What's wrong with my tooth?

Question

I had a really bad toothache a few days ago but I couldn't get a dentist appointment so I just took lots of painkillers and used ice on the tooth. I've got a dentist appointment on Monday when I'm supposed to be getting some fillings done anyway, but the toothache has gone now.

My mum says it's because the tooth has died and I'll probably need to get it pulled out. Is that true? Can't I just keep the tooth even if it is dead? It's one of my back teeth on the bottom, it got a filling in it a few years ago but it was fine until the other day.

Also, I have to get quite a lot of fillings done and I'm really scared. I know you can take some medicines to make you less scared, how would I get them? I'm only 14. Would they let me take them?

Answer 1

No one can tell you what's wrong with your tooth but the dentist, but, yes your tooth could have died - just b/c it did, doesn't mean it needs to be pulled: You should always try to save your teeth - you can have a root canal and then get a crown so it doesn't affect your facial features or your bite. You can't keep a tooth that's dead without something being done - it will rot and may cause other surrounding teeth to become infected. As far as getting medicine so you won't be scared, you have to talk to your mom - the dentist can give you "sweet air" before he gives you Novocaine to lessen anxiety and pain. Good luck!!

Answer 2

Why don't you just let the dentist, who actually knows what he/she is doing, figure out what is going on and answer your questions? Toothaches can be caused by a variety of reasons, ranging from infections, to cracks in the tooth surface, to even a problem with your sinuses.

You sound like you have never been to a dentist, which is kind of odd for a 14 year old. For normal filling work, they first anesthetize the gum with a topical medication, then inject Novocaine. The injection feels like a pinch, nothing more. In a few minutes the nerves in the jaw, and part of your face, will go numb, and you won't feel anything from the work the dentist is doing, except for the vibration.

When a tooth "dies", it is actually the pulp of the tooth, that is, the tissue deep inside at the apex of the root, that nourishes the tooth and provides feeling, that dies. A dead tooth can either be removed, or undergo root canal therapy. A dentist makes the determination of what the best therapy is. In the latter, the dentist drills through the tooth, cleans out the dead pulp, injects medications to prevent infection and calm the nerve endings, and seals the tooth. If the tooth is cracked, the dentist might remove the top part of the tooth and adhere a crown, a custom designed steel and ceramic replacement for the top of the tooth.

Answer 3

Your tooth probably did die, but you've got to have it taken out because there might be nerves or things there that might rot if you just keep it there. Your tooth might also come loose when you don't expect it to. Ask your dentist when you see him. He's a professional, so whatever he suggests to be done on you teeth is all for the best.

Some dentists give their patients "laughing gas," or nitrous oxide, which should make you less pain during the whole procedure. You might even feel giddy all throughout the day. Local anesthesia should be able to get rid of any pain the you might experience.

Don't worry, you should be fine. At the age of 13, I had 10 teeth full of fillings and 2 root canals done... and now I'm wearing braces! You'll be fine... or at least survive! :)

Answer 4

My dear, I'm terorized of the dentist also .. If you're tooth is acking, it means your nerve is dead.. the nerve is the little thing that gives sensibility to your teeth, permits it to feel cold, hot, touch, etc. If they take it out, your tooth can stay and it will never hurt again, it'll get a bit yellowish in the future, but there are treatments for that. Also, for the fillings not to hurt so badly, ask the dentist to give you an anestezic.. it involves a shot, but if she sprays your gums with a special spray, you won't feel a thing

Answer 5

well... i guess yer old filling came out and guess... u are right now in a state of hypersentivity... which means u get a ache and well even everything u eat like hot and cold it hurts.. well teeth never dies... and well the tooth will be there in yer mouth.. rest... tc of yer teeth and when ever u havea tooth ach insted of taking pain killers apply sum CLOVE OIL on a cotton and press against the teeth it will help more than pain killers.. rest u dun need to eat any extra medicines for controlling yer fear go normal coz u dun have a tht big a problem so just be chilled.. and realax... best of luck

Answer 6

This happens to me all the time. A tooth will hurt, then it stops. At first, I used to question the tooth. "what's wrong with you, tooth?" But it wouldn't say anything, and now, I know, I know better.

What is going to happen is this. That tooth of yours is going to behave itself for a while. It's dead, or sleeping. One day, it's going to crack open, like a nut, and you'll be left with a part of a tooth. That will be fun for your tongue to explore, and scary, if you are easily scared, but don't worry.

Answer 7

you should try to keep the tooth if you can. the dentist can do a root canal if it is. you definitely should get the tooth looked at quickly or you can get into more serious trouble. tooth decay is caused from bacteria and if it spreads it can cause further infection in your jaw or elsewhere in your body. get it taken care of!

Answer 8

Your mother is right. You may be able to save the tooth with a root canal. They are time consuming and expensive but not horribly painful.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

First of all, don't worry, it may be easy to fix, today dentistry can be done with very little discomfort or pain...stop worrying so much, go to your appointment, tell your dentist exactly what happened and .......you will be happy.promise, it sounds like nothing