I had a root canal almost a year ago. Afterwards the prior pain subsided, but then increased to the point where it was at the level I had before the root canal. I was about to leave for a long work trip; another doctor in the same practice said I might have an infection and prescribed a course of antibiotics.
The antibiotics didn’t help. I went to a different endodontist in the city I was in for a tooth CAT scan–there’s a name for this which escapes me. This doctor said he could see nothing wrong with the work and no evidence of a hidden root. He said I had three options–tooth replacement (strongly discouraged), reopen the tooth to take a look, or ride it out and hope it improved.
The pain subsided for a while but then returned after a few months to a point WORSE than before the root canal. By this time I was back home and went to my original endo. He examined me and reviewed the CAT scan, and basically offered the same options, though he also strongly discouraged replacement. He concurred that there was no evidence of a hidden root. He suggested that maybe this was the ligaments and muscles around the tooth still being irritated by the work.
I then suggested a course of prednisone–to combat the presumed irritation and inflammation around the tooth. He agreed. The pred took down the acute pain and for a month all was well, then I had ANOTHER flare-up, but before I could get back to my doctor it died down.
For about two months now the pain level has been acceptable. Occasionally it’s not there, on some days it’s about a headache level of annoyance–controllable with acetaminophen. But I am always aware of something, and if I check on it by pressing down on the tooth with a finger, or wiggle it, there is sensitivity.
Soooo…advice from strangers on the internet? How unusual is this and what can I do?