Toothache years after a root canal?

[elgerber]

I had to have a root canal redone last year. I was not happy, it appeared it wasn't done quite right the first time. I was not in pain yet, they found it by x-ray, but encouraged me to have it done ASAP before pain. Not fun, the 2nd one was much more uncomfortable than the first time for some reason.

 

[TCRAIG]

I had a root canal, and had recurring pain about a year later. Two times the dentist put me on antibiotics - the pain went away each time, but eventually came back. X-rays showed nothing unusual. Finally the dentist removed the crown and went back into the tooth. He found a SECOND root. Removed it, and no more pain! But it was a miserable year for sure. The dentist said the chances of having two roots were very slim. I was just lucky lol.

Actually - there are normally 3 roots to each tooth - all 3 are cleaned out during a root canal. It is possible to have more than 3 - they're usually smaller (more narrow) and may also not run 100% vertically. I've had a number of root canals that have had to be 'redone' due to a 4th or 5th tiny root that was not detected when the tooth was originally fixed. It could also be a crack in either the crown or the remnants of the tooth below the crown...or the adjacent tooth that is causing the pain.

 

[NotUrsula]

Another possibility is a sinus infection; particularly if it is an upper tooth. I had absolutely horrific pain and my dentist was all ready to do a root canal when she realized that the tooth already had one, and a crown as well. She sent me to an ENT, who diagnosed a sinus infection; the swelling was pressing down against the crown post. Massive dose of penicillin was prescribed, and the pain subsided within 12 hours and never came back.

 

[North of Mouse]

What about a bridge? I have two, each one a 'spacer' tooth to fill the space of extractions. They were done over 20 years ago and still work great!!

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

OOOO A zombie thread. You know what that means.

6 out of 10 zombies said they just eat more brains when they get a tooth ache.
2 of them said don't worry. It will fall out eventually.
The other two said we'll be glad to cure you of that pain. But I think the cure they had in mind was worse than a toothache.

After my assistant admitted he had a toothache, I decided we had better end the survey..

 

[emer95]

OP here! How hilarious to see this thread pop up in my notifications. I'm sure you're all dying to know the REST of the story. I did end up needing another root canal in the same tooth. $3,000 altogether on one freaking tooth!! It hurt my bank account more than anything else!