pain and some throbbing on back tooth i ha d aroot canald on 6 months ago. when i press on the crown there some pain. what can be causing this 6 months after the procedure?

I had a similar problem and I went to the guy who did my root canal and he said that he didn't see any infection. But he decided that if it was hurting then there was probably something wrong. So he did a root canal retreatment. That is where they go back in and clean out your canals again, because they may have missed something the first time and that is why you have pain. I would go to the person who did your root canal and let them take xrays. They should be able to determine what is wrong. Good luck :)

If the crown they placed on the tooth is not seated properly, this can cause pain. What you may be feeling are the ligaments that hold the tooth in the jaw. If you are placing a lot of stress on that tooth because the crown is not seated properly, the ligaments get stressed as well.

Is the pain only when you press on the crown? If it is, it's more likely a problem with the crown and not the Endodontic treatment.

Hi Jennifer, Just out of curiousity, would a misplaced crown cause a tooth to throb? I ask because like rc1975, I also had throbbing and pain and no one even suggested the possibility of a crown issue. The endodontist also saw nothing on the xray. Since my first root canal last summer, I have had a retreatment and an apico. I would hate that I had all that done, when it was just a crown issue. How could they tell the difference? Thanks.

Hello--Wow--I too have had terrible throbbing after the last 2 root canals -6 weeks ago...pulling, pain, etc....but not constantly!---which is what confusing the drs.--Have had 2 rounds of antibiotics and lots of advil. He of course sees nothing wrong in the x-ray ( and 2 other endodontists that I consulted!)--I don't know whether to give it "more Time" or let them do the surgery--which will probably cause MORE inflammation....I'm just afraid of making it all worse..-----It seems to get more painful as the day goes on--very strange--but this is all wearing me out!!!
Did anyones problem just resolve with some time?
Did re treatment fix the problem? or the surgery?
Thanks for the help.

I too developed problems after a root canal. It turned out that I had terrible muscle spams in my face which can be mistaken for a toothache. This could be the "pulling" you feel. Advil and ice can help. Please look into this avenue before you have any surgery. I learned the hard way.

It's funny you say that SuzyQ, but I had a muscle severed when the wisdom tooth next to my problem tooth was pulled. I had the original root canal before this happened but the retreatment and apico took place after. I have been wondering the whole time if it could be the muscle and not the tooth. I don't know how I could differentiate the pain or who to ask. I brought it up with my dentist and Endo and they both dismissed it.

Also does the muscle pain ever go away? It has been two years since the ordeal with the muscle and I don't know what the problem is back there, but the pain comes and goes all the time.

Hi there,
I do not want to discourage anybody with my two cents worth but after two years of dental agony, I am a dental anti-propanganda person and a dentists nightmare.
Are any of you "sensitive" in general? For ex. to meds, creams, foods,foreign agents in your body etc? I have had all four wisdoms removed, 3 root canals and just never ending agony. The reason being I am an over sensitive type, plus some Herpes virsuses which make it double difficult for your body to be comfortable with a "foreign" object in it. The minute your tooth is rc "dead" it is foreign to your body and not every body can tolerate that. Endodontics is big business and so are implants. You need to have a straight, honest dentist who is not a gold digger and will outright tell you "you are not a candidate for a RC or an implant."
After 8 ddts, I finally have an honest ddt who immediately just from looking at me, knew I am the sensitive type and that he can't just drill and fill away to his hearts content. Have a read about root canals. There is loads of info available to the distress of endodentists who fear their work will be smeared. A dead tooth in a sensitive persons body is a time bomb, septic tank holder of bacterii. A good way to find out whether or not a RC is the right thing for you is to just have a look at the check list for implant candidates. If more than a couple of things say you are not a candidate, then you are most probably a person whose body will not accept foreign things and extraction is the only relief. I have severe trigeminal neuralgia from my failed RCS that basically blurs one eye, creates extreme eye pain, ear aches, sinus disfunction, jaw pain, lip tremble etc... All i can do now is wait for the nerve to heal again.
Anyway, just some food for thought from another perspective.
Take good care,

My problem has been going on for over 3 years now. It was my dentist who first diagnosed the muscle spasms. He put his finger inside my mouth and felt the masseter muscle, it was hard as rock. A good physical therapist can also feel if these muscles are in spasm. It is very hard to differentiate between muscle spasms and tooth pain. I can now feel the muscles with my finger when they're in spasm. Also, my doctor prescribed muscle relaxers and when I take them the pain subsides and my tooth no longer hurts, unfortunately it's only a temporary fix.

Thanks for the info Suzyq, I will keep that in mind the next time I am feeling pain over there. I just hate how my dentist and my endo dismissed the thought that it could be muscle pain and not a toothache that was causing my pain. I seriously have never been to a good and competent dentist. I am beginning to think that there are very few out there.

Hello--Wow--I too have had terrible throbbing after the last 2 root canals -6 weeks ago...pulling, pain, etc....but not constantly!---which is what confusing the drs.--Have had 2 rounds of antibiotics and lots of advil. He of course sees nothing wrong in the x-ray ( and 2 other endodontists that I consulted!)--I don't know whether to give it "more Time" or let them do the surgery--which will probably cause MORE inflammation....I'm just afraid of making it all worse..-----It seems to get more painful as the day goes on--very strange--but this is all wearing me out!!!
Did anyones problem just resolve with some time?
Did re treatment fix the problem? or the surgery?
Thanks for the help.


