I have a root canal which is halfway done (root taken out and temporary filling packed in) but that was a few years ago. The packing has now come out, and is down to the cotton or whatever that was placed inside to keep it dry. I've had pain in the tooth for some months if not last year or two- nothing sharp just a nagging pain every now and again. I am assuming it means the gum not the tooth since the root is gone. After such time, is it better to dig out the entire thing to make sure infection hasn't hit? I have an appointment Monday to check on it- but am curious as to what I might expect going in.