Pain after cavity being filled - Dental Health Message Board

skip_to_my_lou · 01-23-2008, 06:04 PM

I had a small cavity filled on the very last left molar on the bottom last week. It was chalky looking according to the dentist and she wanted to take care of it right away. The cavity has never bothered me or hurt which is why I was surprised to find out I had one. It's my first one in my 30 years of life.

The dentist gave me 2 shots of novacaine, and I could still feel the pain while she drilled. At that point, I just wanted it over and put up with it. When she put the composite filling in, I jumped from some pain. She said, "That didn't hurt did it?" She sounded surprised. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to have pain or not. Anyway, I was sent on my merry way once all was said and done.

Throughout the weekend, I couldn't bite down or chew. The filling felt too high, so I had it taken down on Monday. I don't have to chew so gingerly and and I can close my mouth normally. The problem is that I still can't chew or clench my teeth (not that I should) on the left side. I still get pain from chewing on that side which I avoid now. The pain just radiates into my jaw when I do. I asked the dentist on monday if it's normal to feel pain and assured me that it should go away in 10-14 days. Since I get pain from actually doing things to the tooth and not spontaneously, that's a good sign according to the dentist. In talking to my mom (whose had many cavities in her lifetime), told me that doesn't sound right. I'm not sure what to think. I

Is this pain normal and will it ever go away? I have images of having a root canal which doesn't thrill me. I was never nuts about going to the dentist, but never went out of my way to avoid going. Now I'm kind of fearful of the dentist.

Niclolu · 01-24-2008, 12:20 AM

Is your filling fairly large? That has happened to me and my dentist said that the filling is so large that it rests on or is close to the root. That will cause pain and sensitivity to temperature. The solution, unfortunately is a root canal. That is not a fun procedure but once you get through it, you will not have the pain anymore.

The fact that the tooth was too high is a red flag that the dentist is certainly not the best in his or her field. If all you had was a filling, you should not require 10-14 days to heal. That is ludicrous.

I would get a second opinion. Something is not right here.

skip_to_my_lou · 01-24-2008, 09:06 PM

That's not comforting to hear. My jaw hurts so much that I had to make an appointment for tomorrow. I don't know if it's related to the tooth or TMJD problems that flair up once in a while. I want to get to the bottom of this. The place I go to has several dentists on staff, so made sure I got someone else. I wish I could go to the one I went to growing up, but he retired a few years ago, and I moved. I'm frustrated because over a week ago, my teeth were fine and I had no pain until this cavity was filled. I figured the dentist who did this would know what she's doing since she's been practicing for many years.

Niclolu · 01-24-2008, 10:53 PM

You can tell the difference I would think. I also have TMJ and when it flares up, I have headaches and a sore neck. I feel it in my jaw and ears. If it is one of your back teeth then having to prop your jaw open for so long will cause your jaw to ache. Make sure your jaw was not displaced by the pressure of them stretching your mouth open. That was how I developed TMJ when they removed my wisdom teeth.

If it is the tooth, it is sensitive to cold (especially fluids) and it hurts to put pressure on it. If your dentist had to drill deep, you will have a toothache.

I had the same problems to - no sensitivity or pain until the tooth was worked on. Don't let this go too long. Just get it over with. Some dentists are very gentle.

skip_to_my_lou · 01-30-2008, 04:03 PM

The saga continues. Friday I went in. My regular dentist saw me this time. She adjusted the filling and I was able to bite together much better. Unfortunately I had pain throughout the weekend. I couldn't go in this Monday because I had a meeting out of town. The pain seemed to subside, but maybe because I was taking naproxen and ibuprofen at different intervals.

Today, I had the most unbearable pain during the interdisciplinary team meeting at work. I called the dentist office during a break and scheduled an appointment for this afternoon. My dentist took a look at the x-ray and explained to me that the way the nerve sits in my molar is higher than the other side. The side that the filling is where the nerve is higher. She was going to try a mini root canal. She was wonderful. She told me if I felt any pain to not hesitate to stop and she'd numb me again. After 3 shots of novocaine, I was still feeling the pain. She didn't want to go any further since the nerve is so inflamed. She put medicine where she drilled, filled it, prescribed antibiotics and pain meds, and is having me come back in a week to do part of a root canal. I feel very nervous about having a root canal, but at the same time welcome any relief I can get. I'm tired of having pain. I hope there is light at the end of the tunnel.