Refered Pain - Root Canal or Wisdom Tooth

Sometimes when we have pain in one part of the jaw we may mistakenly think that the source of pain is from one particular tooth. But in fact the real pain is coming from another area and it is in fact another tooth that is causing the pain.

Often patients will tell me that the root canal or filled tooth is paining because a lot of work and focus had already gone into the tooth. And the patient can see and mistakenly assume the pain is coming from the visible filling. While in actual fact some tooth unseen to the patient is the cause.

Other times there is referred pain. One tooth is having pain but due to the shared nerves the other tooth may be painful. This is called referred pain.

Hence it is important to check with the dentist and he will have to do a thorough examination before determining the actual cause of pain. That is why the dentist will request for X- Rays to be done.

One case I had recently was with a patient who felt pain on an previously Root Canal treated tooth. But on checking it was found that the pain was coming from an infected wisdom tooth 2 teeth further down from the Root Canal Filled tooth.

Please note it is important to check with the dentist and allow the dentist to do a thorough examination. Do take note of the pain and sequence of events leading to the pain prior to your dental appointment to ensure you can give accurate information to your dentist.