i just recently got my braces removed (yay me) but i think there may be a problem with one of my teeth... a far back upper molar (the one with the brace that wraps completely around the tooth) is messed up... i can feel the roots of the back of the tooth with my tongue, and i tried touching, with my finger nail, above what i think are the roots of the tooth and there was an exposed nerve that hurts very badly! i dont know if he pulled too hard trying to get the brace off, or if the brace caused the back of my gums to receed or something... so what i really want to know is, is this worthy of immediate attention and should i go back to my orthodontist and ask him about it?
it's very small and it's doubtful that anything will go up there but you never know... popcorn kernels would deffinitely be able to lodge in there... nothing has bothered it yet but you never know...
2006-06-30 11:45:33 · 11 answers · asked by blu_dragon_888 1 in Health ➔ Dental
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=20060630161448AAAt3PC&r=w
more to this question because i didn't know about this feature...
2006-06-30 13:03:04 · update #1
If it is just a small piece of the root exposed and it isn't sensitive, I wouldn't consider it an emergency. A lot of people have exposed roots (especially if you had a lot of movement with this tooth while in ortho). The nerve isn't exposed, just the root surface. I would make sure to keep the area clean, of course, and keep an eye on it. If it gets worse or gets sensitive then I would see the dentist, you could have a small filling or desensitizer placed. Be careful not to brush too hard though, root structure doesn't have the hard enamel on it and it is softer and easier to wear away, but unless you 'go to town' brushing it you should be fine.
Oops, I noticed you said it hurt when you touched it with your fingernail, in this case I would try some sensitivity toothpaste, I would place a glob of it on the area in question and let it set there for a few minutes, see if that helps. There is actually a new desensitizer that is available over the counter, but I cant remember the name. You could go to the drug store and ask if they have it, it comes with Qtip like applicators to place the liquid directly on the spot that is sensitive. That should help. If it doesnt then call the dentist.
2006-06-30 11:53:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, definately call your dentist. Did you have your teeth cleaned when the braces were removed? Our office works closely with an ortho. office, so we line up removals and cleanings on the same day or the next day. That is when the dentist finds any areas of concern. Sounds like you need to be seen very soon. Contact your dentist for the best advice concerning your dental health.
2006-06-30 12:39:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
that area that is sensitive most likely is where the gums are a little receded , you could possibly have a cavity there as well .
the corse of action to take is to make an appt with your hygienist so she can clean everything now the brackets ect are off even better- and in the mean time switch to a sensodyne toothpast or if you happen to have any home flouride- put a glob of it back in that area to help desensitize the area if it is just a receded gum and it won't hurt it if it is a cavity
also avoid real cold things back there right now
2006-06-30 14:55:41 · answer #3 · answered by ladyofthehollow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Braces are not normally wrapped around all your molars, so I doubt it was from the removal of your braces. Your best bet is to go to your regular dentist and ask him/her.
2006-06-30 11:50:59 · answer #4 · answered by CaramelKidsMom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I worked at a dental office and this is NOT good. Call up your Dentist right now and set up an immediate appointment.
2006-06-30 12:29:22 · answer #5 · answered by brookecapulet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to call your dentist immediately. You could develop an infection that could cause severe damage to not only that one tooth, but others. Trust me, you don't want to play around with this.
2006-06-30 11:48:36 · answer #6 · answered by rockinout 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Um I would go to the dentist immediatly.
2006-06-30 11:48:41 · answer #7 · answered by R D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really expect dentists to be wasteing there time on this sight like us?
2006-06-30 11:48:13 · answer #8 · answered by don 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You probably have a cavity. You should go to your regular dentist and have him/her take a look at it.
2006-06-30 16:00:45 · answer #9 · answered by claudia . 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's better safe than sorry. go to the dentist!
2006-06-30 11:48:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