I have a sharp pain on my lower gum, same area where i had a root canal and crown done about 2 years ago. do i need to get the root canal done again or should i rather just take pain medication to suppress the pain as it is not daily.

Gum pain: needs to be evaluated by your dentist or doctor. Please make a visit. Suppressing the pain w/medication only masks the real issue. Peace and good health.

Gum pain: you should see your dentist. It could be related to the root canal but it could be you ate something that got stuck. Your dentist can assess and might consider an x-ray to be certain there is nothing wrong. It doesn't sound like you need to be seen urgently but pain is not normal and needs to be assessed. Taking pain medication once is fine if it went away but not on a routine basis.

Pain: Red flag that something's wrong. Pain meds mask symptoms, don't treat causes. You need to be seen by a professional to determine the cause of your pain (may be worsening infection). See your General Dentist to determine if root canal needs pretreatment. If so, best to mess an Endodontist for this specialty problem.

Pain: Pain is nature's way of telling you something is wrong. I definitely would not just take pain medication when needed and wait it out. Over 35 years of experience tells me that at some point this will probably flare up and you will be sorry for waiting. Only a dentist who personally examines you and takes x-rays can determine cause and suggest treatment. Make an appointment asap!

Please have it: checked by a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Re-evaluation: Have that tooth examined for the cause of the pain. Pain meds mask the underlying problem and will not resolve the issue. You may have an infection or a root fracture.