My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", you can stay signed in to WebMD.com on this computer for up to 2 weeks or until you sign out. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Oral Health Community

Announcements

America Asks About Oral Health

Last Reply:

Includes Expert Content

Pain in tooth over a year after root canal

actfray posted:

A little over a year ago, I had a root canal and permanent crown on my #17 molar. There were no problems with the surgery or the crown placement, and a few days later everything was fine with no pain or discomfort present. But a couple of weeks ago, I noticed an odd sensitivity in that tooth. I do not have pain when I chew or wash cold water over it, but if I touch the tooth or swirl my tongue over it, I have a pain similar to when my endo was removing the temporary crown. I do not have any pain in my jaw. Since the nerve was removed, where is this sensitivity coming from? I should mention that my #18 molar was extracted about 5 years ago and never replaced, but I haven't had any problems with that situation either.

Thank you.

2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Pain in tooth over a year after root canalA little over a year ago, I had a root canal and permanent crown on my #17 molar. There were no problems with the surgery or the crown placement, and a few days later everything was fine with no pain or discomfort present. But a couple of weeks ago, I noticed an odd sensitivity in that tooth. I do not have pain when I chew or wash cold water over it, but if I touch the tooth or swirl my tongue over it, I have a pain similar to when my endo was removing the temporary crown. I do not have any pain in my jaw. Since the nerve was removed, where is this sensitivity coming from? I should mention that my #18 molar was extracted about 5 years ago and never replaced, but I haven't had any problems with that situation either. Thank you.

Zev Kaufman, DDS responded:

Dear actfray,

It is nearly impossible for me to give you a correct diagnosis over this limited forum. However, you might have cement left under the gum around the crown.

You have to go back to your dentist and have him/her look at the situation.

I am sorry that this is all that I can give you.

Best of luck,
Dr. Zev Kaufman

Report This| Share this:Pain in tooth over a year after root canalDear actfray, It is nearly impossible for me to give you a correct diagnosis over this limited forum. However, you might have cement left under the gum around the crown. You have to go back to your dentist and have him/her look at the situation. I am sorry that this is all that I can give you. Best of luck, Dr. Zev Kaufman

sabiprath responded:

I'm sorry to say that I've had this problem more than once, with teeth that had root canals. I hope that it's just cement stuck in there, as the dentist suggests - with me, it was broken teeth. I kept the first tooth after they pulled it; it has a crack all the way down one root. If a tooth is broken, it can still hurt even without nerves, because a nerve or two remains at the bottom of the root. I'm on my third implant as a result of brittle teeth. One oral surgeon suggested that root canals were only a temporary (if expensive) measure, making the tooth more brittle and requiring the $4000 implant surgery down the road. Good luck...

Report This| Share this:Pain in tooth over a year after root canalI'm sorry to say that I've had this problem more than once, with teeth that had root canals. I hope that it's just cement stuck in there, as the dentist suggests - with me, it was broken teeth. I kept the first tooth after they pulled it; it has a crack all the way down one root. If a tooth is broken, it can still hurt even without nerves, because a nerve or two remains at the bottom of the root. I'm on my third implant as a result of brittle teeth. One oral surgeon suggested that root canals were only a temporary (if expensive) measure, making the tooth more brittle and requiring the $4000 implant surgery down the road. Good luck...

Visit the Oral Health Health Center

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.

Featuring Experts

Zev Kaufman, DDS

For almost two decades, Dr. Zev Kaufman, has been known in the dental community as "the dentist's dentist." Graduating with honors and a...More

Gwen Cohen Brown, DDS, FAAOMP

More Experts

Popular Discussions

Start a Discussion | See All

Helpful Tips

Dentures and implants

Technically speaking, a denture is any prosthetic use to replace a partial, or a complete dentition. It can be fixed (permanent), such as a ... More

Was this Helpful?

20 of 28 found this helpful

Post a Tip | See All

Helpful Resources

American Academy of Oral & Max...

RESOURCE: Oral Health Evaluator

Top Problems in Your Mouth

Dry Socket.

Oral Hygiene

Post a Resource | See All

Related Drug Reviews

Drug Name User Reviews

Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information, visit Dr. Kaufman's website

Other Oral Health Information

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.

Oral Health Community

See All