Dentistry/Tooth Ache

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Expert: - 2/14/2009


Question
Dear Sir,
Some quick background, I have had the same dentist for 20 years, and I think he is great. I have been fighting gingivitis since I was 22, (I am 42 now). I have lost several teeth to it, and have lots of root exposure. Believe it or not, I brush (Oral B electric), floss, rinse at least twice a day. I have done everything I was told, and I think I am only prolonging things. I have a white smile, but after that things look bad. As a side note I take blood thinners and metropol for atrial flutter of my heart. Also niaspin 2000mg each day, for low good cholesterol. Both my father and brother have poor teeth, though they too try to keep them up properly.

My current problem is I had a tooth ache 3 weeks ago. Went to see my Dentist and he explained it was about time for it to come out. I could keep it until the pain got too much. He also said the other side was in bad shape too, kind of at the end of their life.

So I went home, ate oatmeal for two days, pain goes away. Then comes back on the teeth on the other side. Then on the teeth on the upper jaw, then back to the otherside, then to teeth that are supposed to be in better shape. In other words I am chasing the pain around my mouth. It only lasts about 2 days in each spot, then moves. When it is on a tooth it is extremely sensitive to touch, though pulling it down relieves the pain.

I have been taking Tylenol and oral gel to help with the pain. And then I have also had a few days where I had no pain at all. My biggest concern is I am acting somewhat like I have a fever, but not temperature increase, more chills, and mouth tingles sometimes.

Is it possible I have an infection? My gums are not overly red, or swelling, nothing to indicate a problem, other than recession. Three weeks ago there was some swelling in my cheek though, but it went away when the first tooth stop hurting.

Do you have any ideas. I just cant see 7 teeth going bad in a 3 week period. And the ones that were bad three weeks ago, all right today. Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

Raymond Knight

Answer
Dear Raymond:  It is probable that you have an infection.  Or several infections in several teeth.  Or an infection in one tooth that refers pain to other areas of your mouth.  Often, infected tooth nerves do not show on xray.  And occassionally, periodontal infection does not show on xray.  So, without you in my chair, I cannot determine the causes of your pains.  Nor can I provide you with solutions.

You may wish to enlist the services of an endodontist, a dentist who focuses on tooth nerve pain.  A good endodontist should be able to sort out your problems, then get with your dentist to formulate some plans for you.  Good luck.  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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