In October 2007 after noticing that there was a small darkened area at the base of the 2nd molar from the back on the left bottom, my dentists filled a deep cavity in that tooth. I had also begun feeling some slight discomfort in that tooth before the cavity was filled. After the cavity was filled, the sensitivity went away for a week or so. Then I experienced the following sensations in this order:
(1) Moderate aching pain at the base of the tooth and surrounding area off and on for two days relieved briefly by eating or drinking something hot or cold. During this period I had no pain when I pushed hard or tapped on the tooth. This pain subsided almost completely after a few days.
(2) After the pain in (1) above subsided, the tooth then became sensative to pushing or tapping. This sensation then subsided in a couple of days.
(3) After the sensitivity to pressure in (2) above subsided, the tooth then felt like it had grown slightly taller when I bit down. There was no pain, but I did feel some non-painful pressure when biting down hard on the tooth.
(4) In two days the sensation that the tooth is slightly taller pretty much subsided.
A dentist who looked at my X-rays said I needed a root canal.
But, I am wondering if it would be reasonable for me to wait a few days or weeks and see if the remaining mild discomfort goes away. Or should I get a root canal right away?
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