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Dental Health (Expert Forum)
Root canal required?
Answered by
Matthew Baron, D.M.D. - Dental
Questions in the Dental Health forum are answered by Dr. Jerome Tsang and Dr. Jerome Bogin. Topics covered include bridges, cavities, crowns, and x-rays.
Root canal required?
by Dentalphobic, Apr 11, 2006 12:00AM
Hi,
Six months ago I had pain in a lower molar. My dentist removed the old filling and discovered a crack across the base of the tooth and a new filling was put in (used a white material). I had no problem chewing on the tooth and no sensitivity to heat or cold. After 4 1/2 months a crown was installed. Now I cannot chew on the tooth without developing pain and very sore gums. I have been out of town but my dentist put me on antibiotics for a possible abcess (abscess) and has lined me up for a root canal with a specialist.
My question concerns the need for a root canal since I do not want to have one done if not absolutely necessary. If the tooth felt ok before the crown, why would it not feel ok with the crown? Could it be the crown installation itself? How long does pain from an abcess (abscess) usually last? My pain stopped 3-4 hours after I stopped chewing on the tooth although I took all of the antibiotic over a 7 day period. I tend to believe it was not an abcess (abscess) but something being irritated instead. I have not used the tooth in a week.
I have noticed that it was difficult to floss on one side of the tooth before the crown due to narrow space but now there is more space there.
Your advise appreciated.
Six months ago I had pain in a lower molar. My dentist removed the old filling and discovered a crack across the base of the tooth and a new filling was put in (used a white material). I had no problem chewing on the tooth and no sensitivity to heat or cold. After 4 1/2 months a crown was installed. Now I cannot chew on the tooth without developing pain and very sore gums. I have been out of town but my dentist put me on antibiotics for a possible abcess (abscess) and has lined me up for a root canal with a specialist.
My question concerns the need for a root canal since I do not want to have one done if not absolutely necessary. If the tooth felt ok before the crown, why would it not feel ok with the crown? Could it be the crown installation itself? How long does pain from an abcess (abscess) usually last? My pain stopped 3-4 hours after I stopped chewing on the tooth although I took all of the antibiotic over a 7 day period. I tend to believe it was not an abcess (abscess) but something being irritated instead. I have not used the tooth in a week.
I have noticed that it was difficult to floss on one side of the tooth before the crown due to narrow space but now there is more space there.
Your advise appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by Matthew Baron, D.M.D., Apr 11, 2006 12:00AM
, Apr 11, 2006 12:00AM
It sounds like you needed a crown due to the crack in the tooth. It may be that the crown does not fit properly or that the bite is off. Did the tooth hurt immediately after the crown was placed (even in the temporary crown) or did it take a while? Sometimes it does take a while for a root canal to be necessary. Is there any radiographic evidence of infection at the apex(tip) of the tooth. If it is not the bite or fit of the crown, it sounds like a root canal would be the way to go. Good Luck.
Member Comments (2)
by Dentalphobic, Apr 11, 2006 12:00AM
When I had the temporary crown, the pain was not like this but I favored the other side of my mouth. I will get my dentist to check the fit of the crown.
