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Question
I recently had an old filling replaced in a back molar, in an attempt to alleviate ongoing sensitivity in that tooth.  It was a bit of a 'last resort' attempt because my dentist could not find anything that was/is causing the problem, and could find nothing wrong with the original filling or tooth.  Unfortunately, the new filling has not relieved the problem and I continue to experience the same symptoms.  Any advice would be sincerely appreciated.  Capping..or root canal...I just want it to stop hurting.

Answer
Dear Debra:  If you and your dentist are positive that the tooth he filled is the tooth that hurts, then first go back to the dentist and ask if he will adjust it out of your bite.  Sometimes just taking the pressure off this tooth will allow its nerve to calm down.  If this does not work, then your nerve is probably infected, and you will likely need a root canal.  Ask for a referral to a root canal specialist that your dentist trusts.  Have this specialist perform the tests needed to make sure you are dealing with the right tooth.  I have had patients who feel pain in back teeth that is coming from decay in front teeth.  I just saw a patient who was having severe jaw joint pain which was coming from an infected wisdom tooth.  A root canal specialist is highly trained in the field of finding the right tooth.  Sometimes the pain is coming from more than one tooth.  And rarely, you will have to wait until something more definite can be found, like an abscess that becomes visible on xray.  Good luck, and let me know what happens.  dd

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Howard Finnk, D.D.S., P.A., CEO

Expertise

I am a Family, Implant and Cosmetic dentist. I will answer questions on any aspect of dentistry and matters relating to the smile, gums, jaws and lower face. Member American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, and Atlantic Coast District Dental Association. I have served as District Council Member of Alpha Omega, as well as serving for one term as its President. I am also a member of The Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, and Mount Sinai Hospital Guild. I have served as a Volunteer for Project Dental Health and The Tri-County Dental Health Council.

Experience

Having attained over 30 years of clinical experience in private practice in Michigan, in 2001 I was re-certified by taking and passing the Florida State Dental Board Examination. After moving to Florida, I spent nearly 10 years re-honing my skills while working as an Associate Dentist for several large dental groups. In September, 2004, I was appointed Adjunct Clinical Professor at Nova University's College of Dental Medicine. I am certified in placement of Mini Dental Implants, and I am Director of The Florida Implant Center (floridaimplantcenter.com). On March 1, 2010, at the age of 62, I began all over again by buying a dental practice near my home in the Fort Lauderdale area. As sole owner and Chief Dental Officer of the new Nob Hill Dental Center (nobhilldentalcenter.com), I can now carefully provide dental care to patients who care, all within a caring, joyful environment. Over my career lifetime, I have provided thousands of diagnoses, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, periodontal treatments, TMJ therapies, partials, dentures and extractions, and dozens of implants for my patients. The only aspect of dentistry with which I have very little experience is orthodontics.

Organizations
American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Broward County Dental Association, Atlantic Coast District Dental Society, Vedder Honors Society, Broward Dental Research Clinic, Alpha Omega Alumni Association, and American Association of Dental Implantologists. Formerly, American Academy of General Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Tri-County Dental Health Council (a charitable dental care organization)

Publications
"How To Save Money At The Dentist" Going to press soon.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Psychology from Wayne State University Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Detroit College of Dentistry Adjunct Clinical Professor, Special Needs Department, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Awards and Honors
Membership in The Vedder Honors Society

Past/Present Clients
HIPAA rules do not allow me to post this information.

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