I
InquisitiveBadger
Junior member
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2022
- Messages
- 4
- Location
- UK
Hi everyone,
This forum appears to be a great resource for information and reassurance to nervous dental patients! I hope you don't mind but I have a few questions. I'll try and keep it brief.
I am 35. Until last week, I had not been to the dentist for several years.
A couple of weeks ago I noticed that a filling in my upper left 1st molar had broken. This did not cause anything more than very occasional mild ache/pain.
I decided that I should see a dentist and booked an appointment (as a new patient) a few days later. The dentist checked me over and looked at the offending tooth and stated that the filling needed to be re-done. This was booked, and took place a week later (last Thursday).
As she was drilling out the old filling and decay, she stopped, and became concerned that she had 'reached the nerve' and took some x-rays, before talking to me about what's required next, i.e. a root canal and crown, or extraction and implant.
At this point, my mood dropped.
She popped a temporary filling in, and basically told me that I now have to make a choice as to what I would prefer, and that she was going to refer my xrays to the Endodontist who will advise on how successful RCT will be (as far as I can tell, a fair old chunk of the tooth is gone). She said the temp filling will most likely be fine for a little while but she couldn't say for sure. I was sent on my way with some antibiotics should I experience any pain or swelling.
Since then, no real pain, but plenty of anxiety. I don't really know what to do. I can't really afford RCT and a crown, but if there was a high chance of it being successful and lasting years then I would probably be able to sort something out.
1. At this point, is the temporary filling covering the opening up down to the pulp/nerve only a matter of time before things take a turn for the worse?
2. I read of peoples' temporary fillings lasting for years with no issues - is this likely? I am trying to chew on it as little as possible, although there is no pain if I do, and no real sensitivity to hot or cold drinks.
3. I have recently bought myself a new electric toothbrush (old one was a bit worn out) and am now rigorously brushing twice a day (where previously I always did at bedtime but only sometimes in the morning). I have a couple of other fillings in molars, is it too late for a change in regime (better brushing, no sugary snacks outside of mealtimes) to prevent the rest of my teeth from going south?
Thanks very much for any advice!
This forum appears to be a great resource for information and reassurance to nervous dental patients! I hope you don't mind but I have a few questions. I'll try and keep it brief.
I am 35. Until last week, I had not been to the dentist for several years.
A couple of weeks ago I noticed that a filling in my upper left 1st molar had broken. This did not cause anything more than very occasional mild ache/pain.
I decided that I should see a dentist and booked an appointment (as a new patient) a few days later. The dentist checked me over and looked at the offending tooth and stated that the filling needed to be re-done. This was booked, and took place a week later (last Thursday).
As she was drilling out the old filling and decay, she stopped, and became concerned that she had 'reached the nerve' and took some x-rays, before talking to me about what's required next, i.e. a root canal and crown, or extraction and implant.
At this point, my mood dropped.
She popped a temporary filling in, and basically told me that I now have to make a choice as to what I would prefer, and that she was going to refer my xrays to the Endodontist who will advise on how successful RCT will be (as far as I can tell, a fair old chunk of the tooth is gone). She said the temp filling will most likely be fine for a little while but she couldn't say for sure. I was sent on my way with some antibiotics should I experience any pain or swelling.
Since then, no real pain, but plenty of anxiety. I don't really know what to do. I can't really afford RCT and a crown, but if there was a high chance of it being successful and lasting years then I would probably be able to sort something out.
1. At this point, is the temporary filling covering the opening up down to the pulp/nerve only a matter of time before things take a turn for the worse?
2. I read of peoples' temporary fillings lasting for years with no issues - is this likely? I am trying to chew on it as little as possible, although there is no pain if I do, and no real sensitivity to hot or cold drinks.
3. I have recently bought myself a new electric toothbrush (old one was a bit worn out) and am now rigorously brushing twice a day (where previously I always did at bedtime but only sometimes in the morning). I have a couple of other fillings in molars, is it too late for a change in regime (better brushing, no sugary snacks outside of mealtimes) to prevent the rest of my teeth from going south?
Thanks very much for any advice!
but I know it's for my own good.
