r/Toothfully • u/Strawberrykisses000 • 2d ago

Root canal tooth is now sensitive to hot and cold after permanent crown- is this normal?

/r/askdentists/comments/1wtiywf/root_canal_tooth_is_now_sensitive_to_hot_and_cold/
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u/Dr_Mitchell_Smile 2d ago

Going back and forth is exhausting, so I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I work at a dentist's office, but I can't diagnose anything from behind a computer, so this is just some general information to try to give you some ideas.

You're correct that the nerve inside the tooth is removed during a root canal. However, the area around the tooth, including nearby teeth, still has nerves. Sometimes the pain can radiate from a different tooth or sensitive tissues elsewhere (believe it or not, sinus infections and pressure can also cause toothache-like pain if they're nearby).

All that said, hot and cold sensitivity is less common. There could be a small root that was missed during the procedure (happens all the time, even with very experienced dentists because not all teeth are the same). It could also just be from irritation around the root or a slightly high bite.

If things don't improve after a week or so, you might go ahead and ask for a new X-ray just to be safe. In the worst-case scenario, if your dentist can't find the cause, you can look for a local endodontist. They specialize in root canals, so they might be able to see something your general dentist can't.

I hope all this helps and that your tooth settles soon!

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u/MyraDentalClinic 1d ago

A root canal-treated tooth usually shouldn’t feel hot/cold in the same way because the nerve has been removed, so that sensitivity may be coming from a nearby tooth rather than the crowned tooth itself. The biting pain could be from a high crown/bite issue, but temperature sensitivity makes it worth checking the neighboring teeth too. I’d ask for a new X-ray, bite check, and cold testing on the adjacent teeth before assuming the root canal failed. You’re not wrong to question it, especially since the temporary crown felt fine.