please help I can't go on much longer - Dental Health Message Board

emmab · 09-25-2003, 01:03 PM

For the past few months on and off I have had tooth pain in the upper right area, but each time I see the dentist she is unable to pinpoint which tooth is the problem. Have had checkups, xrays and she can;t find any decay, plus the tests show the nerves are still alive, so she is confused. Recently the pain has worsened and I am now in almost constant ache, and it is beginning to distract me from work etc. I also noticed that sometimes when I floss in that area there is a semi-rotten smell on the floss. The only guess she makes is that the filling in one of the teeth could have a small crack, but she didnt want to take it out in case that wasnt the problem. I am getting desparate but feel it is pointless seeking help as she will be no further ahead. BTW she is usually a very good dentist. Any suggestions - could a cracked filling do this and cause that smell....and now my whole face that side is aching, right into my bottom teeth too!!! PLEASE PLEASE HELP!!!!

franann · 09-25-2003, 06:27 PM

I would think that if you did have a cavity under the filling, that it would show up on the x-ray. It sounds like the pain is too widespread to be sensitivity. I've had pain that made me sure that I had a cavity, but was informed that it was sensitivity. I had tried a new toothpaste- Arm & Hammer whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth with baking soda. When I went back to my aqua fresh sensitive toothpaste, the pain went away. Maybe you should have an x-ray of your sinuses and surrounding area. Problems with the sinuses can lead to tooth pain.

tryingtofeelgood · 09-25-2003, 07:20 PM

do you notice any drainage with the foul smell? to me it sounds like it could be an infection. this is one of the symptoms. i would go to someone who knows about infections. perhaps she can send you for a bone scan which will show any differentials and infection.

HTH! good luck