Is tooth sensitivity and pain normal 2 months after a cavity filling?

Question

It's almost been 2 months since I've had my lower right tooth filled for a cavity and I am still experiencing EXTREME sensitivity to cold, i can't chew on the right side of my mouth, and i can't lay on the right side of my body b/c i will wake up in the middle of the night with tooth aches which lead to bad headaches. I visited the dentist but all he did was smooth it out, which did nothing. Orajel doesn't work and Advil only works when I take it in high doses. I've had many deep cavities filled previously and these symptoms usually only last a week, if that.

Is this normal for my tooth to still be extremely sensitve and unable to chew on my right side 2 months after a filling?? Could my dentist have done something wrong? Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

Has it started getting ANY better after he smoothed it out?  My dentist told me it takes a couple months after that procedure to get completely better.  

If it hasn't gotten any better, or has gotten worse, request xrays to check for an abscess.  I'm going through almost exactly the same thing, and my abscess is over 3 months old now.  I'm on a course of antibiotics and may be looking at more dental work.

Answer 2

It's possible that the type of filling that they used wasn't "compatible" with your teeth and may not have filled the cavity properly.

This happened to me, and my dentist just had me come back in and refill it again at no extra cost. I would suggest calling and asking if they could do this for you, too :)

Good luck and I feel for you!!

Answer 3

Hello, You could be dealing with one or both of two issues...If when filing your tooth the DDS nicked the Pulp Chamber (it houses the tooth's nerve) as he or she drilled out the decay the nerve may be slowly dying....On the other hand the filing may have been done just fine but when the DDS closed the cavity with filing material and part of the filing was on the chewing surface, he OR she may not have gotten the chewing surface in balance with the other teeth...If the filled tooth's chewing surface hits slightly ahead of the other teeth when you chew, it's getting traumatized and that can result in actual bone loss around the tooth, or it can cause an abscess. In any event you need to see the DDS...ASAP...Good luck and I wish you well.

Answer 4

Well, all signs are pointing to a root canal.

You probably had a large area of decay removed that was close to the nerve.

Sometimes when this happens the tooth will need root canal treatment.  

It's not the dentists' fault or yours.  This just happens.

How long has it been since the tooth was adjusted?  Give it a few days.  If it still wakes you up at night call the dentist.

Usually a dentist will tell you that the decay was close to the nerve and may require root canal treatment in the future.

Root canal treatment is not as horrible as it sounds.  You will be numb for the whole procedure.  This treatment requires the removal of the nerve of your tooth.  After the treatment, you will not feel pain.  

After root canal treatment, you will need to crown the tooth.  This is very important to prevent breakage.

Answer 5

go to your dentist she or he can help