Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

root canal tooth still painful

I've had pressure pain in a the last molar on the upper left for over 2 years now, which after much treatment is not getting better. I had it filled 3 times, after which I still kept having mild pain. The dentist put a gold inlay and adjusted the bite, no difference. He couldn't tell anything from the X-Rays, but the pain got worse and I asked him to do a root canal this May. The tooth was all dead. After the root canal, my pain got worse - I had severe response to cold and hot and even to movement. After taking antibiotics and painkillers w/o difference I asked to dentist to re-do it, which he did very reluctantly. He took out the filling of the canal and didn't seal it, because I was about to leave for a couple of months. The throbbing pain was now gone, but I still had pressure pain and occasionally pain that came on its own. There was never any swelling, although the gum area is sensitive to pressure. A month ago the dentist filled the root canal again after draining it and said there was some blood in it. The tooth was painful - i was given anesthesia, and no difference again. I am wondering is it possible that there is a 4th canal and that is causing the problem?  Could redoing the root canal again make a difference?  How long can I wait without doing something?  
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I would advise you read about Trigeminal Neuralgia. Some people have unnecessary root canals when it is really a nerve issue.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
There is always the possibility of a fourth or accessory canal. I do not know if the dentist is an endodontist, if not it might be a good idea to see a specialist at this point.If the infection is still present it is only going to get worse so I don't think it would make much sense to wait.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have worked for a Endodontist (Root canal specialist) for over 6 years now.  I can tell you there can most likely be a 4th canal in that tooth. Also if you are having sens to hot and cold I would consider it may be another tooth. Once the nerve is removed you shoul not be feeling "hot and cold" in that tooth. I would highly reccomend seeing an Endodontist, as they have an additional 2 years of training for Root Canal procedures and most of them have Dental Microscopes in the office so they can locate 4th canals.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Dental Health Forum

Popular Resources
If you suffer from frequent headaches, jaw clicking and popping ear pain, you may have TMJ. Top dentist Hamidreza Nassery, DMD, has the best TMJ treatments for you.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.