Many issues, unsure what to be concerned about!

[mscott78]

Two and a half weeks ago, I have a ceramic onlay put on #31. The deep filling there had cracked.

The procedure greatly affected my TMJ problems, which isn't unusual for me. My jaw was very sore for the first week. But the tooth hurt to bite on, so I went in and got a bite adjustment this week. It doesn't hurt to bite now, which is great. My questions are:

1. The tooth is very sensitive to cold and a little sensitive to heat. (I have sensitive teeth anyway.) How long can a tooth be sensitive like this?

2. When I eat cold or hot things, it seems like the sensitivity radiates to my jaw. But I can't tell if this is because my jaw is so sore or because of the tooh. But I also have pain in my jaw at random times that is true TMJ pain. I also have a sinus infection, which makes my jaw hurt too!

3. The tooth doesn't hurt spontaneously, but it's so close to my jaw, I'm paranoid that I'm mistaking a dying nerve for TMJ. Would a dying nerve react positively to heat or ice on the outside of the face? I use a heat pack or ice pack on my jaw and that takes the pain away.

I'm worried about going back to my dentist with my concerns because I don't want an unnecessary root canal, and he is always eager to do things rather than answer my questions! I know you can't examine my tooth, but I'd like some input if possible! Should I give it more time or go in?

[toothach86]

if u r still sensitive to the cold stuff i guess a part of ur tooth is still exposed or some caries weren't totally removed and might lead to pulpitis so i guess if u do need root canal u should go for it cuz since the tooth is covered then there shouldn't be any pain or sensitivity ..thats just my opinion :) good luck

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

You can monitor the situation and see if there's an improvement.  Sometimes there is sensitivity after working on a tooth.  You can check the vitality of the tooth by doing a cold test from your dentist to see how the pulp is responding.  Depending on the results, it may need a root canal.  I would give it about 4-6 weeks though after the placement and adjustment of the onlay to see how it goes.  It sounds to me though that it may be more of a TMJ/muscle pain due to the relief you get from a cold/warm towel on the cheek.