Root Canal Treatment: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps - Dentistry

More Info

---

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex situation with your tooth that has undergone root canal treatment. Let's break down your concerns regarding the symptoms, diagnosis, and potential next steps.


Understanding Your Symptoms
After your root canal treatment, it is not uncommon to experience some discomfort or sensitivity, especially if there has been any trauma to the area, such as the incident you described with your nose. The initial pain you felt could have been a result of inflammation or irritation of the surrounding tissues. The fact that the pain subsided after taking anti-inflammatory medication is a positive sign, indicating that the inflammation may have been temporary.

However, the subsequent symptoms you described—pain when touching the cheek, biting, or using your tongue—suggest that there may still be some underlying issue. The fact that you experienced pain with hot liquids could indicate that the nerve endings in the area are still sensitive or that there is some residual inflammation.


Diagnosis and Imaging
You mentioned that your dentist suspected a possible root fracture and advised you to observe the tooth for a couple of months. This is a reasonable approach, as some fractures can be subtle and may not always be visible on initial X-rays. However, the fact that another dental clinic took X-rays and reported that the root appears normal is encouraging.
X-rays are a standard diagnostic tool for assessing the condition of the tooth root and surrounding bone. They can reveal issues such as infections, fractures, or abnormalities in the root structure. However, certain types of fractures, particularly those that are not complete, may not be easily visible on standard X-rays. In such cases, your dentist might recommend additional imaging techniques, such as a Cone Beam CT scan, which provides a more detailed view of the tooth and surrounding structures.


Next Steps
Given that your symptoms have improved significantly, it may not be necessary to extract the tooth at this point. However, you should continue to monitor your symptoms closely. If the pain returns or worsens, or if you experience swelling or other concerning symptoms, it would be prudent to follow up with your dentist.

As for the possibility of placing a crown (dental cap) on the tooth, this is typically feasible as long as the tooth is structurally sound and there are no ongoing issues that would compromise the integrity of the crown. If your dentist has confirmed that the root is normal and there are no signs of infection, you may proceed with the crown placement.

Conclusion
In summary, while your symptoms initially raised concerns about a possible root fracture, the subsequent X-ray results indicating a normal root are reassuring. Continue to observe your symptoms, and if they persist or worsen, seek further evaluation. If you are considering a crown, consult with your dentist to ensure that the tooth is stable enough for the procedure. It’s essential to maintain open communication with your dental care provider to ensure the best outcome for your dental health.