I told my dentist I have a rear molar that is having cold/pressure sensitivity, they called me in to examin me and took x-rays but could not pinpoin the problem. The tooth has a large filing and they suspect is dying so would need root canal... which may or may not be the case. I have an appointment to see the endodontist next Tuesday (10/28), they will do a "vitaliity" test and root canal that day if necessary. My question is, I would describe the pain and discomfort I am having as "mild"--should I wait to see if it clears up (or gets worse) and then I will know if I really need to have it done vs. having it done when it's really is only a mild problem? The expense and potential for complications has me pondering over this... any advice from the dental community? I am not a big fan of elective type procedures... thanks!

You could hold off on seeing the endodontist for now. If the tooth becomes more of a nuisance you can always book an appointment then. Is your tooth sensitive to heat too? Your tooth could be in the early stages of dying you could also be clenching and grinding. Are stress levels high in your life right now? Did your dentist check your bite?

The dentist should be able to figure out vitality himself! (I always do!) with a cold and pressure sensitive tooth, and a big filling, likely the tooth is cracked! It will need a crown for sure, and maybe a root canal. What I do in this situation is cut the tooth down and put a large amalgam that covers the sensitive cusps (points on top of tooth) or cut it down for a crown and put a temporary crown on it. If that solves it, fine... leave the big filling (or do a real crown). If its still sensitive, I root canal it (then crown it). Bottom line is that this tooth will EVENTUALLY require more treatment (cracks generally get worse) so id get it done now

Flossie and Amir, thank you for your reply. I have plenty of stress but I do not have a problem with grinding and he said my bite was fine. Further, the dentist took x-rays that showed the tooth was not cracked. I am leaning toward holding off a while to see how it goes, my own brother said he had a similar experience and the symptoms eventually went away. Flossie, you mentioned the tooth may be in the early stages of dying--how long does this process take? Can it go on for months or years?

I think you mean "peridontist" an endocrinologist deals with the endocrine system system as glands and treats diabetes. A peridontist treats diseases of the gums.

I think you mean "peridontist" an endocrinologist deals with the endocrine system system as glands and treats diabetes. A peridontist treats diseases of the gums.

You misread the question. I am scheduled to see an endodontist not an endocrinologist.

Goulie... an x-ray will only show a severe vertical crack extending under the gums causing bone loss... I'm talking about a smaller crack that causes small movements of fluid into your nerve when the tooth flexes. Bite down on a hard stick (ie the handle of your toothbrush) on that tooth, then release the pressure... try on a few spots... if it hurts (esp on release) that's a cracked tooth! Read this Cracked Tooth Syndrome (http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32219/t.25016/pr.3.html)

goulie,
It could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years for the nerve to die.

Have you tried Advil to see if you get any relief?

How long ago was the filling done on the tooth that is bothering you? If it wasn't done that long ago, I'd ask your dentist to check your bite. Even if it was done some time ago your bite can change. It's worth having it checked. It would be an easy fix and much less invasive than a root canal!

The filling is 25+ years old and the tooth doesn't bother me much except for the cold sensitivity and chewing. From everything I have learned lately it sounds like the pulp is probably infected so I have decided to go ahead with the endo appointment and see what they find. It will be my first root canal (if that's what they recommend) so wish me luck!

Good luck goulie. I'll be anxious to hear what they find out.

I still think it's cracked!