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Cavity... severe pain
Hiii... I'm 35 years old... I had a cavity in my tooth and it was causing pain, especially at night. However, the pain used to go away on its own without any medication. When I visited the dentist, they recommended a root canal treatment (RCT). However, they also suggested trying a temporary filling first to see if the tooth could be managed without an RCT. They said that if there was no pain after the filling, we could continue with it; otherwise, an RCT would be necessary.
Yesterday morning, I got the filling done. After returning home, I started experiencing very severe tooth pain in the evening—much worse than I had ever felt before. We called the dentist, and they prescribed a painkiller and an antibiotic and again advised an RCT.....i wanted to ask whether getting the filling was the wrong decision. What could be the reason for such severe pain after the filling?
Answers (10)
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Hello. Based on the symptoms you described, getting the filling was not a wrong decision. In fact, your dentist appears to have taken a conservative approach to assess whether the tooth could be saved without a root canal.
The history of spontaneous pain, especially pain at night that subsided on its own, suggests that the nerve inside the tooth was already severely inflamed (irreversible pulpitis). Sometimes, after removing deep decay and placing a filling, the inflamed pulp reacts more intensely, resulting in severe pain. This does not mean the filling caused the problem; rather, it indicates that the tooth may no longer be able to recover on its own.
Next Steps
Since the pain has become much more severe after the filling, I would advise proceeding with the root canal treatment (RCT) as recommended by your dentist. Continue taking the prescribed medications and avoid chewing on that side. If you develop swelling, fever, or difficulty opening your mouth, please seek immediate dental care.
Health Tips
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
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Fillings generally cause pain and swelling if pulp infection is there. Kindly go for root canal treatment.
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Initially temporary fillings are recommended if there is deep cavities and no pain. If pain persists then RCT followed by cap.
Next Steps
visit to nearby dentist for RCT and cap
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Sometimes a temporary filling is tried in teeth with deep cavities after a dressing on the nerve(pulp) of the tooth aiming to remineralize the tooth and form a barrier .
There is a good chance that tooth becomes more sensitive in doing so and needs a root canal treatment regardless ,but worth trying as it would avoid root canal treatment and crown/onlay later .
Next Steps
Visit Dentist and proceed with the root canal treatment
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Hello Mam . I understand your concern. Kindly opt for RCT . As per your given history it seems the cavity has infected the pulp of the tooth, hence explains the pain after giving temporary filling . You need to worry . At this stage going for a RCT will ease out the pain and prevent from increasing the infection
Next Steps
Continue medication + visit Dentist and go for a RCT
Health Tips
Avoid application of any cold or hot compression. Avoid applying Balm.
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Hi,
No you didn’t do anything wrong neither di your dentist.
There is a procedure called IPC.
It’s a type of filling procedure done , to try avoiding the rct in some deep cavities. If there is no pain than rct is avoided.
Your dentist must have done it as patients normally don’t want to opt for RCT directly. They intended good, but there is possibility that your cavity might be deeper than it looked ,which post filling made it worse.
Go get the RCT now before it get worst further.
Next Steps
Rct + crown
Health Tips
Do not apply any balm or hot ferment for pain
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Hello
Better to opt for RCT
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Absolutely... Filling is not recommended in deep cavities. It always worsens pain. RCT is only the way out
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Dr. Anu Maria Sabu
Dentist
6 yrs exp
Thrissur
Hello mam,I understand your concern. Pain at night usually means pulpal infection. The best thing to do is opt for root canal treatment. The pain was severe after filling because there was pressure buildup inside the tooth. Remove the filling , take a course of antibiotic and start the Rct
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Dr. Raahat Vikram Singh
Dentist
10 yrs exp
Delhi
Getting the filling was NOT a mistake. In fact, your dentist was trying the conservative approach for you so as to try and save the tooth from a root canal. But like you said there was severe pain after the filling was done which is a clear cut indication of the fact that you have no option but to go ahead with a root canal for that tooth.
The reason for such severe pain was the pressure buildup inside the tool close to the pulp due to the filling that was done. nothing major to worry about
Next Steps
go ahead to your dentist and get your RCT done
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.