major tooth pain after crown prep x 2.

I had 2 crown preps done on # 18 & 19. I have a TERRIBLE time getting fully numb, can always feel some amt of pain. It took 4 hours the first visit (11-2-06) and 3 hours the second visit (11-9-06)to finally get the preps complete and impressions! I still have to go back again to have the perm crowns put on!!! Anyway, #19 has been causing me major grief. I have been taking 600 mg IBU tid and 2 Vicodin at HS (just so I don't wake up in pain in the middle of the night). Pain is usually upon waking in the am (I think I am a grinder) and after eating or drinking. I just pulled a piece of retraction cord out from around #18 (I thought that was supposed to come out before temps put on?). I had these crowns done as "preventative maintenance" due to very large fillings and some decay under the filling. I really want to avoid RCT.  I am so sick and tired of feeling like someone has punched me in the face, jaw and eye about 100 times. After this I am never going to have "preventative maintenance" done. I am so pissed at my dentist right now and I don't trust him at all. How long should one wait for pain to subside before going to endodontist? I know some pain inevitable with temps, but deep ache/throb? Have you ever heard of retraction cord staining surrounding teeth? Well it stained half of them grey on the left side at the gumline. Thank you for your time.....

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

A retraction cord should be removed at the time of the impression. I think this amount of pain is unexceptable. I would consider doing the rct at this time if you are getting no relief.

[JJJJJo]

I am experiencing this same thing.  I just had a Temp bridge and crown placed and I am in serious pain.  I thought that I should have had a RTC before going ahead with it.  Anyway, I did not and now I have to wait two weeks to get in to see the ENDO. I raised theses questions before hand and I could tell my dentist did not was not hearing my concerns.  I have had a hard time finding quality dentists these days.

[HatetheDentist]

How in the world do you find a quality dentist? My friend worked for this dentist (as an assistant) and said he was good but took an extremely long time getting work done. My impression is he has no confidence and fiddle farts around figuring out what to do. I am going to have his associate cement the final crowns on cause I can't take another 4 hours with my mouth open to have perms cemented on!!!

[JJJJJo]

I have been to 12 different dentists and it takes a lot of time to find the right one, especially if you are in need of major work being done.  I found a great one in O.C but I have moved since.

Good luck with yours.