Tooth sensitivity "post" root canal & crown

[michelea]

Around August 08 I had a root canal on an upper tooth, (second to last tooth, left side) that had a lot of previsous work (filling replaced years back, then full crown 3 years ago) The root canal seemed to heal fine. I then had crown lenghtening surgery in the same upper back area as I had develped a deep pocket (I was told there was not enough margin from gum to tooth from the original crown placement) After several months of healing, I had the permanant crown placed on the two back upper teeth. The very last back tooth seems to be fine. The second to last tooth has been sensitive since the temporary crown was placed. Its been over 3 months and it is still sensitive to the touch and when I chew. We did several bite adjustments which did not correct the sensitivity. Do you think there is chance the tooth is fractured? Given that tooth had a root canal, do you think its more likley an issue around that proceedure or the crown proceedure? What do you suggest I do to try to troubleshoot the problem? Lastly, could it be something as simple as the tooth still needs time to settle? Thanks so much for your time and support.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

It could be a number of things that can cause the sensitivity but since the timing of the pain occured after the temp crowns were placed, I would suspect that replacing the crown may fix the problem.  I would try that first prior to doing anything more extensive.  Sometimes just placing the permanent crown can solve the problem.  

Best to consult with your dentist to your particular case though.  

[michelea]

Will you please share the other possibilities of what could be causing sensitivity?

FYI, I was wearing an old mouth gard which was not fitting well post the proceedures, the dentist did adjust it however I stopped wearing it to test whether that could be causing the sensitivity. I doubt it is the 'main' culprit but I'm having a new one made.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about vairous causes post crown work and sensitivity.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

It can be a wide range of possibilities.  It is most likely caused by the gums themselves due to the fact that the root canal was done.  This gum irritation can be caused by excess cement, high bite/occlusion, periodontal disease (gum disease), trauma to your gums, it could be referred pain and not actually that tooth but a tooth nearby, etc.

Your dentist would be better able to figure it out.