Post-It
11-08-2007, 08:00 PM
So just for a bit of background, about two weeks ago I suddenly started experiencing severe sensitivity on the tooth that I had a white filling done about six months ago. I went to the dentist last Monday and the dental assistant decided that the next three teeth next to the one with the filling also needed fillings. I was a little skeptical because I kept explaining that this pain was very similar to the pain that occurred right after the filling was initially done... I figured the nerve was just angry or whatever. I really felt like it was the tooth with the filling that was causing the pain. I decided to say something at my scheduled filling today just to double-check and make sure.... I really did not want to get 3 fillings and have it not work.
So my dentist got in and listened to me and decided to see again what tooth was really bothering me. Sure enough it was the one with the filling, NOT the three teeth next to it. He said he did not want to do fillings on teeth that weren't necessary and didn't want to mess with the "angry tooth", so he had me do a treatment of therma...something. Can't remember the name. It's this treatment that fills in the pores of the teeth and subsequently lessens the sensitivity. It's supposed to take a few days to work but apparently I should see a difference starting in a day or so. I have to say that a few hours after the treatment, it's about 50% better. Still some pain, but I'm not cringing and wanting to punch the wall whenever it happens.
Anyway, I'm just SO glad I said something. I kept debating it over and over in my mind on the way there and then thought, what's the harm? If it's really those three teeth then checking it again won't change anything, but if it's not, well.... I just saved myself three fillings!
Funny thing, the assistant kept pushing me to come back and do the fillings. They aren't even cavities in the first place...they are just teeth that are on the "watch" list in case they develop into cavities. I told her I would be back for my cleaning in a few weeks and we would discuss it then.
So my dentist got in and listened to me and decided to see again what tooth was really bothering me. Sure enough it was the one with the filling, NOT the three teeth next to it. He said he did not want to do fillings on teeth that weren't necessary and didn't want to mess with the "angry tooth", so he had me do a treatment of therma...something. Can't remember the name. It's this treatment that fills in the pores of the teeth and subsequently lessens the sensitivity. It's supposed to take a few days to work but apparently I should see a difference starting in a day or so. I have to say that a few hours after the treatment, it's about 50% better. Still some pain, but I'm not cringing and wanting to punch the wall whenever it happens.
Anyway, I'm just SO glad I said something. I kept debating it over and over in my mind on the way there and then thought, what's the harm? If it's really those three teeth then checking it again won't change anything, but if it's not, well.... I just saved myself three fillings!
Funny thing, the assistant kept pushing me to come back and do the fillings. They aren't even cavities in the first place...they are just teeth that are on the "watch" list in case they develop into cavities. I told her I would be back for my cleaning in a few weeks and we would discuss it then.