Ask them to check the tooth for fractures. Because sometime when you have all this work done on a tooth, you can get a fracture in the tooth. This is somethng that won't show up on a xray.
I hope this helps
Cinn

Thanks,SuzQ22---Did the "muscle pain" usually come later in the day...and esp. lying down???---How could I know if it is muscle or a "cracked" tooth???
It seems like it moves all the time!!!
Thanks for any advice........

The pain starts first thing in the morning because I clench all night. Then it wears off midmorning and later in the afternoon it's the worst. I think lying down it feels better because my neck, back and facial muscles relax more. The ice definately helps too.
A cracked tooth just hurts when you bite down on it and muscle pain is pretty constant. I've allways questioned whether my tooth has a crack also because I have pain when biting, but the dentist said he can't see anything in the xray and it could be the muscles. I've had a few periods of no muscle pain and it seemed that the tooth felt better at that time.

I also am having problems 6 months after root canal. I got the root canal because I had a crown put on back molar after a piece of tooth fell out after eating something soft. It never felt fully comfortable. Like I needed to floss behind the tooth. THEN<<<<after a few months it started to have biting pain in one back area. Dentist adjusted the crown, applied medication,, and wound up trying 2 other type crowns. Still biting pain in one area. Also it progressed to ear pain, pain in jaw and chin. Xray showed only a widened PDL. These are the symptoms that I got the root canal on.....Had a top endodontist do it. Real quick an painless. I was glad about that because I have health anxiety and was extremely fearful.....Well, lo and behold the biting pain is still there after a week, I call endo and says this can be normal, give it time. I call back after the 2 months or so they told me to wait because I still have biting pain. Not just biting pain but it hurts to even touch it or suck in air the wrong way (this was from day one). Not incredible pain (except for the biting on food part, that is painful, I have not eaten on that side in like 2 years) He says it still could be slow healing, he does not think he missed anything ( of course!) but I could go in and have him check with the magnifiers etc...(OK< I am livid about how doctors ,a specialist no less, go about their jobs. Why don't they check to find ALL the canals and magnify the area in the first place?! Especially for nervous wreck patients like myself. Does NOT make sense to take this chance!!) I surely do not want to have another root canal, a re-do, if it is slow healing, I have searched many internet sites and have heard it can take a year to heal in some case.....Well, some ear , jaw and chin discomfort came back about 3 wks ago. I went to my regular dentist a few days ago and he ground the crown down a little more and it seems to have helped with that. He has also probed the gums and they are fine. By the way, he has no clue what the problem is, and my root canal xrays are "text book" perfect. I am really upset and nervous and would like some feedback and advice. And I am SO very sorry for all of you going thru this. I thought not getting the proper dx and care from the doctor was bad, now I can add the dentist to this. But is someone at fault or is it just dentistry is that hard to dx? Please help people and thank you! Maria

Maria----

Wow--I totally understand your pain and frustration!!--I too am "waiting" for the double root canals to "heal"--It's been about 7 weeks and I still get evening and nite throbbing every day....but not too much during the day!-2 endodontists, my dentist, and an oral surgeon have no idea! Also, my whole mouth seems to hurt lately. Unbelievable!--And, of course, my root canals
also look "text book perfect"!
In fact, I have not felt well in general since the root canals...fatigue, aches and pains all over, stomach upset, etc..... ( did take 2 rounds of antibiotics, ech)
The endodontist now wants to go in and do that sugery (apio?) and "check" everything...I am terribly fearful that this will make it worse and have more infammatory responses...----Then again, if he finds a problem and could end this misery it could be great.....?????What to do????
Has anyone had this surgery????

I need to make some decisions very soon.. (I have tried heat, acupuncture, PT, etc)
Thanks

Maria----

Wow--I totally understand your pain and frustration!!--I too am "waiting" for the double root canals to "heal"--It's been about 7 weeks and I still get evening and nite throbbing every day....but not too much during the day!-2 endodontists, my dentist, and an oral surgeon have no idea! Also, my whole mouth seems to hurt lately. Unbelievable!--And, of course, my root canals
also look "text book perfect"!
In fact, I have not felt well in general since the root canals...fatigue, aches and pains all over, stomach upset, etc..... ( did take 2 rounds of antibiotics, ech)
The endodontist now wants to go in and do that sugery (apio?) and "check" everything...I am terribly fearful that this will make it worse and have more infammatory responses...----Then again, if he finds a problem and could end this misery it could be great.....?????What to do????
Has anyone had this surgery????

I need to make some decisions very soon.. (I have tried heat, acupuncture, PT, etc)
Thanks Hi, thanks for the reply.....Why is the endo wanting to do an apio first and not a root canal redo where they open the tooth, take out the filling and check for cracks and missed canals? It sounds like he is jumping the gun! This root canal b.s. is the worst. If they would utilize the tools they have (magifiers etc) the first time, there wouldn't be all these redos and apios. And I hope he isn't making you pay for this. If I have to be retreated there is no way I am paying. I will sue him first......I am coming unglued mentally due to all this stress from a "simple" procedure! Maria

Mtpeony, are you still here......I'd like to know why you are getting an apio first, etc....What has happened since your last post? Thank,M

Hi Maria--

Thanks for you note--Unbelievable!!--Unfortunately, I am apparently not one of the "usual" root canal patients...walk out and no pain--
I still get painful intermittent throbbing and aching..and then the whole quandrant hurts, my face pulls...and then my head hurts!!!--No one seems to be very clear what the problem could be (and my general dentist is a close relative)--the enod (and the periodontist and the oral surgeon ) doesn't think a redo will let him see the whole problem--better to just do the apio and be clear--so I am worn out with this problem and am scheduled for Wed.....I really hope this solves the problem and doesn't create any new ones (I seem to have a bad "inflammatory response")SO............I can't imagine that this will be very pleasant...Has anyone had this?????????
Thanks for the concern.....

