Teeth Issue

[OrangeBirdGirl]

Hopefully someone here could help me out, I'm not active on any other forums and don't want to create a new profile someplace else....

On Nov 26th I had 4 fillings done on one side (2 on top and 2 on bottom). They were silver fillings on molars that were starting to crack, I didn't have any issues with sensitivity or pain. Dentist just wanted to be proactive on getting them fixed. The bottom side is still sore.

I went back twice for a bite adjustment. After that didn't work, he replaced the 2 bottom fillings (after doing a sensitivity test and they were very sensitive). Both times filings were done, they were with the white fillings.

My teeth are still sensitive to cold/cold foods and sweets but I have been using sensitive toothpaste and that helps. I also know from past fillings it seems like it's sensitive for a bit. We also live in cold weather and breathing the 20 degree air outside through my mouth does not hurt my teeth.

My main concern is lying down. It makes the teeth throb. Even doing yoga and different poses where my head is down it is instant throbbing in the teeth, but as soon as I stand up it goes away relatively quickly. In order to sleep I have to take 800mg of Motrin, I wake up feeling fine but if I don't get up as soon as I wake up, the teeth start throbbing. He did X-rays all 3 times I went back after the initial fillings. I guess the X-rays show if you need a root canal or some sort of issue due to an absces. He didn't see any issues with the teeth to make him think I need any further dental work.

I am at a loss of what to do. Yes, I can just call back up the same dentist. But I'm not sure what he is going to do. I like the dentist and they are always very helpful in getting me in right away during the past month when I needed to go back 3x. I am not sure I want to switch dentists as I don't feel like he is trying to play games with me. I mean if he would say "oh you need a root canal" right away then maybe I'd get a 2nd opinion.

Anyone have any issues like this (mainly the throbbing when lying down)? Any solutions? Maybe just keep waiting it out is the best, but I don't want to be taking Motrin to sleep for months.

Thank you!

 

[luvmy2boyzz]

I know it's a hassle to go to a different dentist but I'd get a second opinion. My son needed a root canal that was put off because of college exams and he ended up with an abscess that turned septic and needed surgery plus 3 days in the hospital on IV antibiotics. They had to pull the tooth so now he needs an implant too. The specialist in the hospital said he needs another root canal that his regular dentist was just going to fill. This is probably the extreme but a second opinion when you are still having issues and the first can't find a solution is probably a good idea.

 

[FairestOfThemAll37]

When did you have the fillings re-done? Dental work can irritate the root and make them sensitive and painful, but the pain should subside within a week or two. Sensitivity can be an ongoing thing.

They hurt more and are throbbing when you lay down because more blood is getting to the area. Did he take xrays all the way down to the bottom of the tooth or just where the work was done? Typical cavity xrays don’t show all the way down to the bottom. It’s possible you could have an abscess underneath the tooth that was missed if the X-ray didn’t get the whole tooth. Also some cracks aren’t visible on xrays so you could have a crack somewhere (especially because you say they were filed because your teeth were cracking).

If you’ve been taking Rx dose of Motrin to sleep for more than about 10 days post filling then definitely call your dentist again or get a second opinion from somebody.

 

[a1tinkfans]

No knowledge to help you OP but want to wish you a speedy remedy and medicine free sleep!

 

[OrangeBirdGirl]

Thank you everyone.

I know it's a hassle to go to a different dentist but I'd get a second opinion. My son needed a root canal that was put off because of college exams and he ended up with an abscess that turned septic and needed surgery plus 3 days in the hospital on IV antibiotics. They had to pull the tooth so now he needs an implant too. The specialist in the hospital said he needs another root canal that his regular dentist was just going to fill. This is probably the extreme but a second opinion when you are still having issues and the first can't find a solution is probably a good idea.

You’re poor son! That is scary for all to happen.

 

[OrangeBirdGirl]

When did you have the fillings re-done? Dental work can irritate the root and make them sensitive and painful, but the pain should subside within a week or two. Sensitivity can be an ongoing thing.

They hurt more and are throbbing when you lay down because more blood is getting to the area. Did he take xrays all the way down to the bottom of the tooth or just where the work was done? Typical cavity xrays don’t show all the way down to the bottom. It’s possible you could have an abscess underneath the tooth that was missed if the X-ray didn’t get the whole tooth. Also some cracks aren’t visible on xrays so you could have a crack somewhere (especially because you say they were filed because your teeth were cracking).

