Hi! I had a root canal and crown in a back molar about 4 years ago. About 5 days ago that tooth started hurting...It feels like the crown is "higher" and that tooth hits first when biting down on something. During the day it is sensitive to pressure, making me think there is an infection at the tip of the root and/or bone. At night it is more painful, sometimes throbbing. The pain is not constant, but it is bad enough at times that eating anything on that side is not fun :/ I'm 48, and the only other dental work I've ever had done was a root canal and a crown on a tooth that broke in an accident when I was a teen( eye tooth). I've never had any cavities or gum disease. My issue now is that we don't currently have any dental insurance. My understanding is that a rootcanal doesn't clean out, but rather contains any infection, so I'm wondering if there is any way to treat the infection homeopathically or with diet. I want to avoid an unnecessary medication and additional dental work, but I'm afraid that the only option might be having my tooth extracted then having to deal with some kind of a replacement. I'm otherwise healthy. is there anything I can do? I also don't want to wait if it IS an infection and have it spread...We are on a very limited budget.
Lisa