Hi Maria--

Thanks for you note--Unbelievable!!--Unfortunately, I am apparently not one of the "usual" root canal patients...walk out and no pain--
I still get painful intermittent throbbing and aching..and then the whole quandrant hurts, my face pulls...and then my head hurts!!!--No one seems to be very clear what the problem could be (and my general dentist is a close relative)--the enod (and the periodontist and the oral surgeon ) doesn't think a redo will let him see the whole problem--better to just do the apio and be clear--so I am worn out with this problem and am scheduled for Wed.....I really hope this solves the problem and doesn't create any new ones (I seem to have a bad "inflammatory response")SO............I can't imagine that this will be very pleasant...Has anyone had this?????????
Thanks for the concern.....
Hi, Please let me know how your apio goes. I have asked on a couple of boards how the apio is and the consensus is, like most dental work, you are numbed up and it does not hurt. I'm sure it is sore and maybe swollen afterward but you would get pain relievers and instructions. Good luck to you. Have any of your doctors thought about a neuralagia as the possible cause? I would think they have explored all the possibilities. If not, you should mention it, you never know. I never though that my teeth would be giving me my most frustrating and anxiety provoking problems! Keep me informed.......Sincerely, M

Mtpeony,

Just want to wish your apio( root canal surgery) tomorrow go smoothly and that your tooth pain will finally be resolved. Please keep us posted on your recovery. Best of luck.

Mtpeony, How did the surgery go. Please respond and let us know.... Also, does anyone else have any advice for me? Thanks, Maria

Hi--yes, had the apicoectomy a week ago--on two upper teeth--hoping to fix the root canals that were still throbbing--the dr., of course couldn't guarantee anything--firstly, with lots of novacain (which I rarely have) the epinephrine in it made my heart race and my whole body shake --very bad--
(has anyone had this??)
then was given lots of advil and antibiotics (which give me yeast)
I was pretty sore and swollen and black and blue but when I called the dr. , he just said at that point to be expected!!!

Short story--yesterday (8days) I had gushing nose bleeds (never had any before)and LOTs of pain from my head to my jaw!!!--and i was traveling--it was horrific-------
So the dr. says my sinus was open during surgery and must have filled up and the nose bleed was letting go!! and of course some infection now--the amoxicillan apparently was not strong enough!!! Now another course of anitbiotcs again!!!!!!!!
So hopefully, this ordeal just fixed the original problem and pain.......or I don't know--
I am feeling much better today--
Sorry about all this complaining, but this summer has been a disaster!

Mtpeony,

I was wondering about your apio. Sorry that your surgery didn't go that well. The puncture sinus is something you need to be careful and kept closely monitored by your endo or OS. Take some pro-biotic, either in pills or yogurt, two hours before or after taking the anti-biotic to help fight the yeast. I took Clindamyocin(sp?) and got yeast infection too; it wasn't pretty. Wish you recover real soon.

OMG so sorry to hear about the trouble. I neve like hearing these things. I hope you are feeling better and that this will be answer to your problems. Please let us know.......Maria

HI I saw the oral surgeon recently and even though the exam was not as thorough as I would have liked. It is his opinon that this is probably a cracked tooth. Explained how so much of this dental stuff is hit and miss, no easy way to dx etc. I knew all this but it doesn't help all that much when you are the one with the problem. He said I wouldn't need an implant since it is the last molar and he didn't seem to keen on implants in general. So, I am going to wait. It sounded to me like, I could go and have the endo open the tooth but unless he missed a canal (which I was told would be more pain than what I am having) if he sees a crack I need to have tooth removed, if he doesn't, the only alternative is to remove the tooth. So what do I do, go thru all the stress of another root canal (still VERY angry the endo did not look in there the first time with magno tools to check all canals) or just wait and wind up having it pulled and will this make my tmj worse! I am so angry and upset.........M

[QUOTE=mtpeony]Maria----

Wow--I totally understand your pain and frustration!!--I too am "waiting" for the double root canals to "heal"--It's been about 7 weeks and I still get evening and nite throbbing every day....but not too much during the day!-2 endodontists, my dentist, and an oral surgeon have no idea! Also, my whole mouth seems to hurt lately. Unbelievable!--And, of course, my root canals
also look "text book perfect"!
In fact, I have not felt well in general since the root canals...fatigue, aches and pains all over, stomach upset, etc..... ( did take 2 rounds of antibiotics, ech)

Wow - you have just described my symptoms to a T!!!! I had tooth pain back in January in the bottom molar just infront of my wisdom tooth (wisdom teeth are not impacted, and are all healthy teeth). There was a tiny filling in the tooth but no evidence of additional decay. Dentist opened tooth, bonded a tiny crack and filled it. Pain continued. Saw Endodontist who blew air on tooth and I hit the roof!

