Cold/pain in jaw bone

[DaphneLynne]

Hi, I had one root canal on #30 and it was fine.  Two weeks later, root canal on #15-part of my tooth fell out, then the sealent came out. (I was not chewing anything, I was drinking water!) My jaw bone has not been the same since.  I was diagnosed with tmj years ago and use a night guard that keeps my back teeth from touching.  This pain is different than past tmj pain.  I can only describe it as coldness in the bone.  I was given steroids which I thought helped.  I went last week to get temporary crown on #30 and did okay until yesterday..now the pain is back and becoming debilating.  I have been resting the jaw, eating pudding, yogurt, etc, wearing my guard during the day, ibuprofen and neurontin.  should i continue to assume it is tmj and treat accordingly or go see doctor or have dentist x-ray jaw bone,etc.   Please help.  thank you for your time.

[Michael H Kirsch, DDS]

You should not assume anything, but you are correct that you need further investigation.  An underlying TMJ disorder may get worse following dental treatment or over use of the jaws.

You should definitely let the dentist know who has recently performed the treatment and allow them to determine if your symptoms are related to something they may have done.  Even a local anesthesia injection can precipitate pain for several days.  If they cannot explain your symptoms then see the specialist.

Information contained within this reply is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended nor implied to be a medical diagnosis or treatment recommendation.  This is not a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. Always seek the advice of your own doctor for medical condition. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.