Dental work and 7 wks pregnant...

I know it's really up to my ob and my dentist but I am 7 wks preggo and started to feel slight toothache last night.  The tooth where the pain is coming from had a root canal done on it some time ago, or at least I thought I had a root canal - could have just been a filling.  The tooth was never capped/crowned and it eventually broke.  I haven't experienced any pain with the tooth until now.  My gums have grown over a portion of the tooth but I can still feel the outer portion with my tounge and can see it in the mirror.  #1, if a root canal was done on it why is it bothering me? and do you think I'll have to wait until after delivery before I can have the remaining portion of the tooth extracted if they have to cut into the gum that has grown over to do so?  I know the only pain reliever I can take being preggo is extra strength tylenol and that doesn't always do the trick.  I know I would need something stronger for the pain, but I can't take anything else without effecting my baby.  Any advice...

[Matthew Baron, D.M.D.]

If the tooth has had root canal treatment then it most likely has new infection, possibly periodontal or recurrent from not restoring the tooth.  You won't have to wait for delivery, the best time during pregnancy is in the second trimester for emergency treatment.  But obviously it is up to your OB and your treating dentist.