Temporary filling placed - what next

Veloce

Over a month ago I had a temporary filling / dressing placed in one of my lower molars. An x-ray revealed a deep cavity and accordingly to my dentist was close to the nerve but had not quite arrived on it directly on it. The position of the cavity is towards the front of the tooth. No signs of infection. My dentist would like to wait for 3 months to see how the tooth will react. I had some sensitivity initially but it has calmed down quite a bit.

I am curious what the next step will be when I got back to the dentist in 2 month's time - assuming the filling lasts that long. How is he going to assess the affected tooth? At the moment it is not really bothering me to any major degree.

I assume the 'wait and see period' is to assess if the tooth can just be filled or will need RCT / extraction?

Thanks.

SM35

You are correct - the wait and see period is to allow observation of any symptoms relating to the pulp or "nerve" dying or becoming infected. Your dentist will probably run a test or two to see if the pulp is vital, and if so, place a filling. Otherwise, it might be a RCT or extraction depending on your wishes.

Veloce

Unfortunately it looks like this has flared up again, after 6 week in having the temp filling placed.

I started feeling discomfort in my jaw - even though it's my lower molar that has the deep cavity close to the nerve I seem to be getting pain like it's in my upper teeth / cheekbone, which the previously dentist confirmed is very possible due to the proximity of the cavity to the nerve . It's not too painful but just more a rather uncomfortable pressure like pain with a faint throb.

It's looking like I am going to need RCT, ugh. I am just wondering if I should wait a few days to see if this discomfort subsides or go straight back to the dentist? I don't know if he will have enough appointment space to book me in soon though, if a RCT is needed.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Sounds like a root canal might be needed, check with your dentist that the tooth is fixable and go from there.

Remember 99% of root canal treated benefit from a crowns or similar protective restoration so factor that in too.

good luck

Veloce

Keenan Long Quartet wrote: »

Sounds like a root canal might be needed, check with your dentist that the tooth is fixable and go from there.

Remember 99% of root canal treated benefit from a crowns or similar protective restoration so factor that in too.

good luck

Thanks Keenan Long Quartet. One other question - would I be better off going specifically to an endodontist for RCT or should my dentist be able to do this? (I know for more complex cases they often refer but this is just more in general)

Thanks.

ballsymchugh

Veloce wrote: »

Thanks fitzgeme. One other question - would I be better off going specifically to an endodontist for RCT or should my dentist be able to do this? (I know for more complex cases they often refer but this is just more in general)

Thanks.

do what your dentist advises, they shouldn't do anything they're not comfortable with.