Pain after a deep cavity? Is this normal?
Added: November 08, 2007 - 2:44 PM
By: Patient Email Withheld, Bedford, TX
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X-rays Available:
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Case Summary
Teeth:
Last Full Mouth X-Ray: 2 months ago
Last Cleaning: 2 months ago, deep c
Case Description
I had a large cavity in my wisdom tooth filled about a month ago. I have been having some pain for about 5 days, kinda achy feeling. I take an asprin once a day and it seems to get rid of the pain. I called my dentist and they said that I should come in and have it looked at so I did. The dentist immediatley said I may need a root canal. I said no way. (I am deathly afraid of the dentist) He said to take this period check and use it for 5 weeks and see if takes the pain away. Does it make sense that that I should have pain after about 3 weeks of no pain and then it starts? My current dentist didn't really say much but that. I go back next week for 2 more cavities (small ones) to be filled. Should I just use the period check? Do I need a root canal do you think?
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Reply: Pain after a deep cavity? Is this normal?
added: November 09, 2007 - 6:52 AM
I am trying to determine what you mean when you say that you were told to use "period check" for 5 weeks. I assume you mean Peridex, which is an antimicrobial mouth rinse prescribed for treatment of infected gums. From what you wrote, it does not sound like you have a problem with your gums.If I am guessing correctly about the mouth rinse, and you indeed have an infection on the inside of the tooth, then the mouth rinse will not help you at all. From your description, I suspect that the tooth is either infected or it is bumping too hard against another tooth when you bite.If the tooth is infected, the infection probably occurred even before your dentist filled the tooth. After all, you said that it was a large cavity. Sometimes an infected tooth, which may not yet cause pain, will start to hurt after a dentist removes deep decay that caused the infection. If this is the case, then there are only two solutions: Either the tooth has to be extracted or it needs to have not only a root canal to treat the infection, but also a crown for strength.On the other hand, a tooth that is simply hitting wrong against another tooth can certainly cause the pain that you describe. Ask your dentist to check your bite with carbon paper before you buy the root canal. It may only require a simple adjustment to the tooth or the surface of the new filling to make everything comfortable again. Darrell Pruitt DDS
Reply: Pain after a deep cavity? Is this normal?
added: November 09, 2007 - 7:08 AM
Ok if you want my opinion. No wisdom tooth is worth saving if you are experiencing pain. My advise is to extract the tooth. Go see an oral surgeon and have them put you under so you will not know any discomfort. It''''s normal to have sensitivity to hot/cold for up to 6wks. You should never feel aching or throbbing pain, therefore meaning you have pulpitis requiring a rootcanal. If you do not have an adjacent tooth then yes it''''s worth saving but if not get it out. I probabably wouldn''''t have invested any money in doing a filling in the tooth either. Usually wisdom teeth are too far back in the mouth to keep clean therefore getting decay in them. If you need one out you might consider doing all four at the same time if you are going to be out.If you have any other questions please call our office 817-557-0095
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