Expert: Tony Appleton BDS DPDS - 11/15/2008

Question
In Jan this year I had to have a filing replaced as it fell out over Christmas break. It was the the back of my 2nd right top tooth, and I assumed it would be a fairly simple procedure. However, I was wearing a brace at the time and the dentist seemed to have some difficulty when filing/ smoothing the it at the end. After this I had a lot of sensitivity and within a week the whole top gum on the right side was inflamed and the pain was immense. I also developed a small hard lump above the tooth. I went back and was told I now needed a root canal as there must be an infection. I was horrified as my tooth had been fine previous to the filling, and also was worried about discolouration. My dentist advised this wouldn't happen for at least 5/10 years, and faced with no other choice, I went ahead. Now 6 months later, I still have the lump (although it is not painful) and my tooth has got a greenish tinge! Please can you give me your opinion on what has happened and what I should do now?

Answer
Hi Faye

The lump may indicate infection, or it may be 'normal' - your dentist does need to check this out though.  The greenish tinge could be a number of things.  It could be staining either on the outside of the tooth, or inside possibly from a filling or from decay.  Again see your dentist.

Regards

Tony Appleton