If you’ve been taking Rx dose of Motrin to sleep for more than about 10 days post filling then definitely call your dentist again or get a second opinion from somebody.

Thanks for your insight. He redid the fillings as he said at times the filling just doesn’t end up sitting right in the tooth. I believe the X-rays were entire tooth, as I commented on how I didn’t realize how far down the tooth actually went into jaw.

Maybe I will start counting the 10 days from last Thurs when I had redid as it could have aggravated it again with filling. I know the refilling did help as before he redid I had to do Motrin all day and now just at night.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

You need to see a different dentist.
Clearly something is wrong and someone needs to get to the bottom of it.
Heck you could have an infection or he could have caused nerve damage with the way you say its throbbing when you are in certain positions.

 

[focusondisney]

I have had many fillings, caps & root canals. I have an excellent dentist. When I start having sensitivity to cold or hot foods, I have usually needed a root canal. My dentist refers me to an endodontist who can evaluate further & do it if needed. My dentist does not do root canals.

Also, after a filling 6 months ago, I had pain & swelling for about 2 weeks & needed lots of ibuprofen. The pain eventually went away but the area stayed kind of swollen. I did not call the dentist coz I was too busy to make an appointment & then a few months went by so I just didn’t bother. When I went in for my routine cleaning, turned out it was abcessed & I ended up opting to get the tooth pulled. (I’m over 60 & it was a very back molar- decided I can just live without it!).

Anyway, if it isn’t better soon, call the dentist back. I would ask for a referral to an endodontist for evaluation.

Edit to add: I have had problems when the bite is off too. The dentist explained that there are little ligaments that hold the tooth in place. When the bite is off, they can get strained just like any other ligament in the body can. And it can take a couple of weeks for them to settle back down after the bite is realigned. And he was right about that. But I have never, ever had the fillings removed & redone right after. That is the part that makes me wonder about your dentist.

 

[MrsCobraBubbles]

White fillings are worse than silver. They are more likely to fail, they also are more likely to lead to infection, because of the way they cure the material--it tends to pull away from the center of the tooth when they put the heat gun on it, leaving an air pocket inside the tooth that can make the tooth vulnerable to infection. White fillings are only supposed to last about 5 years before they need to be replaced, while silver fillings can last your whole life. Please don't let a dentist talk you into replacing silver fillings with white! However, if there was already sensitivity in those teeth then probably the issue was already there. I think it's the mark of a bad dentist when they can't get the fillings right, see another dentist if you can. That throbbing is a sign of root infection, watch for abscess and call another dentist ASAP.

 

[Skippy918]

I had in between teeth fillings done a long time ago (4 between my top and bottom molars)and I remember that side of my mouth being really sensitive for a couple of weeks. I couldn’t chew on that side. It hurt to floss too. The pain eventually subsided so it was fine.

 

[MeggyScumEsquire]

I can't remember exactly how long, but one of my last fillings left me with discomfort for a while - I think over 2 months. I contacted my dentist and she said that it could take a number of weeks but that it should go away - she was right, it did. Of course if it feels like something more you should definitely get a second opinion or ask them to check things out again.

I find any kind of dental pain turns me in to a huge wimp - It is so distracting! I hope you feel better soon.

 

[emmybee]

I have only had personal experience with crowns. I am a grinder at night, so I have cracked two teeth. In each instance, I was experiencing temperature sensitivity, and my dentist said I needed the crowns. I'm wondering why crowns weren't used instead of fillings, but I guess that's not necessarily going to be answered here. I definitely agree you should get a second opinion, perhaps you can ask your dentist for a recommendation to a specialist. That way s/he'll still be in the loop, and you won't feel like you're bailing on an otherwise good dentist.

 

[SharonZ]

The only time I experienced throbbing like you are describing is when I needed a root canal.

 

[longboard55]

OT but I was sitting in a dentist chair once thinking of all the time and money I spent at the dentist, and was thinking if I could live life over one thing I would change would be taking better care of my teeth, more flossing, more brushing, more cleanings.

 

[anniemae]

OT but I was sitting in a dentist chair once thinking of all the time and money I spent at the dentist, and was thinking if I could live life over one thing I would change would be taking better care of my teeth, more flossing, more brushing, more cleanings.

