Expert: Benjamin Schwartz, DDS FAGD - 2/11/2009

Question
Hi, I was hoping you could give me an opinion.  About four weeks ago, I had a relatively severe cavity on my wisdom tooth filled (It was filled instead of pulled because, as I had four adult teeth out when I was young, my wisdom teeth act as regular molars).  The day after, I had severe, almost debilitating pain in the tooth, which I sort of expected as I tend to be sensitive.  However, four weeks have passed and I'm still having pain.  Every couple of days, it flares up for about ten minutes, and then dies back down again.  I've never had a pain in a tooth that dies so quickly, or comes and goes so randomly.  Nothing I can figure out sets it off.  The tooth is no longer sensitive to hot and cold.  I can't understand the problem.  I haven't developed a fever, and because it goes away so quickly, I'm almost positive it's not an infection.  I'd really like an opinion before I go back to my dentist...  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Melissa,

Often, when a cavity is very deep, the nerve inside the tooth can get affected. When a cavity is deep, the dentist needs to drill close to the nerve to get the bacteria out of the tooth. This puts the nerve under enormous amounts of stress.
For the next few days, the nerve tries to repair itself, and that is when the tooth is the most sensitive. However, if the pain is still there for 2-4 weeks after the procedure, then most likely the nerve is dying.

Again, everyone has a different tolerance, and everybody heals at a different rate and speed. However, 1 month after the procedure would most likely mean that the nerve is dead/dying.

If you really are going to save this tooth, you will most likely require a root canal at this time. I would seek out an experienced endodontist to have the procedure performed.

Please let me know if you need more help.