I had a tooth filled about 6 months ago, it was a pretty deep cavity, but I haven't had any problems with it until the past couple of days, when I've been having a dull aching pain in it. Does this sound like I need a root canal in the tooth? If so, how long can I wait, because I've spent a fortune on my teeth over the past year and really can't afford any more major treatment. Is there anything I can do to stop it getting worse?
2007-02-09 06:08:11 · 7 answers · asked by Jen 5 in Health ➔ Dental
No idea if you need a root canal. The dentist would have to take an xray to find out. You could have an infection in that tooth. Maybe you got food stuck in there and it's caused an infection. You will have to see the dentist. I saw a true story about this man who had a infection in his tooth. He didn't go to the dentist. The infection spread into his jaw, into his chest, around his heart and he died. DIED! Just because he didn't go to the dentist and get an antibiotic.
2007-02-09 06:13:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its possible the nerve of the tooth is dying, its at this stage that you would get a dull ache which you often find just goes away. However by just leaving the tooth the dead nerve will over time attract bacteria which will then set up an infection at the apex of the tooth,(the end of the tooth root).
This is called an abscess and is very very painful! You can get a swelling on the gum by the tooth and swelling of the face, treatment would be a course of antibiotics to control the infection and then root treatment. There is nothing you can do to prevent this assuming that is what it is! Its only a matter of time, your best bet is to get to your Dentist so he can xray the tooth and give a definitive diagnosis. Good luck!
2007-02-11 05:32:34 · answer #2 · answered by donch03 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had 2 root canals (a couple months apart) and then a root section (they remove part of the root of your tooth) on the same tooth then another root section about 8 years later to get rid of the rest of the root. I will let you know when you need a root canal, the pain is SO bad - it feels like someone is stepping on your head - sharp and constant pain and you can't do anything to get rid of it. If you wait too long, your immune system is wasting all its energy on fighting the infection in your tooth, that you will be prone to every other sickness. I waited a year to get the last surgury because I was afraid of going through the surgery again and it nearly killed me. I got 2 ear infections, 3 throat infections (like tonsilitits and strep throat) plus yeast infections -it SUCKED. My advice, if you just have a dull ache, it might just be another cavity in the same tooth or something minor and cheap to fix, don't put it off though...teeth stuff never fixes itself, it just gets worse. If you do need a root canal - DON"T put it off, trust me - Pay the money (take out a loan if you have to) it is NOT worth the Crap to put it off.
Hope that helps
2007-02-09 06:24:47 · answer #3 · answered by Joy H 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any deep filling, especially if the tooth pulp is exposed, is liable to develop an infection resulting in nerve death and perhaps periapical abscess.
Swelling is usually present. Sounds like you do need root canal treatment. Bear in mind that the procedure has about 75% success. See your dentist and good luck.
2007-02-09 06:34:56 · answer #4 · answered by peter c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
chances are if its a dull ache it may pass. if you develop a sensitivity to cold and hot you should contact your dentist. cold sensitivity may be due to the depth of the cavity which was filled. hot sensitivity is more serious and will probably result in root canal treatment.
2007-02-10 04:40:00 · answer #5 · answered by liza 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel your pain literally because I was just at the dentist and was referred to an endodontist for a root canal. Good luck!
2007-02-09 06:11:41 · answer #6 · answered by bandit 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had mine taken out. it was giving me loads of pain so dentist pulled it out. cost thirty quid and took about 5 seconds! i don't miss it at all!
2007-02-09 06:20:16 · answer #7 · answered by pigletsam 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