She performed a root canal in 2 sittings - first procedure she could not get me 100% numb and I felt some pain, she said there was a lot of inflammation. 2nd procedure was better. Recovery after first sitting was AGONY - I was in almost unbearable pain, she gave me vicodin.

I got fitted for the crown - and 5 months later the crown is still in temporary because the tooth continues to hurt me. At the same time back in January I was also diagnosed with TMJ. I grind at night - which is how they think I fractured the tooth to begin with. I have been fitted for a hard upper nightguard but I can't wear it - and the oral surgeon I should not until we resolve the issue with the tooth.

When I wake in the AM my tooth is not too sore - it gets worse as day progresses. It hurts when I push on it with my finger at the sides - and I have not eaten on that side since this all began. I also have a lot of discomfort further back from the tooth along the side of my face - the OS thinks all pain is from the tooth - possibly ligaments that are inflammed and is sending me back to the Endo tomorrow. I have also had the crown ground down 3x - and the last time it was done, it hurt!

I am soooo sick of this - I am ready to pull the damn tooth out! I do not want to have that other procedure when they go in thru the gum. I can't believe in this day and age the can't diagnose a simple tooth problem - for all of us on here. Modern medicine has come so far! But dentistry needs to catch up!

Wow, I never realized how many other people out there had problems with their root canals. I had my first and only root canal 4 years ago - it was done spur-of-the-moment while my dentist at the time was in the middle of drilling that tooth for a cavity. I had no choice but to go through with it, despite the the fact that I had no idea what the ramifications of the procedure would be. Right after the procedure was done I noticed pain above that tooth (it' #4, upper right side), especially when walking or otherwise "jostling" my face around. This subtle pain continued for four years until this March when I developed an abcess above the gum and severe pain. Antibiotics didn't touch it - I ended up having an Apicoectomy, which was the most devastating procedure I have ever been through and I have had two natural, unmedicated childbirths:confused: I would never do that again as long as I live - it felt like someone was ripping my face apart and I was unrecognizable for a week after the procedure. I also had nosebleeds from my right nostril afterward. Anyway, this past week the pain has returned, especially when walking or looking down. I am afraid that I have no choice but to have the tooth pulled and have a gap in my smile - I don't think that I am a candidate for an implant as I have had so much trouble with this tooth and I am also concerned about the materials used for the implant. Anyone have similar pain or thoughts on what the heck is wrong here?? It almost feels like the infection has spread up to my cheekbone. I still have my wisdom teeth - does anyone know if I could have this tooth pulled and then use braces to move the rest of my teeth forward to fill in the gap?? Thanks for any thoughts you may have

I saw my Endo yesterday - thank God I am not a candidate for an Apicoectomy because that procedure scared me more then having the tooth removed!

My RC was necessary not due to infection but due to a cracked tooth that probably occurred from grinding. So my discomfort is most likely due to the crack as well as TMJ. She took xrays and sees no infection but put me on a course of antibiotics just incase - I will return on Friday for her to open up the tooth and look into it where she performed the RC.

That said, chances are I will lose the tooth which is fine by me. The Endo told me that she cracked 2 teeth due to grinding - had them RC'd and ended up having them pulled. I am glad she said this tooth should not have an Apicoectomy. Sorry for all your pain - hope you are feeling better!

mama, your pain sounds like the pain I had after my root canal over 3 years ago. I have been told that my pain is muscular, all the muscles are in spasm and it can feel like a tooth ache. I've been on muscle relaxers and this eases the pain. Right now I'm consulting with an orthodontist who says my jaw is off and I might have to go through braces again. I'm in a tmj crisis. You might want to find out if its the muscles in your face that are the problem before you do anything invasive.

[QUOTE=mtpeony]Maria----

Wow--I totally understand your pain and frustration!!--I too am "waiting" for the double root canals to "heal"--It's been about 7 weeks and I still get evening and nite throbbing every day....but not too much during the day!-2 endodontists, my dentist, and an oral surgeon have no idea! Also, my whole mouth seems to hurt lately. Unbelievable!--And, of course, my root canals
also look "text book perfect"!
In fact, I have not felt well in general since the root canals...fatigue, aches and pains all over, stomach upset, etc..... ( did take 2 rounds of antibiotics, ech)

Wow - you have just described my symptoms to a T!!!! I had tooth pain back in January in the bottom molar just infront of my wisdom tooth (wisdom teeth are not impacted, and are all healthy teeth). There was a tiny filling in the tooth but no evidence of additional decay. Dentist opened tooth, bonded a tiny crack and filled it. Pain continued. Saw Endodontist who blew air on tooth and I hit the roof!

She performed a root canal in 2 sittings - first procedure she could not get me 100% numb and I felt some pain, she said there was a lot of inflammation. 2nd procedure was better. Recovery after first sitting was AGONY - I was in almost unbearable pain, she gave me vicodin.

I got fitted for the crown - and 5 months later the crown is still in temporary because the tooth continues to hurt me. At the same time back in January I was also diagnosed with TMJ. I grind at night - which is how they think I fractured the tooth to begin with. I have been fitted for a hard upper nightguard but I can't wear it - and the oral surgeon I should not until we resolve the issue with the tooth.

When I wake in the AM my tooth is not too sore - it gets worse as day progresses. It hurts when I push on it with my finger at the sides - and I have not eaten on that side since this all began. I also have a lot of discomfort further back from the tooth along the side of my face - the OS thinks all pain is from the tooth - possibly ligaments that are inflammed and is sending me back to the Endo tomorrow. I have also had the crown ground down 3x - and the last time it was done, it hurt!

