Got a big filling a month ago, still hurts?

Question

I went to see a new dentist for cleaning a month ago and he said I need to refill a tooth although I didn’t feel anything wrong with it. So I did it. But it still hurts after a month. It’s very sensitive to cold water and I can’t even chew or bite. Now, the dentist said I need root canal now. Is it normal that after you just get a refilling, then suddenly you need a root canal? My friend told me it is possible that the dentist accidentally got the nerve exposed when drilling. Should I go ahead to do root canal or go to a new dentist?

Answer 1

You should go ahead with the root canal.

When you have a large filling in a tooth and it fails ( cracks or shrinks) it is necessary to replace the filling which requires removal of more tooth structure. It is possible that the dentist was close to the nerve and placed a seditive on top of it to try to reduce the risk of root canal treatment. This doesn't always work. Your symptoms match the syptoms of a tooth that requires treatment.

This is in no way your fault or the dentists' fault. It happens!

I am concerned about the fact that you thought your tooth was fine before you began this treatment. A good dentist will always try to explain the reason for treatment. The dentist I work for goes as far as taking pictures that can be seen on a TV screen. This way the patients are able to actually see what's going on.

Answer 2

If the tooth is just sensitive to cold it may not require any root canal treatment. Sometimes when a tooth has been drilled it can take a while to settle down with the new filling. Don't keep trying to make it react stay away from it for a while to give it chance to settle down. On the other hand the filling may just be too high and it keeps taking the biting pressure for the other teeth which in turn would make it sensitive. If this is the case the dentist will need to drill a little off the surface. In answer to needing RCT after a big filling, yes this is sometimes the case. Before going for this definately try and stay away from it and give it time to settle. Once an RCT has been performed on a tooth you will need to have a crown placed on top as RCT weakens the tooth and it can then get a crack in the root fairly easily. Hope all this helps.

Answer 3

I'm a nurse. Get a second opinion first before you have any additional work done on your mouth with the first dentist. You are worth the very best medical care you can get. There is nothing wrong with shopping around, like you would do for anything else. It might not be a bad idea to have the other dentist to look at the previous work the first dentist did on your teeth. But don't talk about the dentist to the other one, doctors have a tendency to band together. So make up something and stay positive so you can get the best treatment for you and everybody stays happy.

Answer 4

Yes, get the root canal done. I've had 7 and they are a miracle! And, yes, your friend is somewhat correct. He may have HAD to do that extra drilling because of advanced decay beneath your old filling. It happens.

Root canal surgery is a piece of cake! The only thing is - try to bring a headset to listen to because the seemingly unending vibrating of the endodontist working the root's canal is maddening! I usually stay up all night the night before so I'll fall fast asleep!

Answer 5

I'd say your friend is right. I would go to a different dentist though, because I would always wonder if he exposed the root on purpose so he could then get the big bucks for a root canal.

Answer 6

Ask me im in dental. yes the only option you have i save your tooth and have a RCT =Root Canal Treatment. or extract it! or put up with the pain. go for rct its best!

Answer 7

go back to the doctor.

I had that same problem and it just took a little filing to get it right. My whole jaw hurt.

I wish I had gone sooner.
Mine is still sensitive, but not as bad- 4 months

Answer 8

new dentist ouch hope u feel better