Had second opinion today. More confused.

[scared0902]

So I had my second opinion on my sensitive #31 today. She redid the tests--tooth responded to cold only. The xray showed no signs of infection or abscess but that "the ligament may be sprained or inflammed." What would that look like on an xray?

They did a bite adjustment and put a sensitivity varnish on. They said to give it a week and see how it goes. If it's worse, then a root canal.

1. I am still confused by the diagnoses. Can a sprained ligament (if there is such a thing) cause sensitivity?
2. Why do I need a root canal if the roots look okay?
3. If I do need a root canal, is it appropriate to say, "I like you as a dentist, but I know I need to be sedated at a higher level. Can you refer me to an sedation endodontist?" I guess I think I'll hurt his feelings.

 

[Gordon]

It would show up as a slight thickening on the ligament area on the x-ray.

1) I don't know what the mechanism could possibly be, but from personal experience, yes it could.
2) It's a very effective way of getting rid of sensitivity
3) No harm in asking