I had a tooth prepared for a crown one month ago without a root canal. The temporary crown was painful when biting and very sensitive to hot, cold , and sweet. I saw my dentist twice after the temp was placed and she checked the bite and took another x-ray. She said there was not problem except for an irritated nerve.
One week ago my gold crown was ready so she placed in on the tooth using the temp cement. She said I should go back to see her in two weeks. Now.. the sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet is almost gone but I still have the same zinging pain when I chew on things like potato chips or cookies.. Also if I press on the outside of the tooth with my finger, I get the same sensation. I consulted another dentist who checked the bite and the fit and found nothing wrong. The other dentist recommended that I wait before getting a root canal... I am frustrated by all of this. I worry that the original mold for the crown was no good.
The pain when I bite has not really changed from day one and no one can tell me why I should believe that it will. Did anyone out there ever have biting pain that went away?? Does this sort of zinging biting pain ever really just disappear?
I feel annoyed that I have to wait another week if I really need a root canal but I don't want a root canal unless it's absolutely necessary! UGH! Has anyone else had this problem?? Thanks for listening!
Suki

Yes, I had the same problem. You have instant pain and then it goes away after you eat.. right? Well 2 problems...
1. Tooth is loose and moving the nerve when you eat.
2. If you do not want to wait and see if it will go away then a root canal will have to be done.
Good Luck

Hi, Suki,
I have had just about every tooth problem there is, in my lifetime so far. Now, at age 64, finally have dentures, without having to go through all the dentists anymore.
It does appear that you might need a root canal, if it doesn't stop hurting, say in a month.
Root canals aren't bad at all (I have had many), if you use Nitrous Oxide gas.
Laughing gas is available with many dentists. They simply put a "nose piece" over your nose, and for about 15 mintues, increase the amount of oxygen and Nitrous until you feel comfortable. It relaxes the nerves in the teeth, and relaxes you to the point that you won't care if a Tornado goes by! It simply relieves the pain, and you won't know what is going on.
After finishing, you are back to your original "self" after about 10 mintues.
Ask your Dentist about it. It was the only way I could have my teeth worked on for many years!

Hello again.. thanks for your input.. I actually had a root canal this morning.. it wasn't so bad and at least now the dentist can cement the crown on permanently and I know I've done all I can! Thanks again.
Suki