Constant pain 3 weeks after fillings, looking for some input

[nostalgia]

Background: the last time I posted here was 2011. I had some very unpleasant experiences and didn't see a dentist for over 10 years, but have been vigilant about brushing/flossing/mouthwash.

11/2022 found a new dentist, had a cracked molar extracted, implant installed, and I've been keeping up regular visits. Every time I go they find something new. Last time it was two cavities on right upper molars. Then two cavities on the left lower. Last month they decided I need a night guard. I'm at the dentist so often that it's become a running joke between me and my girlfriend.

I'm sharing the full story because I don't know if this is normal, and as I'm already anxious about the dentist, my experience makes me want to never go back again. It's also cathartic to write, even if my palms are sweating as I do.

5/13 was the appointment for one shallow cavity each on two left rear molars. One Novocaine shot, and I settled in to wait for it to kick in, but the dentist said I was numb and let's go. He started drilling and the pain was immediate and made my head spin.

Now I have no fear of needles, but he started asking his assistant for syringe after syringe of various painkillers. I lost count after 5. The pain of the shots was intense, including one that must have hit a nerve because it felt like someone put a Tazer directly on the tooth. I know the lower jaw is harder to get numb, but jeez Louise that was literal torture.

In good news, I was finally numb, but terrified that it was going to stop working again. He did the fillings without further pain, remarking that they were deeper than he expected. He also said I should expect to be sensitive for a few weeks, which I am familiar with.

I had a couple days of minor sensitivity, then started constant pain on the entire side of my head. It doesn't seem to come from the teeth he filled, but the general area, starting on the upper molars (the two back ones are already root canalled) and radiating all the way up into my jaw and ear. Nothing feels sensitive from the outside, and I don't notice any kind of swelling.

Advil knocked it down and I had my mouthguard appointment on 5/23, so I asked if I could talk to the dentist then.

He wasn't in, but I met with a different dentist. She said I shouldn't have taken Advil before I showed up because how will we find out where the pain is? She took new X-rays, banged on all my teeth with the back of her mirror, and then brought out the Freon. I have literal nightmares about the sizzling sound and searing pain from those cotton swabs. She said I have tattoos so this shouldn't be a problem. Thanks.

She didn't find anything unusual, so she prescribed me amoxicillin in case it was an infection, the ibuprofen/acetaminophen combo for pain, and said if it doesn't go away we'll do root canals.

So here I am 12 days later, in the same pain, taking Advil three times a day, and on my 7th day of antibiotics. I'm really feeling frustrated and defeated.

What do I do now? Is this in the range of normal? Am I being unreasonable to think we should be able to do better than guessing at solutions? Is it silly to look for a different dentist?

 

[Gordon]

Sounds like TMJ issues, when do you get the mouthguard fitted?

Going by what you posted the second dentist would have me looking for a different practice...

 

[nostalgia]

Sounds like TMJ issues, when do you get the mouthguard fitted?

Thank you. Could TMJ issues be brought on by having fillings done? I have never had an issue in the past with anything like clenching, grinding, headaches, jaw pain. Only since these fillings.

As for the mouthguard, I got it on 5/23, but the second dentist said she didn't want me wearing it until the pain went away, so I haven't been.

 

[Gordon]

Yes, if you had your mouth open for an extended period, or maybe the fillings are a bit high and knocked something out of alignment. Hard to say without examining you really.

If you're having TMJ issues then wearing the splint would most likely help them. Why would you not wear it?

 

[nostalgia]

Why would you not wear it?

Because the dentist explicitly told me not to until the pain went away, and I figured I should follow her directions.

Since my last post I got a second opinion from a different dentist.

In addition to getting the X-rays from the first dentist, they did an entire workup including looking for signs of TMJ issues, more X-rays, bite test for cracked teeth, hitting the teeth with the mirror, freon all around.

He found nothing unusual and no reason for the constant pain. He suggested I start wearing the night guard and check back in two weeks, which will be 6/23.

I've been wearing it nightly since Monday and no changes yet, but my fingers are crossed.

 

[Gordon]

Because the dentist explicitly told me not to until the pain went away, and I figured I should follow her directions.

Sorry, that wasn't clear. I meant what reason did they give for not wearing it, it makes no sense to me.

I'd think wearing the night guard is the correct way to go, thanks for the update.