Tooth Pain after Root Canal

[Shadow513]

I had a large filling removed and the tooth (#18 molar) crowned with a gold crown in March 2004.  It was always a little sensitive after the procedure and there was pain when biting down on that tooth, but the dentist said it might take a while to "calm down" so I waited.  In February 2006 I began experiencing tremendous nerve pain in that tooth, roaring in my ears, ear pain etc.  I went to the ear doctor and there was no ear infection.  I went to the dentist and she thought my bite was off.  The tooth was extremely sensitive to cold.  She adjusted my bite even though she was unable to numb me.  It got worse.  The bite was off so much it was somewhat unbelievable.  I woke up one morning and the tooth felt like it had moved or something - it was unbearably painful.  The dentist (a different dentist, same practice - general dentists) prescribed antibiotics.  That seemed to work.  He then performed a root canal by going through the gold crown.  The bite is still off, I have a night guard now and the tooth hurts when I bite down on it or tap it with my finger.  I don't understand how I can still have pain if he performed a root canal.  He has not yet filled the access and is prescribing antibiotics once again and if this doesn't work he will refer me to an endodontist. On the jawbone where this tooth is I also feel a lump.  I still have problems with my ear too - it always feels like I have pressure in it.  I'm beginning to think the tooth may be fractured or he missed a canal and that I have symptoms of TMJ.  I also recently ceased menstruating and am probably menopausal.

[nomorenicknames]

I replied to this post and I don't see it showing up, so here goes again. I would like to know how you made out as I have a similar problem. Biting pain 4 months now after a "perfect" root canal. I don't know if I want the endo going back in there to check as the first time was traumatic enough for me mentally. Please reply. N

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

I would consider going to an Endodotist asap. It sounds like there is an active infection in that tooth. More definitve treatment is necessary.