I am 57 years old recently I had root canal treatment. Tenderness and sensitvity reocurring. Please give me the possible causes.

I've had two root canals and was told sensitivity and tenderness are normal for up to a month after the procedure. If this persists go back to your dentist.

Hi, aparn!

Greetings and WELCOME to the site! I just moved and edited your question a little, that you had posted in Introductions as a response to someone else's introduction, to this topic area so that it will get the most exposure to those who are best able to answer the question that you are asking. Introductions is for people to introduce themselves and we try to not ask questions there.

This site doesn't work the same way that a chat room does.

We would appreciate it if you would return to Introductions sometime to tell us a little about yourself though, if you would be willing to do that.

I can see that you have already received a response as a result of your question being moved, though.

Thanks!

I am 57 years old recently i had root canal treatment. Tenderness and sensitvity reocurring. Please give me the possible causes.


It can vary - I had a root canal followed by endodontic surgery in November 2006. The tooth has been a problem ever since. The endodontist checks it every 6 months and has pretty much no explanation for the occasional discomfort.

My husband had a root canal earlier that year, never had a problem or complication. He said the pain in his wallet was worse than the pain in his tooth!

Endodontist tells me "sometimes it takes time." The discomfort sort of comes and goes.

There could still be residual infection, you may need an antibiotic to clear it up or the tooths root could be cracked. I'd suggest you see your dentist and have him/her check it with an x-ray and "tooth sleuth" (crack finder).

Endodontic work can be very tricky to get right. If the canal wasn't fully 'flushed out' there may still be some infection in the tooth. A trip to the dentist for some antibacs may help, but if the problem persits you may need some more root canal work.

There could still be residual infection, you may need an antibiotic to clear it up or the tooths root could be cracked. I'd suggest you see your dentist and have him/her check it with an xray and "tooth sleuth" (crack finder).


When you say tooth sleuth - is that specialized testing or something? I've been on and off antibiotics and both the Dentist and Endodontist keep x-raying and telling me these things take time -

What should I ask for?

Judy,
A tooth sleuth is a plastic instrument that the dentist uses to check for cracks. He/she will place one side on all cusps (one at a time) and the other side right in the middle of the tooth. You will be instructed to bite hard and if, on release you feel discomfort the tooth is cracked.
Root canal teeth will often crack beyond repair and need to be removed.

LOL Judy... it won't cause THAT much discomfort!

LOL Judy...it won't cause THAT much discomfort!


I still remember the little electric zapper machine which came with this dialogue:

"So, is it this tooth? So is it that tooth? How about this -"

"Somebody peel Judy off the ceiling, please."

LMAO... Don't you just love the current (pardon the pun) technology in dentistry??

LMAO...Don't you just love the current (pardon the pun) technology in dentistry????


Bad, bad pun - go stand in the corner.

(I do notice that the Dentist always stands a distance from me and my flailing arms while giving my teeth the zap test.)

Judy - At least you are brave enough to give your dentist a run for your money! I am trying to picture the above described scenerio...

Judy,
Perhaps you should ask your dentist to start the "zap" test at 0 and work UP to 10, not start at 10 and work down.:p
OK... I'll go to the corner now:rolleyes: