How to tell if it's bruxism pain or root canal?

Tests and judgement: Your dentist has been trained to determine if any pain or symptoms that you are having is the result of bruxism or the nerve involvement. Be aware that severe bruxism can result in nerve involvement. There are a series of tests that can be performed and sometimes the final decision is based upon experience and judgment. The bite can be adjusted and the nerve can usually be tested.

Testing & Diagnosis: Pain from traumatic occlusion can be misinterpreted as rc pain, there are tests that can be done to determine which is the culprit. Teeth that need rc tx often have a radiographic lucency (shadow), abnormal response to hot/cold, palpation, swelling, or large decay. Bruxism of teeth show up as abnormal wear on teeth cusps, new crowns that have not been checked for interfrences in lateral movement.

Dental exam: See the dentist who did the root canal. Exam and history should point to the problem. Sometimes hard to tell.