Tooth Pain: Is It Your Molars or Wisdom Teeth?

I'm not sure if it's my molar that's hurting or if it's my wisdom tooth that's causing the pain?

I have a molar on the right side that has undergone root canal treatment and is capped with a crown.
Recently, I've started experiencing pain in that area, and there is also a horizontally impacted wisdom tooth behind it.
A few days ago, I visited the dentist and had an X-ray taken.
The dentist said that the molar appears to be fine and that the pain is likely due to the wisdom tooth.
However, I am still worried that there might be an issue with my molar.
The crown was placed only a year ago; if there is a problem with the molar, would the crown need to be removed for a new root canal? If the crown is removed, can it be reattached?

Xuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/12

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry

Dear Ms.
Hsuan,
Hello! Regarding your concerns, there should be no issues with the molar that has undergone root canal treatment and is now capped, unless there is a fracture in the root.
Pain from horizontal wisdom teeth is usually due to cavities or swelling.
It is important to address this promptly! Please communicate more with your dentist.
Thank you! Wishing you safety!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry

Reply Date: 2016/12/12

More Info

Tooth pain can be a complex issue, especially when it involves molars and wisdom teeth. Based on your description, it seems that you have a root canal-treated molar with a crown that has started to hurt, and you also have a horizontally impacted wisdom tooth behind it. Your dentist has indicated that the molar appears fine on the X-ray, suggesting that the pain may be related to the wisdom tooth. However, your concern about the integrity of the molar and the crown is valid.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that pain in the area of a crowned tooth can arise from several sources. Even if the X-ray shows no obvious issues with the root canal or the crown, there could still be underlying problems such as:
1. Periapical Issues: Sometimes, infections or inflammation can occur at the root tip that may not be visible on an X-ray, especially if they are in the early stages.

2. Crown Fit: If the crown is not fitting properly, it can lead to discomfort, especially when chewing or biting down on hard foods.

3. Adjacent Teeth: The presence of the wisdom tooth can indeed cause discomfort. If the wisdom tooth is impacted, it may exert pressure on the adjacent molar, leading to pain. This is particularly true if the wisdom tooth is trying to erupt or if it is causing gum irritation.

4. Gum Disease: If there is inflammation or infection in the gums surrounding the wisdom tooth, this can also lead to pain that radiates to nearby teeth.

Regarding your concern about the crown: If it is determined that the molar requires further treatment, such as retreatment of the root canal, the crown may need to be removed. In some cases, crowns can be reused if they are intact and undamaged; however, this is not always guaranteed. The dentist will assess the condition of the crown once it is removed. If it is compromised or if the underlying tooth structure has changed, a new crown may be necessary.

It is also worth noting that if the wisdom tooth is indeed the source of your pain, addressing it may alleviate the discomfort in your molar. Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause referred pain, where the discomfort is felt in adjacent teeth even if they are not the source of the problem.

In conclusion, it is crucial to follow up with your dentist or consider a referral to an oral surgeon or a specialist if the pain persists. They can provide a more comprehensive evaluation, possibly including additional imaging or tests, to determine the exact cause of your discomfort. If the wisdom tooth is causing issues, extraction may be recommended, which could relieve pressure on the molar and potentially resolve your pain. Always communicate your concerns and symptoms clearly to your dental care provider to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment.

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