I am soooo sick of this - I am ready to pull the damn tooth out! I do not want to have that other procedure when they go in thru the gum. I can't believe in this day and age the can't diagnose a simple tooth problem - for all of us on here. Modern medicine has come so far! But dentistry needs to catch up!
Hi I replied on the other board also.....Your story really hits home, sounds a lot like mine. Except my tooth is noticible in the morning and I can't feel the biting surface after that unless I touch it , suck in air , or GOD forbid, eat on it! I am also furious about "modern" dentistry! Why is this, although you know it happens medicine too, I have many other symptoms with no explanation. But this is one of the worst. I haven't eaten on that side in years. ANd I fear the molar next to it will need a r.c. also. If that one fails I WILL need an implant and I don't think I could handle it anxietys wise. Please let me know how it goes with you, keep me posted. The apio is probably not something I would do either, it sounds like it has too much potential for trouble. It's redo the root canal and/or pull it.....Please keep us up to date. Sorry for your troubles, I completely understand. M

mama, your pain sounds like the pain I had after my root canal over 3 years ago. I have been told that my pain is muscular, all the muscles are in spasm and it can feel like a tooth ache. I've been on muscle relaxers and this eases the pain. Right now I'm consulting with an orthodontist who says my jaw is off and I might have to go through braces again. I'm in a tmj crisis. You might want to find out if its the muscles in your face that are the problem before you do anything invasive.
I have biting pain in the one tooth and occasional ear or gum discomfort. I don't see how that would be muscular although that is why I went to the oral surgeon who specializes in tmj. He did see my jaw was offf and I told him I clench but he did not deem it necessary for a tmj exam as he thinks this is a root canal failure... I do admit it seems there is a lot of guessing going on in medicine and not enough listening or testing......Thanks,M OK, just reread and see this is directed towards mama and not me, sorry...I do believe though that the clenching is not helping and who knows what will happen if I pull the tooth. The oral surgeon said it is already out of occulusion (no dentist can tell me why I still FEEL it when I wake up though!) so it wouldn't affect the bite. It sure seems like a lot of people have bad root canals and unexplained dental problems.....I am so upset, my mouth WAS the one part of my body that gave me little problems except for the tmj and clenching which wasn't that bad. This is a sorry thing for all of us.......M

I have biting pain in the one tooth and occasional ear or gum discomfort. I don't see how that would be muscular although that is why I went to the oral surgeon who specializes in tmj. He did see my jaw was offf and I told him I clench but he did not deem it necessary for a tmj exam as he thinks this is a root canal failure... I do admit it seems there is a lot of guessing going on in medicine and not enough listening or testing......Thanks,M OK, just reread and see this is directed towards mama and not me, sorry...I do believe though that the clenching is not helping and who knows what will happen if I pull the tooth. The oral surgeon said it is already out of occulusion (no dentist can tell me why I still FEEL it when I wake up though!) so it wouldn't affect the bite. It sure seems like a lot of people have bad root canals and unexplained dental problems.....I am so upset, my mouth WAS the one part of my body that gave me little problems except for the tmj and clenching which wasn't that bad. This is a sorry thing for all of us.......M

Hi Maria -

Wow you and I have almost the EXACT same issue!!! Do you get headaches as well at end of day? I do, and have attributed it to "TMJ" - I will add that I had an MRI (finally got insurance to pay for it) and I have even had various opinions on THAT! It is truly amazing. I had braces as a kid - and all the trauma and tooth pulling I had back then, caused one of my upper teeth to die! Had a RC in that tooth but it was virtually painless - and that was YEARS ago. My molar has been a whole different story.

I am going to see if I can sleep at night with this nightguard the oral surgeon made for me - it is so tight on my upper teeth I think I might need it adjusted a bit. And I am going to see if it makes any difference. I am also considering seeing another dentist nearby who specializes in TMJ - she is not an OS. And I also might see an orthodontist to see what he can tell me about my bite. I will keep you posted. Good luck to you!

Hi Maria -

Wow you and I have almost the EXACT same issue!!! Do you get headaches as well at end of day? I do, and have attributed it to "TMJ" - I will add that I had an MRI (finally got insurance to pay for it) and I have even had various opinions on THAT! It is truly amazing. I had braces as a kid - and all the trauma and tooth pulling I had back then, caused one of my upper teeth to die! Had a RC in that tooth but it was virtually painless - and that was YEARS ago. My molar has been a whole different story.

I am going to see if I can sleep at night with this nightguard the oral surgeon made for me - it is so tight on my upper teeth I think I might need it adjusted a bit. And I am going to see if it makes any difference. I am also considering seeing another dentist nearby who specializes in TMJ - she is not an OS. And I also might see an orthodontist to see what he can tell me about my bite. I will keep you posted. Good luck to you! I have headaches all the time, come and go. I get migraines and tension headaches but I never thought of tmj headaches, and they are all day long. Good luck with the nightguard, mine was so uncomfortable I couldn't even wear it awake, never mind trying to sleep. Keep me posted. M

