I am searching on-line for information that would shed some light on why my tooth is still bothering me after a root canal. It doesn't feel any different than it did before the root canal. (Was a root canal what I needed?)

My tooth is a constant distraction because it feels funny, and I have an odd unpleasant taste in my mouth all the time. I eat candy, chew gum, and have the urge to eat just to block out the taste and the annoying sensation of the tooth.

This is the story:

Last November (2002) I had a filling replaced in an upper back molar. A lot of drilling was done. The tooth never felt right afterwards. Beginning in around February, if not earlier, I became aware that I had funny taste in my mouth. It took several months for me to realize that the funny taste was emanating from that tooth; I even went to see the doctor about it before I realized it was coming from the tooth, in April.

I got in to see my dentist in May, and was put on Antibiotics and referred for a root canal. I was told the pulp in the tooth had a problem. I had to reschedule the root canal twice, due to first coming down w/ a bad cold before my appointment, and then having to meet a deadline at my job. It got put off for a month, til mid-June.

If I remember correctly the root canal involved two visits. After the first visit, I called because the funny taste in my mouth persisted; I assumed it was likely there was still some infection in the tooth. I suggested, and was given a second course of Antibiotics . After the second visit, when I was given a temporary crown, during the time before I got the permanent crown, I still had the funny taste in my mouth, plus my tooth was tender.. I hoped the taste would go away and the tooth would finally feel normal again after I got the permanent crown, but it didn't.

After waiting a month I complained and was told by the dentist to go back to the endodontist; he found no problem, in the tooth, according to an x-ray, and thought the crown might need to be adjusted a little to fit my bite. ( I had to bite on blue paper, etc.) I was sent back to the dentist and he filed away at the crown, in late August. My tooth continued to bother me. I went back to my dentist in October and he could find no problem.

Ever since I got the crown, my tongue will not leave it alone. It feels like it is pressing on my gum, as if perhaps it was put on too close to the gum. It also feels too big, like it is sticking out into the space where my tongue is. I have not been able to get used to it. I now accidentally bite my tongue sometimes while talking, and have a continually sore area on the side of my tongue near the tooth.

The tooth still feels different and I am constantly aware of it. If I press directly on the biting surface or sides of the tooth, it is ever so slightly painful.

I do often clench my jaw. I have tried wearing a bite guard as much as possible for the past month, and did so almost 24 hours a day for a week recently. There is no change in the sensations coming from this tooth; if anything, it is bothering me more than ever, which is what led to to look for information on-line. I was never in any pain, and I am not in pain now, just the same amount of discomfort, with the same funny taste. It is a taste that is slightly salty and reminds me of blood and baking soda.

I am afraid that my dentist and endodonist have written me off as neurotic.

I would really appreciate any input you may be able to give about my problem which is DRIVING ME NUTS!!!

Thank you.