severe pain for over 2 weeks after prepping for crowns

[bawling]

I've had crippling pain for 17 days since getting bottom right back teeth prepped for crowns (#30 & #31.)  Pain started from the time I got home.  My entire right side is in screaming pain: ear, neck, throat, under jaw to my chin, and even the facial skin hurts.  After being on 3 Advils every 6 hours for couple of days, I called and went back to see the dr who said the temps were slightly high on one side.  He took care of that and prescribed Amoxicillin incase there was infection going on, although he didn't think so.  He said I may have to get root canal done, but that it is possible to develop sensitivity to novacain even if I've never had any problem with it before, and to wait and see.  I've not been able to use my right side for ANYTHING, except brushing, and was hopful that it's getting better since I've been able to go on one Advil about twice a day, but it just flaired up again.  I'm familiar with dental pains: I've had many root canals done, as well as periodontal surgeries (yes, peeling back roof of mouth to scrape bone, etc.) and even getting an area prepped for implent (which is waiting for later this year due to funds.)  To explain why I've waited so long in this severe pain, I've never had crown put on cracked tooth before.  So I thought I was just being a whimp for unfamiliar procedure.  (I've historically had problem on my left side, so I've been using my right side almost exclusively for the past 6 -7 years, and as the result, I had to get root canal done on top tooth on the right side this past fall, and discovered the discomfort was due to both #30 and #31 being cracked.  But since I didn't have sensitivity to cold or hot, the dentist thought all I needed were crowns on both.)  I'm supposed to get my crowns put on in 3 day, but I just don't know if I can wait that long.  Does anyone suffer this much for this long for crown prep on live tooth?  Will this get better?  The dentist, who has been practicing for, like, 20 years did the work himself with very efficient help next to him in 30 minutes. He did the temp crown just as efficiently really fast, too.  Could anything have gone wrong during the procedure?  Can anyone tell me why it hurts so much, and what my options are, please?

[bawling]

Ahhh...."irreversible pulpitis"....  So, that's the proper medical term for what's going on here: irreversible toothache.  That so aptly describes my condition!  Well, the dr. did minor adjustment as well as prescribing antibiotic the first time I went back.  And, when I showed up in tears, this morning he told me I'll need root canal on #30... That the crack must have been deeper.  So I managed an endodontist appt for later today.  I can't wait for all this pain to be behind me.

[scottma]

Common source of pain after crown prep is occlusal interference of temporary crown.If evidence of irreversible pulpitis is present, root canal  is indicated. You may need to go back to your dentist to have more occlusion adjustment.