I got dental bonding in September last year and it’s been an ongoing problem. My dentist filled a cavity on the inside of my tooth, but the tooth has never stopped hurting. For some reason it hurts worse than it did before it was filled. He did the filling over again but the tooth still hurts. I went back last week and my dentist prescribed steroids. He said if it doesn’t get better he’ll probably have to extract the tooth. Somehow I feel like everything hasn’t been done to try to save the tooth. It’s not that I know what steps to take, I just feel like more could be done. I don’t know how to stop tooth pain, but is the extraction the last possible option? Laney
Laney – Your description sounds as if the dental bonding is the source of your pain. It’s common for a tooth to be irritated after a filling, but the irritation gradually calms down within a few weeks. It’s possible that the bonding was placed too high and is interfering with your bite (the way your upper and lower teeth fit together).
Tooth pain can be a sign of an infection. Steroids will make it more difficult for your body to fight the infection, so that’s not the right option in this case. If there is an infection, it needs to be removed and the filling needs to be properly replaced. If your tooth pulp in affected, a root canal treatment and crown will be needed.
We recommend that you get a second opinion from a skilled prosthodontist. He or she is a specialist in tooth restoration. Your tooth will be examined, your bite will be checked, and if needed, x-rays will be taken to determine the best way to preserve your tooth. It’s likely that the bonding just needs to be correctly replaced. You can also get advice on preventing tooth decay.
Ask friends or family members for a recommendation of a prosthodontist, or search online for a board-certified prosthodontist. Be sure to check patient reviews.
This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
