Root filling kills when i have hot food/drinks!?

Question

I recently had a root filling, about a month ago now, in one of my molars. It was fine the first few weeks, but now about 3 or 4 weeks later, it absolutely kills when i have hot drinks or food! I really awful throbbing sensation all up into my gum, which shouldnt really happen seen as though the roots for that tooth have been taken out. I have no idea what is happening with that tooth? Could anyone give me some sort of vague answer? Thanks.

Answer 1

If you have a root filling your roots are still present, and the filling goes over the area. In addition you would still have the nerve inside the tooth unless you have had a previous root canal. It sounds like the nerve was irritated by the placement of the filling - sometimes this just happens unfortunately. I would return to the dentist who will probably take a single xray of the tooth, called a periapical to check the nerve. If the nerve is damaged a root canal will likely be the next step. A root canal is when the nerve is taken out of the tooth and replaced with a putty like material. Often after the root canal is done a crown (cap) is recommended to keep the tooth from breaking as it becomes more brittle without the nerve. Good luck!
JAMRDH - a dental hygienist

Answer 2

I think you should give your dentist a call and ask about it. It sounds to me like a nerve isn't dead or covered. And maybe you should limit yourself to cooler things until it is looked at. I know how it can hurt!