Puckering feeling after a root canal

[Vicky5549]

A few months ago I had a crown put on the 2nd bottom molar. I went back twice for pain, x-rays were done, they showed nothing. I started feeling like I was sucking a lemon behind the last molar and had a slight swelling kind of like a lymph node under my ear.  I went to get a root canal at the advice of my dentist.  The endodontist had to remove the crown and said there were two cavities in the tooth.  He did the root canal and I asked him to permanently fill it, which he did.  I had every intention of going back to my dentist to get another crown but now I continue to have a slight pucker feeling and most times I can press under my right ear and I salivate from the right lower side.  First, is this something that sounds familiar?  Do you think my root canal needs checking? I do feel some discomfort when I touch the tooth.  I'm afraid to get another crown at this time.  Also do you think the dentist should be responsible for paying for the 2nd crown since I gave him warning signs early on?  Thank you.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

I'm not quite familiar with your symptoms.  How long ago was the root canal done?  Sometimes you may still have some symptoms such as pressure or sensitivity after a root canal but it should go away with time as the inflammation goes away and the area heals.

You definitely need a crown on that tooth since it was already prepared for one.  Without a crown, you run the risk of fracturing your tooth.  

As for payment, that is a personal matter that you need to discuss with your dentist.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Hmm.. it should definitely be better after a month.  Has the symptoms improved since then?  Its also possible that without a crown there, the food is getting stuck there and causing an irritation as well.  Once the crown is in, there should be significant improvement.  

Good luck!

[Vicky5549]

The root canal was about a month ago.  I've been very careful with chewing.  The symptoms are worse after eating until I brush my teeth but there is no food between the teeth anymore.  That was the problem I had with the crown.  I had to carry dental floss everywhere.

I will go back for the crown and discuss it with my dentist.  Thank you.