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Hello - I had a deep cavity in my back molar that was causing sensitivity to sweets, hot food, and cold food. About 6 weeks ago, the dentist drilled out the decay, put a layer of medicine in the tooth, and put a composit filling on top of it. Everything has been great for the past 6 weeks - no pain, sensitivity, or discomfort . . . until about 4 days ago. The tooth has a very low, dull ache. Hot and cold foods cause more discomfort than before I had the filling. My symptoms have increased over the past 4 days. I also developed a slight earache.
I can't get to my dentist for another 4 days (I am away on business). Does anyone have any experience of a filling suddenly becoming uncomfortable after 6 weeks? Is it possible my dentist didn't get all the decay out (that would be really lame)? Is a root canal inevitable (God I hope not)?
If you do need a root canal it's no big deal these days. The dentist I went to had it all computerized, very quick & easy. Big difference from decades ago !
I felt great right after it was done, all disccomfort gone.
The only painful part was paying for the root canal. LOL
Another possibility is that something is infected. The earache could indicate an infection, or be shooting pain coming from the tooth. You'll need your dentist to figure it all out.
Any chance you might have a sinus infection? That often causes pain / pressure that can feel like a toothache & could also cause the ear ache
If you're still out of town, call your dentist and describe your symptoms. He should be willing to prescribe some antibiotics to a drugstore near you. He wouldn't want you to risk an infection that continues unchecked, delaying dental work when you return.
Depending on where you're currently at, your dentist may also be able to call you in some pain meds. but that can be problematic over state lines. Check out a local drugstore, there are a lot of over-the-counter remedies for dental pain, ask the pharmacist.
Also, rinse about every hour with warm water and salt. Our family dentist recommended this years ago. It really helps flush out infectious matter and decrease the swelling. Another home remedy---get a plain--not coated--asprin, slightly dampen, and hold against the sore tooth.
I am the OP. Thanks for the info everyone. I got a root canal today. No abscess so that was good. It turns out I had a low grade infection under the filling that worked its way into the pulp. I am glad it is all over (hopefully).
That's great news.... it sounds like things were hopefully taken care of before it erupted into something bigger.....which often means more invasive, more expensive, and less predictable.
PLEASE ask your dentist if you need a crown on this tooth. The most common reason a tooth with a root canal needs to be removed is because the patient never got the crown done. What generally happens is the root canal takes away all the symptoms/pain/problems, so the patient doesn't bother finishing the treatment since it no longer hurts. But a root canal is NOT completed until the crown is placed. There are very rare occasions when a crown is not needed. Then the patient shows up at the dentist saying "the root canal didn't work" when it was actually the patient's self-neglect that is at fault. But they somehow always try to place the blame on the dentist.
This is a tipical case of irreversible pulpitis (inflammation). Initial sedative filing was ok,served as a temporary relieve,but the process (inflammation) is chronic.Root canal is the treatment of choice.
I am having some issues with a tooth that was filled 6 weeks ago. It is not sensitive to heat at all. Very little sensitivity to cold. It has decreased over time. My tooth feels sore. Biting on it really doesnt hurt. I have not lost any sleep. In fact it feels better in the morning after sleep.floride tooth paste helps with the soreness. Is it normal to have soreness after a big filling? Any help is appreciated!
I had a deep filling 6 weeks ago. At first it was very sensitive to cold. That has almost completely gone away. I have never been sensitive to heat. My tooth feels sore. It doesnt hurt if it is tapped by a pen. I can chew without pain. The soreness hasnt kept me up at night. I have not tried ineprofen to help with soreness. Its subtle. I have some prescription fluride toothpaste and it really helps. In fact it is rarely sore in the morning.
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