Dr. Hall,
I had a root canal on the last upper right molar approximately 1 year ago. I have had no problems since then until last week. The previous week I had a cold & took a z-pac antibotic. No sinus infection that I know of. Then my tooth gradually began to hurt with pressure (no problem with hot or cold) and got progressively worse over a weekend. The dentist thought I had an irritated socket and removed some of tooth surface to correct the bite. 3 days later I am still in pain & taking large doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Today he checked my gums and found a pocket on one side of this tooth of 5mm. My checkup of 6 months ago was recorded at 3mm. He treated me today for periodontal diease thinking this could be the source of my pain and he eliminated the bite altogether on this tooth. The tooth is not loose and shows no problem on the xrays. I was hoping to save this tooth, but I having serious doubts now after the periodontal procedure. I have been in a lot of pain now for a whole week and more today after the procedure. At this point I just want this tooth out of my mouth. How common is it to have periodontal issues on a crowned tooth with root canal? The readings on my other teeth are 1mm & 2mm. I feel like this is most likely not the problem and I most likely have a cracked root. Thank you for any comments.
– Sharon from Texas
Dear Sharon,
I’m not sure why your dentist is puzzling over this and trying all these theories. From the very first symptoms, when the tooth started to hurt to pressure one year after having a root canal treatment, it seems to me like a straightforward case of root canal failure. Everything else you’re saying only reinforces this. I can’t confirm that, of course, without an exam, but the history of this tooth fits that, and that would be the first thing to check. I’d ask your dentist to refer you to a root canal specialist, because they specialize in dealing with root canal failure.
And, while a 5 mm pocket isn’t perfect health, that shouldn’t be causing any pain. That sounds strange to me that your dentist would treat you for gum disease thinking that this was related to your pain. Maybe there’s something I don’t know about your case that makes him think that.
I see on the map that you aren’t that far from Dallas. You should be able to find a good root canal specialist (endodontist) there to help fix this tooth.
Links: Click here to ask Dr. Hall a question.
We thank our advertisers who help fund this site. |
About David A. Hall
Dr. David A. Hall was one of the first 40 accredited cosmetic dentists in the world. He practiced cosmetic dentistry in Iowa, and in 1990 earned his accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He is now president of Infinity Dental Web, a company in Mesa, Arizona that does advanced internet marketing for dentists.