Dealing with Tooth Pain After Filling: Should You Trust Your Dentist?

Dental Filling - What to Do If a Tooth Filling Is Removed Again?

Hello, Doctor! My question is a bit complicated.
I was originally receiving treatment at Clinic A for dental fillings, where two of my teeth had internal cavities.
Dentist A cleaned and filled them, but mentioned that due to the depth of the cavities, I would need to monitor them for a while.
If I experienced pain, I should return to him, as I might need a root canal treatment.
Initially, my teeth were a bit sensitive (which Dentist A said was normal), but after a month, I suddenly experienced severe throbbing pain (intermittent and lasting a long time, causing insomnia).
Unable to tolerate the pain, I took over-the-counter pain medication (not prescribed by a doctor).
After a while, the throbbing pain continued, so I went back to Clinic A for a check-up.
Unfortunately, Dentist A was out of the country for a week, so I had to seek treatment at Clinic B.
Dentist B opened up the two cavities that were previously filled and said that Dentist A might not have cleaned them properly.
He also mentioned that there was no protective layer at the bottom of the teeth, so he applied medication and placed temporary fillings before concluding the visit.
He prescribed pain medication and scheduled a follow-up appointment in two weeks for further treatment.
I had already scheduled an appointment with Dentist A this week for another filling (on different teeth), and I explained to him what happened at Clinic B.
Dentist A was not very pleased and expressed concern that my teeth were improperly treated, repeatedly asking if Dentist B had done any nerve extraction.
I told him no, they only applied medication.
I asked Dentist A how to proceed with my teeth, and he advised me not to touch them and to come back if I experienced pain.
I would like to ask: how should I make a decision? Should I follow Dentist A's advice (is it really okay to leave the teeth as they are? Dentist B only temporarily filled my teeth), or should I schedule an appointment with Dentist B next week?

Ms. Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/11

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

If the cavity is deeper and closer to the nerve, after thoroughly cleaning the decayed tooth structure, a medicament is typically placed to protect the dental pulp.
A temporary filling material is then used to fill the cavity temporarily.
After observing for one month without any sensitivity symptoms, a permanent filling can be placed.
However, if pain persists, root canal treatment may need to be considered.
It is advisable to consult a dentist for further examination and discussion.

Reply Date: 2016/11/11

More Info

Dealing with tooth pain after a filling can be a frustrating and confusing experience, especially when you find yourself navigating between different dental practices. It's essential to understand the nature of your dental issues and the recommendations provided by your dentists.
From your description, it seems that you initially visited Dentist A, who performed fillings on two teeth with deep cavities. After some time, you experienced severe pain, which led you to seek help from Dentist B. Dentist B's intervention involved reopening the fillings and applying a temporary medication, suggesting that Dentist A may not have adequately cleaned the cavities or provided sufficient protection for the tooth.
When it comes to dental pain following a filling, there are several factors to consider:
1. Nature of the Pain: It's common for teeth to be sensitive after a filling, especially if the cavity was deep. However, if the pain escalates to severe, throbbing discomfort, it may indicate that the nerve is affected, potentially requiring root canal treatment.
2. Trusting Your Dentist: Trust is crucial in the dentist-patient relationship. If you feel uncertain about the treatment provided by Dentist A, it's reasonable to seek a second opinion. Dentist B's approach to reopening the filling and applying medication suggests that they are taking your pain seriously and are attempting to address the underlying issue.

3. Waiting vs. Acting: Dentist A's recommendation to leave the tooth alone and wait for further pain may not be the best course of action, especially if you are already experiencing significant discomfort. Delaying treatment could lead to further complications, such as infection or the need for more invasive procedures like root canals or extractions.

4. Follow-Up Care: It’s advisable to follow up with Dentist B, especially since they have already started treatment on your affected teeth. They seem to be proactive in managing your dental health, and it would be beneficial to continue with their care to ensure that the issue is resolved properly.

5. Communication: When you visit either dentist, be clear about your concerns and the pain you are experiencing. Ask specific questions about the treatment plan, the reasons behind their recommendations, and what you can expect moving forward. This will help you make an informed decision about your dental care.

In conclusion, while it’s essential to trust your dentist, it’s equally important to advocate for your health. Given the circumstances, I recommend that you follow up with Dentist B for further evaluation and treatment. They have already taken steps to address your pain, and it’s crucial to ensure that your dental issues are managed effectively. If you continue to feel uncertain or uncomfortable with the treatment provided, seeking a third opinion from another dental professional may also be a wise choice. Remember, your comfort and health should always come first in dental care.

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