Why Do I Still Feel Sensation in My Tooth After Root Canal Treatment?

After undergoing root canal treatment, the tooth may still have sensation when lightly tapped?

Hello: I am currently undergoing root canal treatment on my lower right molar.
The nerve should have been completely removed, and an X-ray has been taken, which did not show any nerve remnants.
The clinic has also been disinfected three times.
The dentist mentioned that the nerve is not visible to the naked eye, but when I lightly tap this tooth with my fingernail, I still feel a tingling sensation.
Conversely, if I use my fingernail to press on the gap between this tooth and the adjacent teeth, and then tap the tooth that is undergoing root canal treatment, I do not feel anything.
I would like to know what this situation indicates.
Should I seek a second opinion from another dentist or consider redoing the root canal? Or is it necessary to proceed with microscopic root canal treatment? Thank you.

recca, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/24

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry

Dear Ms.
Recca,
Hello! The tooth that has undergone root canal treatment still has sensation.
In fact, the interior of the tooth's root canal is quite complex.
You can imagine that a large river can branch into many tributaries; similarly, the root canal can also split into many small canals leading to the apex of the root.
Please trust your dentist! Make sure to communicate frequently with your dentist.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry

Reply Date: 2017/05/24

More Info

Experiencing sensations in a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can be concerning, especially when you expect that the procedure should eliminate any feeling in that tooth. Here are some insights into why you might still be feeling sensations and what steps you can take moving forward.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that root canal treatment aims to remove the nerve and pulp tissue from the tooth, which should theoretically eliminate any sensation related to temperature or pain. However, there are several reasons why you might still be experiencing sensations:
1. Residual Nerve Tissue: In some cases, not all nerve tissue can be completely removed, especially if it is located in complex canal systems. If any nerve tissue remains, it can still transmit sensations.

2. Inflammation: After a root canal, the surrounding tissues may still be inflamed or irritated. This inflammation can lead to sensations of discomfort or pressure, even if the nerve has been removed.

3. Referred Sensation: Sometimes, sensations in adjacent teeth or tissues can be perceived as coming from the treated tooth. This is known as referred pain and can occur due to the interconnected nature of the dental nerves.

4. Infection or Complications: If there is an infection or if the root canal treatment was not entirely successful, you may experience ongoing discomfort. This could be due to a persistent infection at the root tip, which may not be visible on X-rays immediately after treatment.

5. Bite Issues: If the bite is not properly adjusted after the root canal, it can lead to discomfort when chewing or even when lightly tapping the tooth. This can cause the tooth to feel sensitive or painful.

6. Cracks or Fractures: Sometimes, the tooth may have micro-cracks that can lead to sensitivity. These cracks can allow stimuli to affect the pulp chamber or surrounding tissues.

Given your situation, where you are still feeling sensations despite the treatment, it is advisable to take the following steps:
- Consult Your Dentist: If you haven’t already, return to your dentist to discuss your symptoms. They may want to perform additional tests or imaging to determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

- Seek a Second Opinion: If you feel uncertain about the diagnosis or treatment plan, seeking a second opinion from another dentist or an endodontist (a specialist in root canal treatments) can provide you with more clarity.

- Consider Microscopic Evaluation: If your dentist suspects that there may be remaining nerve tissue or complex canal systems, they may recommend a microscopic root canal treatment. This allows for a more thorough cleaning of the canals.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. If the discomfort worsens or if you develop new symptoms, such as swelling or fever, seek immediate dental care.

In summary, while it is not uncommon to experience some sensations after a root canal, persistent discomfort should not be ignored. It is essential to communicate openly with your dental care provider about your concerns and to explore further diagnostic options if necessary. Your oral health is paramount, and addressing these sensations promptly can help ensure the long-term success of your treatment.

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