Sonicare and tooth pain

[scared0902]

I got a Sonicare (ultrasonic toothbrush) at the advice of my dentist because of huge plaque issues despite excellent home care.

A tooth that will be getting a filling on 8/12 hurts hurts when brushed with the Sonicare. The pain doesn't linger or anything.

I can't afford my treatment until my insurance reimburses me for the deep cleaning I just had, so I can't really even move up my treatment. Plus, my dentist only does oral sedation on Thursdays, and 8/12 was the earliest appointment.

Anyway, this has freaked me out as I know the decay was close to the nerve, and there is no way I can afford a root canal right now. (I have a medical credit card that is close to maxed and haven't been able to qualify for anything else. No friends or family to help.)

1. Could the toothbrush be making it worse?
2. Is this pain indicative of a nerve dying?
3. If it is dying, I'm guessing moving the appointment up won't really matter anyway, right?
4. How dangerous would it be to need a root canal and wait three to five months?

Sorry for so many questions!

 

[Gordon]

I think the best thing is just to brush that area with a manual brush until you can get to see your dentist, I wouldn't worry too much about it right now, assuming that it's not sensitive to cold or sweet things when you eat/drink.

 

[Dave48]

My dentist says to get a electric toothbrush as i have plaque i cant afford one as yet i have a battery operated one 2 of them.


Dave.

 

[Gordon]

I'm confused. You would appear to have 2 electric toothbrushes? Or do you mean your dentist is telling you to get a sonicare?

 

[Dave48]

Gordon yes an Electric brush were as I have 2 Battery operated ones.


Dave.

 

[Gordon]

A battery operated toothbrush is an electric toothbrush. So you appear to have 2 electric toothbrushes already?

 

[Dave48]

2 Battery toothbrushes yes.


Dave.

 

[Stress Doc]

Hi Scared0902

Sonicare systems are great. The key is not to over-brush. The hygienist can show you how to use it most effectively. They really do make a difference if you are prone to heavy plaque build up.