OMG Yes!! I am so strict with my kids making them brush, floss, use rinse etc. I don't allow gummy type candy either. I always tell them they will thank me later.

 

[OrangeBirdGirl]

Thanks everyone for giving your input. Both symptoms are still there; sensitivity and the pain when lying down. I have been googling a lot lately and I'm wondering if it is TMD/TMJ. The pain I experience lying down after giving it some thought appears to be more in my jaw (from joint to about chin) on the same side as my dental work. The pain since on the side where the teeth are, I think made me believe it was the teeth. But it seems like the pain is mostly coming from the jaw bone area. My jaw also pops on that side and at times it will feel very tense and I could pop it and the tenseness is relieved. Friday I found some stretches for that area and in doing the stretches I had the pain come back.

I called the dentist Friday afternoon and explained my symptoms and asked if they could refer me. They called me back later and wanted me to come to their office first and reevaluate and recommended a night guard. I questioned how a night guard could help when I have the pain not lying down. They said that the stress of mouth not sitting right all night could aggravate it other times. I had concerns about the high cost of the mouth guard to just try this (cost of $768 insurance pays $307). They said that if that didn't work they would apply that amount towards further work that insurance did not cover.

I am going in Tues for the mouth guard. After realizing what I think this is, I am really noticing how this pain is the jaw. For example today I was on the phone for an hour and half. I didn't eat before talking and after I got done that side of my mouth was in horrible pain. Massaging the jaw joint helps to relieve the pain. Lying down at night, when watching TV in bed, I will try to hold my jaw in a comfortable place with the pillow and that relieves pain and when I remove the pillow the pain is there.

I feel hopeful the night guard will help. It could just be a fluke that this flared up after the fillings, or holding my mouth open the initial time for 2 hours during the initial filling could have caused it. When I had 2 of the fillings redone I did bring up how sore my jaw was and they put something in my mouth so it would keep it open without me holding it open to help.

Thanks again for everyone's advice!

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I'm sorry you are going through dental distress, OrangeBirdGirl. I don't post much on here anymore but saw your thread. I have jaw joint issues (TMD) I would recommend being wary of a first solution being a costly mouth-guard. I have also learned the hard way to not be afraid of getting second or even third opinions if needed. Remember, you are the person in discomfort and who is paying to be treated! What made a huge difference to me was using a topical Rx spray along with home care. It is smart you are taking time to make note of your symptoms and when they seem to flare up. Take care! If you would like to PM me, feel free to do so

 

[ForMyBoys]

Hi there! I had TMJ and got a mouthguard. It really did help. My dentist also told me to avoid opening my mouth really wide as that would aggravate it. I had thought stretching my mouth wide open would help it, but I guess that isn't the case. I wonder if all your filling work where you had to have your mouth wide open caused some of the pain. Before getting a mouth guard I would try to rest it and avoid chewy foods and gum for a couple weeks and see if that helps first. I hope you feel better soon OP.

 

[OrangeBirdGirl]

I'm sorry you are going through dental distress, OrangeBirdGirl. I don't post much on here anymore but saw your thread. I have jaw joint issues (TMD) I would recommend being wary of a first solution being a costly mouth-guard. I have also learned the hard way to not be afraid of getting second or even third opinions if needed. Remember, you are the person in discomfort and who is paying to be treated! What made a huge difference to me was using a topical Rx spray along with home care. It is smart you are taking time to make note of your symptoms and when they seem to flare up. Take care! If you would like to PM me, feel free to do so

Thank you for the info. I as well contemplated getting some other opinions. But in reality with the cost of the guard (my share $357 which was less then I was thinking my share would have been at $470ish), I figured seeing a couple specialists with paying the full consult out of pocket would have been at least that much. Everything in googling talks about the stretches, which I tried but hurt really bad and the mouth guard. I figured I would just see what this does.

The dentist said it might take up to a week to see some relief and in a month it should be better. They made it in office while I was there. I have a follow up in a month to verify (but he said to call if any issues). I put it in at work today when I knew I wouldn't have people coming in to talk to me and it seemed to help just in the three 1/2 hour increments I wore it during the day. It has to be doing something because today was the first day since Nov 27th I was able to wait until 5pm to take painmeds. Where previously the latest I would go is 2pm.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

So glad to hear you are feeling better! If ever you would like info on the Rx spray just PM me. Take care and God Bless You.