Dentist ALWAYS right? - Dental Health Message Board

Thuja · 01-20-2008, 02:26 PM

I had a loose tooth (which I thought was the cause of severe pain) extracted on Tuesday last, and while I was there the dentist said I needed a filling replaced on my very last upper molar.I do have gum disease and an appointment with periodontist is on the cards.

After the extraction I realised that the severe debilitating pain-up to my eye, and ears, was in fact coming from said molar, so duly made an immediate appointment for the next day. Bear in mind I have been living on painkillers and had not had a full nights sleep in over a month.Absolute agony.I was waking every single night two or three times to take more pain tablets.

Dentist had a look and said I might as well have it taken out if it was causing me so much pain -hang on, I thought you just said it needed a replacement filling, there is a chunk of amalgam fallen out, so maybe there is infection/debris? Oh well he said, as you have gum disease you will probably lose it sooner or later anyway, so might as well take it out now.

I declined,and decided to go with the filling, against his judgement, as he said it would probably not resolve the pain, I'd be back to have it extracted within the week. Last Thursday I had it filled, and have not taken a single painkiller since. I have NO PAIN whatsoever. I am a bit concerened.....

willybrown · 01-21-2008, 05:13 AM

Thuja-

It is difficult to say what went on here without seeing you in person and examining the condition of your teeth, and seing x-ray films.

Having a missing filling could cause discomfort. But not likely of the severity as you described. But it could be a possibility.

The statements that you said the dentist made about eventually losing the tooth and probably this or that and might as well have it taken out now are an indication that you should run and find another dentist.
If a dentist can not give you a clear reason and clear explanations of what is ocurring, your seeing the wrong person. I think you may already know this...

It seems like you made the right decision, in this case, to not have the tooth extracted. The dentist should have known this, or given you a better idea of what was occuring. You have a right to know what your options are and to make informed decisions, It is alright to ask the dentist as many questions as you feel you need to. Do not just accept everything they say. And in this case, you can see that this is true.

I suggest that you look for another dentist that you may feel comfortable with, or that has a good reputation. Ask around... Get a full exam if you have not had one in a while. Even though this tooth appears to have been fixed with that new fillin there could be other things occurring that you are not aware of.

As a final word of advice: Be very careful of dentists in general. They will do anything that you let them do, whether you need it or not.

Good luck to you.

Thuja · 01-21-2008, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willybrown

Thuja-

It is difficult to say what went on here without seeing you in person and examining the condition of your teeth, and seing x-ray films.

Having a missing filling could cause discomfort. But not likely of the severity as you described. But it could be a possibility.

Good luck to you.

Thank you for responding -I am just curious as to what reason there could have been for the terrible pain, if not needing the filling replaced? And no pain since? I must admit that I am now looking for another dentist, I just feel uneasy about returning.