There are several reasons for root canal pain. The type depends on the cause. Teeth can die from tooth decay or deep dental fillings. This discomfort varies from none to constant throbbing. Regardless of the type, the tooth needs a root canal asap or should be removed. A dead tooth will not live again. Signs that a tooth needs a root canal are pain that lasts longer than a minute, that wakes you up at night or swelling around a tooth. Root canals must be finished to be effective. An unfinished root canal has decaying tissue. This can cause a dental infection with inflamation and discomfort. It's usually a constant deep aching pain but can occasionally throb. It hurts to bite.

          A molar root canal should have a crown asap because the root canal dries out the tooth making it brittle. Biting anything hard can crack it. If the surrounding tissues become infected, it can hurt all the time but the root canal pain from a cracked tooth is worst when you bite. The treatment depends on how bad the crack is. If the crack extends down into the root, the tooth must often be removed. If the crack is limited to the crown and not the root, the tooth can be saved with crown lengthening and a crown.

          Some completed root canals fail and cause root canal pain. There are many reasons for failure, but in most cases, the failure is because of an inadequate seal. Endodontics has changed dramatically over the years. We now use biocompatible filling materials that do not irritate the surrounding bone. An apex locater uses sonar to find the exact end of the canal so that the entire space can be sealed. It was not long ago that a dentist had to guess where the end of the canal was by looking at the x-ray. Important developments have occurred that make re-treating an old root canal a good idea. If you've just had treatment completed and you have a root canal problem, the tissues surrounding your this tooth may be inflamed. With severe inflammations, the dentist may prescribe an anti-inflammatory like Decadron Dose Pak.

          Many people with TMJ problems grind their teeth causing pain. The constant battering causes these teeth to become inflamed and painful. All of the teeth are often sensitive to hot and cold. In severe cases, the grinding causes discomfort. These patients should always have a grinding guard made before any root canal therapy is begun. If you have root canal pain and would like to consult with Charles Chung DMD, call 404-874-7428.