The dentist said that the cavity was big and that I should get my tooth crowned. Before he filled the tooth, my tooth did not bother me.
2006-09-09 16:34:03 · 12 answers · asked by sweet cheeks 3 in Health ➔ Dental
I'm a dentist.
Maybe I just have a chip on my shoulder because I've heard that particular comment so many times, but I sense a hint of blame in your statement. "My tooth didn't hurt until you put the filling in it."
Well, you know what? Your dentist didn't put the cavity in your tooth. You did. He simply treated it for you, and sensitivity is a potential side-effect of the treatment.
Getting off my soapbox, I will say this: if the cavity was big (i.e. meaning deep), then yes, sensitivity can be expected. Whether or not it will go away remains to be seen. Sensitivity is caused by inflammation of the pulp, i.e. "pulpitis", which is characterized by cold sensitivity that doesn't produce any lingering pain. Sometimes this inflammation subsides, and sometimes it doesn't, and instead gets worse to the point where the pulp ultimately dies.
What you, as the patient, needs to watch for is sensitivity to cold that produces lingering pain for a few minutes or more after the cold stimulus is removed from the tooth. That is an excellent indicator that the pulpitis is not reversible, and that the tooth will need a root canal. Severe sensitivity, even without lingering pain, can also indicate irreversible pulpitis. Spontaneous, throbbing pain, is also an indicator of the same.
If your tooth gets better (or if it ends up needing a root canal), then get the crown as recommended by your doctor.
2006-09-09 19:27:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get the crown...
Your tooth has three layers... enamel, dentin, and the pulp.
If your cavity is big enough for a crown, then it has basically gone through the first two layers...
Your dentist has got the decay out but there is still a possiblity of it spreading in the future... make sure you brush and floss to prevent this.
Just know with out the crown, your cavity could cause your filling to break or cause and open margin. Bacteria could get in the open margins and get to the pulp... means you will need a root canal.
Do what you think you need to, but your dentist knows what he is talking about.
2006-09-09 19:15:59 · answer #2 · answered by LZB217 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem is in the nature of how the composite fillings are placed. Unfortunately, they will always shrink when they harden, and this causes the tooth to be much more prone to sensitivity. Especially if the filling is anything larger than very tiny. Sensitivity with composite fillings is very common, and it is just one of many reasons I would never get them unless you have a cavity in your front teeth. Stick with silver fillings. They last longer, give you less problems in the long run, and are less likely to stay sensitive after the first few days.
2016-03-27 04:45:28 · answer #3 · answered by Susan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it go away with time. When a dentist works on a tooth, the nerve is irritated, but will settle down in a few days. In the meantime, use a sensitve tooth toothpaste.
2006-09-09 16:56:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It shouldn't take anymore than 1-2 days. If it's still hurting after that there might be a problem although I did have a tooth bother me for a couple weeks that gradually went away.
2006-09-09 16:37:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sensitivity may go away, but with such a big filling a crown is normally your best choice. the filling will normally fail over time.
2006-09-09 17:51:24 · answer #6 · answered by Bird79 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh oh...sounds to me like you might need a root canal. i too have gone to the dentist with a cavity and come out with a fractured tooth...only to have a beautiful root canal in an extraction. see an oral surgeon if the pain is not gone in a few days. if it gets worse...you are in trouble. good luck
2006-09-09 16:42:28 · answer #7 · answered by firenice 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it may and may not go away i had a really big one filled and it took like 3 years for the sensitivity to die down it really sucked cold or hot really bothered me but now its fine .for the other teeth i have had filled .the sensitivity will be gone before you know it :)
2006-09-09 16:44:41 · answer #8 · answered by iac6969 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hopefully it will get better, but it may not go away. If it gets worse or is not better in a day or so you may need to see your dentist again. I had a similar situation and had to get a root canal.
2006-09-09 16:39:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He got rid of all the bad stuff. Do what he says and get it crowned.
2006-09-09 16:36:22 · answer #10 · answered by Texas Cowboy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