Hello everyone--again-
It is amazing to me how many of us have the same issues--root canals, pain, apicos, more pain, --is it muscles, another tooth, neuralgia, etc.....All the dentists I have seen make me feel like I am such an exception!!--This has been 7 months now and I can't take much more! I bascially have cancelled most commitments in my life , as well as 3 trips.
I had 2 teeth worked on and no one can agree which one might be giving me the big trouble...or maybe it is referred pain from another sensitive tooth!!!!
Worse, 3 endos, and an oral sugeon have warned that they have seen teeth pulled and not solve the pain problem!--then the hassle with implants,etc...
this last dentist did some bonding on my other teeth to adjust the bite--Now that is very uncomfotable and my face is in spasm.
Has anyone seen Dr. Yolin in Brookline, Ma.?
Help.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi-Wow again--It certainly seems like alot of us have unresolved and unexplained teeth pain!--As I already wrote, I had 2 root canals and then 2 apicoectomies to try to resolve the tooth throbbing and jabbing--still the saga goes on and on...one dr. insisited on adjusting the bite---NO improvement, just more uncomfortable guards, etc...which, by the way, set off lots of face spasms to compound the problem...
And I too have been warned that extraction might not solve the pain (and we really cannot agree which tooth even!!!)---and that's REALLY scary.
So now I have a double temporary crown and pain and don't know what to do--I am worn out (7 months)
Did your dr. say that the novacain would numb and isolate the one tooth?-this is a problem for me as the 2 teeth are next to each other...but it has been suggested to try. I just don't think I can determine if it aliviates the pain that quickly...and it's hard to evaluate as the pain comes and goes intermittently....
Anyone have pain and the tooth removed and still had the Pain???
(atypical pain has been suggested too, but I really think it's the teeth--and the neurologist isn't really convinced that it's a neuralgia....)
Anna:
Whata is the dilemma if the dr. saw another canal that wasn't treated? Wouldn't that be cause for the trouble?????

Help help.

Mtpeony,

You poor thing, I responded to you a while back and was hoping that your pain would resolve after your epi surgery, I am sorry it's not the case. I totally can understand how this pain could do to one's sanity and health in general; I had it for almost 3 years and felt absolutely was at the end of my rope. Mine involved two teeth and were on the front too, and that's part of the reason why it took me sooo long to decide with the extractions. But mostly, was told by oral pain specialist and neurologist that extraction might not resolve the pain, and worse yet aggravate it ---- what dilemma. I never felt more trapped in my life. I eventually took the risk and took the teeth out, and the result is, I am much better. Although the pain is not completely gone, it's still there on and off everyday, but it is just mild. Whenever I tell my dentists about this history, they look at me all puzzled, no one know why and I may not ever find out the reason either. That's okay for me, as I know I made the right decision and took the risk to find out one way or the other, as opposed to feeling stuck and didn't know if there was an end to it.
If you have the symptoms of neuropathic pain on your teeth and jaw, ie. numbness, burning, tingling, etc. than more likely than not it is nerve pain and like they said extraction would not resolve the pain, if not, than you may have the option. I do hope you will find pain relief, one way or the other.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Annaf,

It's not that easy to distinguish it's dental or nerve pain. When I went to a oral pain specialist and a neurologist for my problem( I did some researching and found the best I thought I could), according to the symptoms and history that I told them, they concluded that it's " very likely" or "probably" mine was neuropathic pain as a result of dental drama. When I pressed them for " how sure?", they basically said unfortunately there is still no test out there to give definite diagnosis, and that when it comes to nerve pain, there's still a lot to be learnt. Another thing, not meant to confuse you more, about your endo saying that if yours were just dental pain, the anaesthesia he used to numb your tooth should have stopped the pain temporarily if it wasn't nerve pain --- not necessarily so, both specialists said. I asked them the same question because before seeing them, I had a bone graft done next to the site of the two painful teeth, and a periodontist and an oral surgeon who treated me said that since the anaesthesia numbed the pain on the teeth as well, then mine was not nerve pain. Anyway, however, the other two both kind of laughed about the remark and said that given enough numbing agents and doing it correctly, anyone could be numbed. Needless to say, I felt all the more confused, frustrated and helpless afterwards.
I want to point out something though. The pain on my two teeth, one was constantly ichy and annoying, like infection; the other only had some mild underlying pain most of the time, but for no apparent reason at all, there would come the intermittent, sharp, jabbing pain higher up in the tooth that would send me all broken apart. Eventually, the pain even spread to the teeth of the opposite arch, they called it referred pain. Advil or Tynenol did not help. But, I never had numbness, burning or itchiness that the specialists as well as neuropathic pain patients that i found in an on-line forum described which are typical to nerve pain.
If you have the typical symptoms, then any invasive dental procedures, like extraction, epicoetomy, dental implant, would likely make the pain worse. And that as I was told the only option is pain management. Anti-convulsion drugs, anti-depressants, and/ or prescription pain killers are usually used. But if it is in fact dental pain with underlying infection that sometimes eludes x-ray and the eyes of dentists, then you need to take care of it soon. Didn't want to scare you but that's what I read from people stories, untreated infection could lead to nerve damage. It still upsets me every time I read people are suffering like I had in the hands of incompetent and uncaring dentists. I found out the hard way that most of them when dealing with patients like us they either don't know what they are talking about or simply lying to cover their rear end.

