Dr. Hall,
I recently (5 weeks ago) had a root canal in my right crowned front tooth by a very highly skilled Endodontist (he used a microscope). I still experience discomfort in this tooth, (no hot or cold). If my tongue touches the tooth, when I chew food or if I slightly push on the tooth it is sensitive. Should I give this a little longer, or should I contact my dentist and advise I am still experiencing discomfort? I have already had my permanent filling put in.
– Susan from Maryland
Susan,
I can’t tell from what you’re telling me if something is wrong with this tooth or not. It’s typical for a tooth to be at least a little sensitive to pressure after a root canal treatment. Five weeks is a little long for this to be going on. But if it’s still getting better, it should be okay. If the root canal treatment caused a little swelling, which would cause this tooth to swell up a little in its socket so that you hit it first, it could take a while for that to heal itself.
If it is getting better from week to week, I wouldn’t do anything now. But when you go to your dentist for your next regular checkup, I’d ask them to x-ray this tooth and check it out, just to make sure it’s okay.
Dr. Hall
You may want to read more about pain after a root canal treatment.
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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.
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