denture road!  I'm somewht experienced here.  I have 11 crowns and only 10 natural teeth, maybe four with no fillings.  I've seen it or had it all done to me, literally.  Most days I rather face my most dire nightmares than try to find a dentist who will actually help.  I go to a nice dentist now, who isn't a golddigger, and tries to help, but from what I've read on here recently, it's very difficult to do anything for a fractured tooth.  I'm personnally waiting and seeing what happens with mine.  I have classic symptoms of a fractured tooth under a crown, and from all I've read, I believe I will eventually have it pulled.  I was going to try an endodontist, but I don't want a root canal, and that's probably what he would do.  And in my experience, once they have you in that chair, they proceed with treatment, whether you want it or not.  A question for you pertykitty, should I turn in the dentist who x-rayed me without a lead apron, and if so, to whom.  To me it sometimes feels like Little Shop of Horrors wherever I go.  (Like the guy who tried to put in three fillings at the same time.  By the time he got to the finishing treatments, the fillings were so set that he was literally yanking my head from side to side to get the floss in and out.  Or the hygenist from hell, who used that nasty ultrasonic thing, despite my protests, left me in pain for over a week, using salt washes to prevent infection.)  
More than enough for anyone.
A dear friend of mine just admitted that he has not been to a dentist for over 25 years, and he's fine.  If I can manage it, I am going to follow his example.
Troubledteethtoo

[pertykitty]

well im not a dds but a cracked tooth does at times need a root canal. either that or remove the tooth, and i dont think too many people would go for that.  i cant say, your dds has to decide what is the problem.  im sure when they told you they were going to do this treatment they told you there is not a guarentee with any tooth that it will come out ok.  sometimes when we fall and our tooth becomes loose and cracked it will have to be removed eventually. discuss this with your dds.  see if you need to try to live with it or go with an implant.  

[carol1551]

My two front teeth were affected from a fall on concrete 6-20-07. It felt as though the left tooth had a severed nerve, because it was loose, but it didn't hurt, like the nerve was cut or something. the dentist temp filled the right, which was a small chip, and bonded the left front tooth to the tooth next door to give it a chance to "tighten up".
3 weeks later, I go in, the tooth is still NOT hurting, however it is still very loose, and I feel "pressure" from the moving of the loose tooth. He does the cold testing, ect, and decides it needs root canal and capping. next morning I go in, and during the rc process, the nurse shows me an exray of the tooth, and this tooth had a clear straight crack all the way. Now, here's my question,,,,after the root canal, this tooth hurts to touch, move, apply pressure up, suction down. Why? I have had another root canal, and never experienced pain "after" the rc,,,,before, yes, but not afterwards. Here I am 4 weeks later and the pain is there..........Also, I read where, on this site, another dds wrote to a patient that a cracked tooth is NEVER to have a root canal. Would this have probably been true for my cracked, broken tooth, also? ,,,,,,I will find that posting now and reread that one. Thanks for your time pc.   carol

[pertykitty]

dont be afraid. the reason people are so fearful of them is you never hear of the great ones lol. sure some can be unfomfortable after, but most arent. having one done that needs to be done outways the avoiding it out of fear.  good luck!

[Gidget234]

It hurts more when I bite down than when I release the bite and then throbs for a while thereafter. I am going to see an endodontist tomorrow; I just hope I don't need a root canal (I'm absolutely terrified of having it done).

[pertykitty]

do you ask your dentist any of these questions?  try this, bite down.  does it hurt more when you bite or when you release the bite?  a fracture seems to hurt more when you release.  i think its a wait and see right now. once a nerve becomes irriated it doesnt always mean a root canal is absolute, time will only tell.