My No. 19 molar (2nd from back lower left) had a porcelain crown that was replaced with a gold crown over 2 years ago. The tooth was healthy without pain. Advice was that a gold crown would be better than a porcelain crown for my opposing tooth since I am a grinder (I use a nightguard for many years already). The tooth would not numb properly during the procedure, so it was quite painful. Afterwards it hurt every time I put pressure on it. As the dental team thought that the tooth was irritated by the procedure, the new gold crown was put on with temporary cement. Referred to Endo to check, Endo finds the roots healthy and advices against a root canal. Fast forward a year and half, the tooth still hurts with pressure, despite numerous adjustments during that period. So still no eating or chewing with that side of the mouth. Referred to Endo again. Endo took more x-rays, find the roots healthy and advices against a root canal, but suggests taking the crown off and put on a temporary to allow the tooth to “rest”. Fast forward another 8 months with temporary, still no improvement, no chewing on that side. Dental team feels that all options have been exhausted, advice learning to live with it as is and ready to put crown on with permanent cement (to prevent tooth from decaying). Are there other options I should be exploring before putting crown back on with permanent cement?

Has your dental team ruled out a crack in the tooth or root?

Thank you for responding. One of the dentist thinks that tooth might be cracked, although it is not visible on the x-rays. No one has yet mentioned a crack in the root. Should I be asking Endo that question?

Unfortunately, cracks sometimes can not be seen until the tooth is removed. You could certainly ask the endodontist if he/she feels it's a possibility.

Thank you so much. I guess a crack would cause movement in the tooth under pressure, and the movement pinches the nerves to give a pain signal? Are there other ways to "cure" a cracked tooth besides extraction?

Putting a crown on the tooth often holds the tooth together to prevent the movement and irritation to the nerve. Since you have already had a crown placed, I'm guessing the crack is in the root. Removal may be the only choice. Sorry :(

Thank you so much for your input. I appreciate it.

You are welcome Gaiaa! That is what we are here for! :)

Get a root canal and get the crown put on... it may be eventually doomed to be extracted but you'll get a few years out of it...

Thank you Amir for your input!