I have read many of the messages on this board and I am hoping some of you kind and experienced folks can give me a hand here.

I am 47 years old. I have never had a problem with my teeth. Never even a cavity. Had complete x-rays last November - all normal.

In Mid May I developed pain when I bit down on my upper left side after getting some food stuck between 2 teeth. I flossed it and rinsed a lot but the problem kept coming back. It has persisted for the last 3 months. Have been to the dentist 4 times. On the 3rd time I had developed an abscess in the gum which he drained and gave me antibiotics for. I notice I am also clenching and grinding my teeth during the day I think because I am checking for pain and because this has made me a bit nervous.


He recommeded I have the teeth drilled and place a filling there so that as to close the gap. I thought this was an awful idea since the teeth are heathy. So the second choice was to place a piece of bonding material between the 2 teeth which did not require any drilling and modification of the existing teeth and was also reversible. That sounded good to me. I had this done on Saturday. However the gum pain still persists and I am getting scared! I don't know if this is normal and the condition will eventually correct itself or if there is something this dentist just isn't considering here.

My dentist doesn't feel I need to come back till December when my regular cleaning is due. I'm hoping I can last that long before losing my marbles.

Thanks in advance. Any feedback or sharing of similar experiences would be really appreciated.

Go see a Periodontist ASAP. A Periodontist treats the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and such as the bone the teeth sit in. They also specialize in treating your problem - spaces between teeth that can encourage food impaction. They also evaluate your bite - the way your upper and lower teeth come together, as well as the condition of your jaw joint, otherwise known as your TMJ.You may need a night guard for the grinding.
Also, the bonding material your dentist placed will probably worsen your condition by making the area harder to clean. The pain and inflammation is caused by bacteria from left over food that you have not been able to clean because of the anatomy of the area. Go see a periodontist. Your dentist should have referred you to one. Good luck.

[This message has been edited by Trishka (edited 08-13-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Trishka (edited 08-13-2003).]

Thank you so very much for your reply Trishka.
I have been reading about periodontal disease but I was hesitant to go to one because my dentist told me I did not have periodontal disease!

So I just called and made an appointment. They have to call me back.

I just hope the dentist doesn't end up doing things I don't really need. Thanks again so much! Hopefully I am in the right direction now.

You don't have to have perio disease to see a periodontist. Your symptoms may be isolated to one area and may be cured. Periodontists provide many services other than treating gum disease.