I had a root canal about 1 mo ago. Since then I have had intermittent but mostly daily retractable pain in my right jaw. It starts on the jaw line near my r/ear and goes all the way down and radiates into that tooth where the root canal was. At times it feels like a vice grip squeezing everything. Sometimes I just get little electrical shock feelings in the area near my ear. Other times I just have tenderness in a couple areas of my jaw. My dentist who did the root canal thought it may be trigeminal neurolgia. However, because I don't have the triggers, the neuro doesn't think I have it. My diagnosis is atypical face pain. I've been to the ER, urgent care, neuro, 2 dentists, acupuncture, chiro and tomorrow I am going to an endo for it was just a dentist who did the root canal. I'm praying for relief and that I have no more of these severe pain episodes. I am currently on disability because of this with a scheduled return to wo rk date of 8/15. My job is stressful and requires so much talking on the phone. I need to know that I wont have these severe pain episodes or the constant soreness in the middle of the work day! I had similar issues on the same side after my wisdom teeth extraction (4 extracted, 3 impacted) but it was not as nearly severe and as problematic.:confused:

Sharonbury-
Hi--how are you doing? Sorry to hear about your ordeal--I certainly know how it is. Unbelievable what these dentists don't know! and the debilitating and life altering pain teeth can cause.
I hope yours has calmed down (did your wisdom extraction eventually resolve?)
My pain has been a bit better...and then it comes back!--so upsetting. Now I need crown lenghtening for 3 teeth in order to get a more permanent bridge impression....this does not sound like fun..considering the trauma those teeth have already gone thru.... but what choice????--So basically, the whole quadrant is sore and aching and a can't see the light at the end of the tunnel..impressions after several weeks of gum healing, weeks waiting for the next temporary bridge, weeks of adjusting to see if there is improvement, weeks to wait for a permanent bridge.......just keeps on going...IF this even helps the pain problem!!
Well, I hope you're finding some answers...take care.

Akie-
Wanted to know how it was going..??? We were struggling with the same kind of pain syndrome. (previously peony)--underlying pain and then suddenly jabbing pain up somewhere vague, almost like something is moving when I move--mine was after a root canal and then an extraction. And my docs too said can't tell if nerve pain or something else...but what????
Did you find any help? I don't do well with drugs but this is a year and half of misery. Is there any solutions or explanations? One doc says there may be membrane damage in the socket..????
Anything help you? or did you find a cause??? Of course, I keep waiting for it to go away, but I am drained waiting (and this temp bridge is uncomfortable!)
Please let me know.
thanks

Hi -

I have had pain in a root canaled tooth for a year and a half now. Why did you need the RC? My reason was a hairline fracture in tooth - bonding did not work. RC helped the pain I had when biting and releasing, but I continue to experience a pressure like pain on the sides of tooth - definitely NOT normal. My pain extends back to my jaw and I have muscle spasms in jaw.

I have been treated for TMJD - but there is nothing wrong with the joints themselves, so I was misdiagnosed. I finally saw a specialist in NYC who believe the tooth MUST come out. That the fracture is worse then suspected - most likely and we hope this will reduce my nerve pain.

I also suffer from a bad bite - which they think was caused by a bad TMJD splint. So once tooth comes out - I go to an orthodontist. There is a chance the extraction will not help the pain but I am willing to take that chance! I am also not a candidate for an implant until ALL pain is gone.

Good luck!

Hi--what an ordeal!!--Amazing what they still don't now, isn't it??--why would you need orthodontics? Will you have a bridge that could possible adjust your bite?? That'e what my doc has been doing...I can't imagine putting braces in my mouth at this point!!!

And I can't imagine getting a bridge at my age - lol! :)

I want a healthy bite, malocclusion is BAD news! It can cause a host of problems and in my case has. So braces are the way to go for me. A bridge would mean I have to ruin the teeth infront and behind the bad tooth. If anything i will go with an implant assuming this tooth goes.

i will consult with an ortho first - i found someone here in NJ who is VERY experienced in working with TMJD patients with bad bites etc.

I feel so bad for all of you. I haven't been here in a long time. I have been fighting osteomyelitis of my jaw for four years. It all started with a tooth, root canal, apico, pulled it, infection. The root canal was infected and it spread when it was pulled. I always felt better on antibiotics. If any of you felt better on antibiotics you should really consider if infection is the reason you continue to have pain. It happens more than dentists and oral surgeons are telling us.

I have had many triple root canals, implants, full upper bridge, etc, etc. During last triple RC in February (pain the infection caused was dismissed for a year as pain resulting from 2 neighboring implants), nerve was hit hard when given injections. Hours afterward, facial spasms and pain behind eye, toward ear, and base of skull on right side and "lightning bolt pain" in the ride side of my head began and has not waned. I also have almost NO feeling on my cheek (hot, cold, needles - no sensation). Neuro speacialist said nerve was perforated, wrote a script for Neurontin (I did not fill script) and said people have also had success with acupuncture. After a bad episode today, I again went back to endodontist, whom I had to earnestly work to get to HEAR me. He finally said the nerve he injected is right next to the nerve he says controls area of my pain and inflammation, a neuralgia or TMJ may be the cause. He dismisses that it could be from his injections in the back of the jaw. Today he wrote a script for an anti-inflammatory steroid to take for 6 days & we'll see if pain & spasms cease. My life is turned upside down, my great job where I was so appreciated before is now in real jeopardy. After 4 years of good faith in these specialists, I am now fearful to continue dental procedures. Many more procedures (sinus life/bone grafts, etc) are slated and I am discinclined from fear of further serious complications. If anyone has suggestions, I greatly appreciate it.

