Tooth sensitivity - before root canal (teeth, dentist, infection, crown)

[dfour]

I was having uncomfortable sensitivity (hot and cold, and even a cold wind) to a tooth last week. Made an appointment with my regular dentist on Thursday. He took 2 x-rays, didn't see too much "darkness" on the x-ray, which apparently shows that I'd need a root canal.

But the sensitivity to hot and cold is a telltale sign that I'd need a root canal. He gave me a prescription for 500 mg Amoxicillin until the appointment.

The sensitivity has diminished a good amount, but can slightly feel minor discomfort mainly when I tap on the tooth.


Wishful thinking, but is it possible that the antibiotic could take care of the infection, and I wouldn't need a root canal???

[bart0323]

If the tooth's nerve is the source of the infection, then it must be treated appropriately (root canal or extraction). Antiobiotics will provide some temporary relief, but as long as the source remains the infection will ultimately come back.

[dfour]

Thanks bart0323,

I went yesterday for the root canal (tooth # 7). She started, and I go back next week for the final visit. Amazing how the antibiotics help reduce the pain. I'm thrilled about that.

Another question. Tooth # 10 is darkening. She mentioned that I will also need a root canal on that one.

Is it really possible to diagnose just by looking at a tooth???

[Demolitionman2]

Had a root canal performed on one of my teeth many years ago. Heat was my trigger. Dentist said that pulp in tooth (nerve and blood vessel) were decaying and building up pressure on remaining nerve, causing extreme pain. Heat aggravated it even more. No, at this stage the tooth needs to be opened up and the nerve (what's left of it) removed, it's pretty much shot. They'll drill out/enlarge the root canals and fill them with something that resembles pencil leads (maybe these days they use something different). Then maybe a filling or a crown. I have had my crown for 3.5 decades and at last exam, dentist said it was doing fine.