Hi Alex,

A tooth that has been root canaled can sometimes be sore and achy indefinitely due to the chronic inflammation from the remnants of bacteria left in the tooth. Even with the best of efforts, it is not possible to sterilize a tooth or remove all of the bacteria in the microscopic canals. Sometimes the achiness is dull and inconsistent, other times it subsides completely if the tooth is taken out of occlusion. That means the biting surface of the tooth is shaved down so it is not hitting against another tooth. Taking the root canaled tooth out of occlusion is commonly done to help minimize any further trauma to the tooth and also to prevent the patient from complaining about the sore tooth. I know this doesn't sound very positive, but unfortunately it is the way it is and the only alternative to the root canal is an extraction.

The back of the tooth is overly sensitive because that was the entry hole to perform the root canal procedure. Therefore it is also the exit hole for any pressue/inflammation that has built up in the tooth. However, that opening is sealed off, so the pressure cannot escape.... concludes the tenderness and soreness until the inflammation subsides. A newly root canaled tooth has alot of pressure built up inside of it from the actual procedure and from the thick rubbery filling material melted inside of the large canals. It also has inflammation inside the microscopic canals that harbor bacteria that was not obtainable during the procedure. Were you advised to take an anti inflammatory medication like motrin, advil or aleve? These meds can sometimes help reduce the discomfort/pain. If at any time you experience a toothache and/or swelling regarding this tooth, that is a sign that infection has taken hold and is on it's way into the jawbone. So if that should occur at any time in the future even after the permanent restoration is done, do not wait to see your dentist.

In your case with an upper front tooth totally intact, there was no reason to go below the gumline for anything. The endo clip might have pinched the gumline a bit but that feeling goes away when the clip is removed. The palatal shots can initially sting and cause temporary soreness in the injection site but that would not have any impact on the back surface of your tooth as you described here. I think what you are feeling is from the pressure on the point of entry as I described above. Is your bottom tooth hitting that sore spot of did the dentist say he took the tooth out of occlusion? Biting against that sore spot will cause more soreness. It's like having a bruise and you keep rubbing it...... it gets sore and more sore until you leave it alone.

If you are going to rinse with anything, warm salt water would be the best bet. But in actuality, it is not something that an oral rinse can really do much for. If you think you are hitting it with your lower tooth, then see your dentist for a bit adjustment.

I know this has been a bit unnerving for you.... it's scary especially when it's your front tooth! Never hesitate to contact your dentist if you think something isn't right or you are unsure if something was done or not. Better to be proactive than to wait and see what happens.

Bryanna