My molar had a crack that has recently been filled and now had crown prep. I am worried that it needs a root canal.

Question

Before the new filling the tooth only bothered me when biting down on hard food. After the filling everything felt great. After the crown prep it now has a dull ache and immediately hurts when I bite down on anything. Even cupcakes! My gums and cheek are also very sore to the touch. I have since seen my dentist and had xrays. He said it will resolve itself after the permanent crown is placed but I am scared the tooth has a cracked root or needs a root canal. Should I get a second opinion?

Joshua Kennedy, DMD · Answer

Your tooth has been through a significant amount of trauma recently. It is not unusual to have sensitivity after a filling and crown prep. There could also be an issue with your temporary crown not fitting well and causing your tooth to be sensitive. I would recommend you go along with your dentists plan of seating the definitive crown and waiting a little while. Most of the time the sensitivity subsides relatively quickly but if not, it is possible that the trauma to your tooth has damaged your nerve and it may need to be removed (root canal.) Even if this is the case, root canals can be easily performed through a small hole in the top of your new crown then filled back in with filling material.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:My suggestion is to consult with a root canal specialist to evaluate the tooth for root canal prior to permenant corwn because of your symptoms.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Edward Lowe, BSc, DMD · Answer

The tooth has been worked on twice, once for the filling and once for the crown prep. It is likely sensitive from the dental work. I would recommend you have the bite and fit of the temporary crown checked and make sure it has been cemented with plenty of temporary cement. I would wait until the pain subsides completely before cementing the permanent crown on or place the permanent crown on with temporary cement. That way it can be removed in the event that root canal treatment is necessary.  This prevents having to drill a hole through your nice new crown and possibly compromising its structural integrity if it is a porcelain or ceramic crown.

Nasrin Sadeghi, DMD · Answer

Fractured tooth is hard to diagnose since most fractures are not visible on regular xrays, I recommend to see an endodontist & preferably take a 3D xray of the tooth to rule out root fractures. I don't recommend completing a crown if the tooth is symptomatic.

My molar had a crack that has recently been filled and now had crown prep. I am worried that it needs a root canal.

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