Captaintooth-

So sorry to hear all about your nightmare! Hope the pain is getting better.
I don't think people or the docs realize all the complications involved in ANY procedure, simple or not! As you can see by this board, there are enormous problems with all these "routine" dental procedures.....Unfortunately, we are justs some of the unlucky ones.
The bigger problem is the docs don't know what to do when things don't go as usual--
IF you have docs that will listen and understand, at least they will keep trying. Sometimes at a Dental school they may be more interested in finding solutions.
Also, sometimes time helps heal some inflammed and fired up nerves.
Hope yours are starting to settle down.
Keep trying.

You made so many good points in your post, pinktulip...and I totally agree with you except for the part that dental professionals don't realize what complications might occur after these 'simple' procedures. I think most of them do realize it...but I think they fail, for the most part, to inform patients completely about the risks involved in having procedures done and the symptoms that could follow.

In my case, after my inferior alveolar nerve was damaged in January, the Oral Surgeon wanted nothing more to do with me. I was sent home with a standard prescription for medications that he had given me before the procedure. It was on my suggestion that I see him again for a followup. He told me that I could come back in three months. I said I would come back in two. It was my first and last followup appointment with this dental professional.

I think another big problem is that dentists (new and old) are trying to do procedures in which they may have little or no experience or training..with the patients being put furthur at risk for injury.

I trust and have faith in my regular dentist. I'll continue to go back to her. But if I ever need any more 'special' dental work done, I will do my homework and find someone experienced and someone who is willing to be straightforward and tell the truth about the risks involved in having the procedure done. I want to find someone who is willing to take the time to listen to me and who will give me options to consider. I also want to find someone who will offer adequate post care treatment as part of the procedure.

captain...I am so sorry for the pain and dscomfort you are in. It sounds like you've done everything 'right' in trying to resolve your situation. I'm glad you got your endodontist to finally hear what you were saying. It's sad that that has to happen so often...dental professionals need to learn to listen to their patients. I really think that can be a small part of the healing process...just to have someone acknowledge our pain and discomfort, even if they can't do anything to help.

Sometimes, I think they are more concerned about being sued so they don't want to hear about any symptoms. I can laugh about this now...but when I had my one followup appointment with my OS and asked him if my injury had been reported to any dental board, he became very defensive and informed me that I didn't have an injury...it was now (2 months later) merely an "inflammation" of the nerve according to him. How can we get true statistics of the numbers of nerve injuries that occur if dental professionals are not required to report them to a central body?

Many people with nerve injuries seem to be prescribed Neurotin. I've read that some do find some relief through acupuncture. If you give it a try, can you let us know if it helped? Anti-inflammatories really helped me in the first few weeks. I had to take another medication along with it because my stomach doesn't fare well with anti-inflammatories.

Do you know what was used in the injections during your last root canal? The use of septocaine/articaine have apparently been responsible for many injectional injuries. You have the right to ask for a copy of your dental records.

I totally understand how your life can be turned upside down by what should have been a fairly simple procedure that others come through 'unscathed'. My life has changed so much in 4 months...and I'm still in discomfort although the pain has almost gone.

I had to go to my dentist again because I found out at the followup appointment with my OS that my 2nd molar had been damaged during the wisdom tooth extraction. I was physically sick thinking about going to the dentist. I'm 55 years old and I cried in the dentist chair.....what has happened to me? Depression, anger, frustration, pain, confusion. I've been through many tough life problems but this has by far been the most devastatng...and the hardest thing is that I look "fine" to others. Few people understand what a nerve injury is like...and it's so hard to describe.

Sorry this turned out to be so long...but your post really touched me. I hope you can find a dental professional who will acknowledge your fears, one who will listen to you, and who will take the time needed to get you through whatever procedure may need to be done in the future. If there is nothing pressing that needs to be done, maybe it's best to just take some time to heal...to regain some strength..

Heartfelt thanks to each of you who replied -- and with such comapssion!

charlottefr, it is so true that others have a hard time relating unless they have gone through it themselves. I still have tens of thousands of dollars on my credit cards from dental bills -- after already paying tens of thousands -- and the pain & frustration, but folks seem to display doubt. If it were cancer, chemo, broken bones, dialysis, other chronic illness -- would they treat us the same way? There must be someone who has gone through this who is in a position -- or already is -- an advocate and provider of guidance. I will keep searching and posting here whatever I learn.

Hugs to you all.
Natalie

When I first moved to New York City 15 years ago, I went to a hospital dental clinic, where the wrong tooth was pulled -- and at a dental school a tooth was broken while extracting a neighboring tooth. I wouldn't want a surgeon performing a procedure for the first or second time on a child or anyone else, and I now feel the same way about my mouth/dental and any other area. However, I agree that research and discovery could be useful without any invasive procedures.


Captaintooth-

So sorry to hear all about your nightmare! Hope the pain is getting better.
I don't think people or the docs realize all the complications involved in ANY procedure, simple or not! As you can see by this board, there are enormous problems with all these "routine" dental procedures.....Unfortunately, we are justs some of the unlucky ones.
The bigger problem is the docs don't know what to do when things don't go as usual--
IF you have docs that will listen and understand, at least they will keep trying. Sometimes at a Dental school they may be more interested in finding solutions.
Also, sometimes time helps heal some inflammed and fired up nerves.
Hope yours are starting to settle down.
Keep trying.