Pain with Temporary Crowns?

Throbbing pain that wakes you up concerns me.  Your dentist is right, you should see a root canal specialist (endodontist) or a dentist who does root canals (not all general dentists do them).  Unfortunately, it is generally impossible to tell with any certainty teeth that will require root canal treatment after deep fillings, crowns, onlays or veneers have been done.  About 5% of teeth that have more extensive types of treatment end up needing root canal treatment.

You are most likely frustrated because it didn't bother you before your teeth were worked on.  I don't blame you, however that is a common complication associated with dentistry.  It depends largely on the health of the nerve of your tooth before treatment, amount of insult that the cracks, decay that required the resoration, and how much and how deep the dentist had to drill on your tooth to remove the cracks or decay and prepare it for the new restoration.

Oftentimes the sensitivity goes away after a period of time, but occasionally it doesn't that the root canal is indicated.  Since you have been in pain and are mad, I suggest seeing the endodontist for a second opinion.  He can discuss all the reasons why a root canal might be necessary and why these things aren't always predictable before treatment.

Hi:
Since temporary crowns are not completely sealed, it is normal to have temperature sensitivity with them.  In addition, its best not to chew on a temporary crown until the final restoration has been placed.  Make sure your bite is ok on the temporary.
Best,
Dr. Maddahi

Sorry to hear about your experience. If the bite was checked, adjusted and it feels perfect when you do the jaw movements to the full extend (pretending you are chewing), there are 2 other choices left: to wait for pain to subside (which it does in most cases) or perform a root canal therapy.