Infected tooth?

[Melimeliss]

If I had an infect tooth, wouldn't it hurt all the time?

I only feel sensation in the tooth when i eat hot food.
?????????

thanks,
Mel

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Its possible to have an infection with no major symptoms.  What happens is the infection spreads quickly and kills the nerve off, resulting in no pain or sensation whatsoever until the infection spreads into the jawbone or other areas.  Sometimes the gases from the bacteria build up in the tooth and results in pressure or pain and can be actually relieved by cold.

It would be best to get a x-ray and get a root canal done on the tooth before the cavity gets larger and it becomes difficult or impossible to restore the tooth.

[Melimeliss]

It's difficult to describe.  It feels like the tooth is being squeezed and twice it was a sharp pain which doesn't last long.

A dentist said I needed a root canal 8 yrs ago, but I have had no problems with it til last week.  No pain to cold or pressure.  It is starting to darken near the gums, but it is an "eye tooth" and I'm 42 years old.  Wouldn't it be strange if the tooth was in trouble for the past 8 years and I had no symptoms?

Is it easy to evaluate with an x-ray?  My mouth is super-sensitive and I don't want to cause more pain by having a root canal done.  Would a dental CAT scan be of any help?

Thanks for your wisdom,
Melissa

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

What kind of sensation are you feeling?  Tingling, throbbing pain, stabbing pain, etc?

It may not necessarily be hurting all the time.  If it was, it most likely would need a root canal.  Pain to hot though is a bad sign and should be evaluated by a dentist.  Any pain to cold liquids at all?