Question:
I had a root canal performed on my right front tooth after a botched dental
procedure. Additionally, the left front tooth is also going to have a crown
so I have temporary crowns on both front teeth at the moment. The X-rays
show that the cavity was filled beyond the apex, which my dentist claims
they like to see because they then know that the canal has been completely
sealed. However, I am now experiencing a dull, tight, pain across the front
of gums and teeth that seems to radiate into my sinuses. I'm also
experiencing strange twinges of pain in my left (and sometimes right) ear.
I don't know if this is due to the work on the front of my mouth or on some
lower molar fillings I had done (the back left molar has a deep filling).
My dentist thinks that the pain will disappear once I have the permanent
crowns attached, but I'm doubtful. If a canal is filled beyond the apex
will that eventually be disposed of by the body so that it doesn't inflame
the area? I'm wondering if this is all due to that extra gp being up by the
sinuses?
Answer:
Consider that the ear pain could be related to muscles and joint
dysfunction. A pre-existing condition (often caused by clenching) that
exists just below the surface of awareness until you keep your mouth open
for a long time (ie dental work) and then surfaces.
Sounds like you don't trust your dentist????
"Botched"??? Your fault, dentist's fault, lab's fault, bad luck, poor
healing, accident ?????
Personally, (this is just me talking) I virtually never permanently cement
anything if the patient is in pain. I often will temporally cement a final
restoration for trial basis, though.
The hopefully short story is I went in because I was told I had some
decay behind the "left" front tooth where a veneer had been put in place
over a tooth I chipped in half. My dentist recommended that he do both
teeth to make them look nice and match them up. I was expecting veneers but
he ground both teeth down for crowns. Then the right tooth (which was
perfectly fine) started hurting above the gumline. Two trips to the
endodontist showed the tooth was still vital, but when I went in to the
dentist to have the crowns removed (I had a lisping problem with the
originals) he cut the tooth and I had to have a root canal.
So yes I do have my doubts about my dentist, and at this point am supposed
to go in tomorrow to get new permanent ones attached. I'm debating whether
to wait and check with the endodontist first.
Sounds like poor communication to me. You should have been told that you
had to have a crown to achieve your stated goals. Sometimes, we (dentists
too) think we are communicating better than we actually are. Discuss your
concerns with your dentist. I bet he/she will be surprised that they did
not communicate well enough.
You might ask to have the final crowns placed with temporary cement so you
can evaluate how everything feels for a few days.
