Root canal procedures remove the pulp from a tooth. Even when some tissue is left behind it is not living tissue. Endodontically treated teeth do not have the ability to feel cold sensitivity unless vital pulp tissue remains in an untreated root and this rarely is the case.
If your endodontically treated tooth seems to be sensitive to cold, the most likely cause is an adjacent tooth. A visit to the dentist where he performs an ice challenge will usually demonstrate which tooth is experiencing sensitivity.
That being said, teeth with endodontics still can feel pain due to the presence the periodontal ligament. If the tooth displays either periapical inflammation or infection it can be sensitive to pressure, chewing or percussion. Failing root canals can present as 'toothaches' as well. Cracks in endodontically treated teeth similarly can cause pain in the surrounding periodontal ligaments.
what about heat sensitivity? I had heat sensitivity, pain shot through my jaw when I ate hot things. Just had a root canal done today. Tonight, the heat sensitivity is still there.
ReplyDeleteThe doctor said she worried about #21, but it could still feel cold. #20 (the one we did today), couldn't feel cold at all.
Just wondering if I should call her tomorrow because I need one on the second one as well or if maybe my tooth is just still sensitive.
Dear Jenn,
ReplyDeleteNon vital teeth without root canal fills can theoretically experience sensitivity to hot, but if you just had a root canal treatment it is unlikely. The reason this is possible is that gases can build up from the deterioration of a necrotic pulp that can expand when exposed to heat. Your root canal treatment removed any necrotic pulp present. Most likely your sensitivity is originating from an adjacent tooth.
I just had a root canal done 6 days ago and I noticed that it is still sensitive to cold. There is lingering shooting pain after drinking ice drinks. Is this normal?
ReplyDeleteI had a root canal done 15 days ago on tooth #10. I still have pain and nothing works to relieve the pain. My dentist wont fill the tooth because I still have pain. I went to an endodontist for the root canal. What could be the problem? What should I do?
ReplyDeleteI cracked #14 one year ago, and my dentist sent me to the Endodontist for the root canal. After the new crown was installed, and we cancelled our vacation due to the UNBELIEVABLE $2800 total fee, I am left with what a dental assistant aptly described as a ZING in the front top left corner of the final product. I've been back to the Endodontist twice, and my dentist has also analyzed the x-rays. They insist everything is fine. Everything is not fine. The sensation in that tooth should not be there. Tomorrow I will pay more out-of-pocket expense to get a second opinion from a dentist who is out-of-this loop. Perhaps my only recourse will be an unhappy YELP review. I am 60, and I fear I will have to live with this sensation until I die. Any advice?
ReplyDeleteMake an appointment with an oral surgeon. Most x-rays will not show a fractured root after a root canal treatment. Oral surgeons can do a 3D CT Scan. This will show any cracks, fractures, or infection that a regular x-ray cannot.
DeleteYou didn't mention whether you had a root canal on the tooth, but I assume you have. Unfortunately, not all problems show up on radiographs. In a situation like yours, probably the best thing to do is wait to see if it gets better over time. It is possible that the tooth has a hairline crack that doesn't show on your X-ray. If its not bothering you all the time, leave it alone... the cure may end up being worse than the symptom. If you have had a root canal already, and the fill looks ok, then an extraction my be a solution, but it is a last resort for sure!
ReplyDeleteI had a root canal on 7 a week ago 6 & 8 had root canals years ago when I had 8 done the dentist had to order a longer thingy to get the whole root out they said I had extremely long roots I told that to this dentist now 7 is still sensitive to hot cold & tapping I told them this yesterday when I was back for a crown prep on another tooth he said I was just still sore he got it all. I have had 7 other root canals and none have felt like this when completed sold I insist he redo this one
ReplyDeleteFour days ago I had a route canal procedure done, once the anastethetic wore off I had a little pain but it eventually subsided. The next day I had discomfort with the tooth again and I began to get more pain which worsened everyday. Is this natural to occur after the procedure? Or should I go back to my dentist and check it out again?
ReplyDeleteI had root canal treatment three days ago and it went fine for two days. Yesterday, the tooth starts to hurt again, a little sensitive on pressure and pain shots when the tooth contacts water. As far as I understand, the tooth has no nerve, so why do I have such pain ?
ReplyDeleteI lost some of my temporary filling from a root canal done on 3/16 on tooth #29 while waiting to get my crowns done soon. Will I be able to feel pain now? Should I go back to endodontist ASAP for another temp filling? Super worried. Thx
ReplyDeleteYou should return either to the endodontist or your regular dentist. Completed root canals need to be sealed keep from becoming recontaminated. If you are unable to restore this tooth promptly with a permanent crown ask them to place a more long lasting type of temporary. I use IRM for this purpose.
DeleteI had a root canal and crown put on my #5 about 8 months ago and now I am having sensitivity to cold drinks. Should I be concerned?
ReplyDeletei have undergone RCT 20 days back for 2nd molar teeth. because of decay. My dentist has cleaned the teeth and took size for cap. 3rd day she made single sitting rct and filled the gap and fixed the ceramic cap. from day 2nd i am feeling a sensitivity to this teeth. She told that it will be a like as dead teeth. Was it is common or what shall i do...
ReplyDeleteCan a tooth still feel sensitivity to cold or hot water after rct treatment?please suggest doctor....
ReplyDeleteTooth can not have sensitivity to cold after a root canal because afterwards the tooth has no vital pulp left to sense the cold.
DeleteShould I put a crown on large molar tooth which has done well for ten years. My dentist was nervous to do so as canals don't have deep gutta perca fillings. Am also nervous as have lost a premolar single root tooth to fracture. Can send an xray
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome to send a jpeg of your tooth. Please send to lawrencespindel@yahoo.com
DeleteI just had a root canal, It didn't hurt at all it was a little uncomfortable to hold my mouth open that long.
ReplyDeleteI had a root treatment done on my two top back right teeth a week ago and I'm finding it's still sensitive to cold, but not quite as bad as before. Is this normal and will the sensitivity fade as it finishes up healing?
ReplyDeleteOnce the pulp is removed teeth can not feel sensitivity to cold. If you still have sensitivity to cold it's coming from a different tooth.
Deleteit feels like it is coming from that tooth, if I press something cold to it i can feel it. Why would that be?
DeleteI had a root canal done about two years ago and now the tooth is aching very badly. It's like a pulsing/throbbing feeling in the tooth and the gum above it. The gum is sensitive to touch and the tooth is sensitive to biting. Benzocaine, saltwater and NSAIDs don't work. What could be causing this? Do i need to see a dentist? (upper right first molar)
ReplyDeleteYou should see a dentist to diagnose what is going on. You could have a root fracture or a failing root canal or a periodontal abscess.
DeleteFantastic and informative blog! It aids in our understanding that Root Canal Treatment Tooth is not as painful as some people have us believe. Now that I've read your site, I'm positively sure.
ReplyDeleteFantastic and informative blog! It aids in our understanding that Root Canal Treatment Tooth is not as painful as some people have us believe. Now that I've read your site, I'm positively sure.
ReplyDelete