Throbbing in gum 4 months after root canal

[RavenT]

I had 2 root canals done in June. One has settled and been crowned, the other is extremely tender to any pressure and I still can't eat on that side.

I went back to see the specialist who put a composite overlay over the tooth and took it out of bite. He said to let it settle for a couple of months but if no improvement it may be that the small crack has gone into the root and the tooth has not been saved. My own dentist is suggesting it is crowned to protect it further and is reluctant to extract as it's the 6 molar, so an important tooth, and also visible when I smile. (The tooth that has been treated successfully is typically not visible!).

I've spent £1000 already on this tooth. But am still taking ibuprofen daily to keep it barely comfortable. Xrays show there is no visible infection.

Anyone have a similar experience they could share? I'm at my wits end with it. At the same time after over £2500 on both teeth I couldn't look at fixing the gap until we'll into the new year.

It sounds like it needs more than a crown.
Ask your dentist to refer you to a specialist endodontist. I saw one this year, he redid a failed root canal and it's fine now. It will be cheaper than extraction and replacement and it's best to keep your own tooth. Endodontists are the experts on root canals.

Thanks. It was done by a specialist endodontist and he was the one who did the overlay. He said when he did the root canal it had a tiny crack that hadn't gone into the root, but that it may have since spread into the root.... (there was a slight delay as I had a 2nd tooth to have treated, and he thinks the crack may have extended during that delay 😩 )

Oh I see, are you seeing him again or just your usual dentist?
Teeth can be a bloody nuisance! I hope you get a solution that doesn't cost too much.