I had a root canal and crown installed about a year ago. When my dentist gave me a novacaine shot, I felt a sharp pain in the nerve, which has happened before, no big deal. Immediately after Novacaine wore off, I had a constant metallic taste that continues to this day a year later. My dentist replaced the porcelain crown with a ceramic crown but still no help. I do drink coffee and smoke which now intensifies the taste.
Now a year later and I can tap on the crown and feel sensitivity, but no pain. Just a tickling effect that goes to my inner ear. I awaken every morning with nasal congestion, ear & jaw pain, swollen tonsils that feel as if i swallowed a fish bone every morning. These symptoms subside after a few hours of being awake.
My question is do I see an Endodontist, ENT, or other medical professional? I know I have allergies and they are pretty bad this year, but shots have not alleviated them over the years. I love my dentist and I know they worry about legal action but I am not looking for that, I just want to get rid of these aggravating problems.

Hi Rob,

Did the dentist mention anything to you about perforating the tooth with an instrument during the root canal procedure? Or mention anything about breaking off an instrument inside the tooth during the root canal? Either of these situations could cause a metallic taste.

Did the dentist put a post in the tooth? If so, did he mention anything about perforating the tooth with the post? This could also cause a metallic taste.

In addition to the fact that all root canaled teeth are compromised and chronically infected, any perforation through the wall of a tooth will cause an infection to develop as bacteria builds up around that area. If an xray of the tooth has not been taken since the first crown was put on, then one should be taken now to see if there is a perforation.

You could ask your dentist if he is aware of a perforation occurring that he may not have told you about. He can also take an xray to evaluate that aspect.

Bryanna