Did they screw up my fillings, causing me to need root canals?

Question

About a year ago I had two fillings, on my lower molars,one on each side. I still cannot chew anything crunchy, firm or cold without pain. Sometimes when I brush my teeth I hit a spot with sharp pain there too. I need to use warm water to gargle with , hot or cold hurt those two spots. I have been back to have them checked, filed down, twice (at a different clinic), and they say there is nothing wrong, that i will need two root canals. why? i didnt need root canals before the filling, so did they screw up the filing? I cannot afford root canals, and since they are chewing teeth, and on both sides, i cant just have them pulled, which is cheaper. i want x-rays to be sure, but they cost money too, and i dont know what they would show. Has this happened to anyone else?

FYI- I have been back to have them check the bite and file it down a bit, they say it is all fine now and since i still feel pain that i need the two surgeries.

Answer 1

I had the experience you described. Sometimes when they put in a filling, it gets a little close to the nerve. Sometimes the nerve doesn't mind, sometimes it does- the dentist has no way to know if it will or not when he puts in the filling. Since the filling is metallic based, it conducts heat and cold better than the enamel, and if the nerve is in a mood to complain- it does. If you want to keep the teeth, it is worth the expense to have the root canals done. Since you don't have an infection, it's not a painful process and is done pretty quickly. Afterwards, the problem is solved, and you still own two good chewing teeth. If you have them pulled, you don't have them, and partials or bridges are even more expensive. Maybe you can find a local free clinic, or work out a payment schedule with a dentist. I paid half the cost for mine, and paid out the rest over a few months time. It was a good investment as far as I am concerned, since I solved the problem and still have the teeth.

Answer 2

Sometimes when fillings are done they are deeper than they appear on the films. The dentist may have knicked the pulp (nerve) while prepping or too much heat could have been generated by the handpiece. I've seen this happen before and, yes, root canals were needed. It could just be a case of the bite being too high. Have your dentist adjust the occlusion and see if that helps. If not, then maybe he can place a sedative filling to soothe the pulp chamber. Start with the adjustment and go from there. One thing you can do is switch to a desensitizing toothpast and stay away from tartar control/whitening toothpastes (these can cause major sensitivity). If your dentist is a true professional, he won't charge you for the follow-up visit or the films. You really need to get them checked out. Hope you feel better.

Answer 3

Hi. Wow, you were so lucky with your teeth. I am in awe!! Ok, I think you should get the root canal done. Must be some of the filling is pressing on the nerve, that is why you are dizzy. So, get the nerve removed or deadened and then I bet they crown you. More then likely. It is not cheap, I know. I have had 4 root canals. A whole mouth full of crowns. So, I have been there. If he or she is a good dentist, you shouldn't feel much pain. And make sure to ask for pain medicine when your finished. Just in case! But, also, if you are not convinced, seek another opinion. Could not hurt. Good luck. Hope it turns out well for you.

Answer 4

The decay in those two teeth could have been very deep, ( I am guessing) in that case the decay could have been deep enough to cause the nerve to die, which is common. Extreme Hot and cold sensitivity is a very good indication that the teeth are in the process of dying. An xray would show a dentist if there is an abscess growing at the tip of the root. Your best bet is to have a root canal if needed, it is cheaper in the long run to save your own teeth.

Answer 5

obviously there´s something wrong because a healthy tooth doesn´t have pain.
(apart fr reasons like extreme cold or heat)

xrays here have to be taken
and a clinical exam

Answer 6

THE FILLINGS MAY BE TOO HIGH AND THIS WOULD KEEP YOU FROM CHEWING ON ANYTHING FIRMOR CRUNCY. HOT/COLD SENSITIVITY COULD BE FROM RECEEDING GUMS AND A FILLING TOO CLOSE TO THE NERVE.