This could be a hyperemia of the blood vessels inside the tooth, or a irreversible hyperemia (needs root canal therapy) or it could be due to the occlusion which may include a temperomandibular dysfunction. If the discomfort is subsiding that may or may not be a good thing, Your complaint did not include whether you have another appointment with your dentist and I am assuming that you are scheduled to return.
If the discomfort is decreasing and the tooth still tests normal for hot and cold, i would be patient (no joke), If the pain does not decrease and the tooth tests normal, you need to rule out the TMD issue. If the pain decreases and there is no response from the cold test, then the nerve has probably died and you need root canal therapy. Last, if the pain remains and the sensitivity does not go away, you probably need root canal therapy.
Also, I would not stay on 800 mg ibuprofen doses for very long as it may have significant side effects.
Scott M. Dubowsky, DMD, FAGD
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