About Mark Bornfeld DDS Expertise I can respond to all questions dealing with the practice of dentistry, from both the dentist`s and patient`s perspective. I am knowledgeable about all dental disciplines, from cosmetic dentistry to surgery, from restorative dentistry to root canal treatment. I have strong opinions about controversial issues in dental practice, including those topics which directly impact on the reputation of the profession in the eyes of both the lay public and our health profession colleagues.
Experience
Past/Present Clients Editor, Queens County Academy of General Dentistry newsletter; contributor to Dentistry.com 29 years practicing general dentistry partnered with brother Steve as one-half of the DentalTwins®
I recently went to the dentist at the beginning of this month to have my teeth cleaned. He found two cavities (to my understanding not very large ones) on an upper and lower (one on each) molar on the back left side of my teeth. They were cleaned and sealed with composite fillings. (around the 5th of March)
I had some pain on the top one that was repaired that eventually went away about a week after the procedure. I began to eat and drink normally without pain or sensitivity to cold.
Fast foreward to now. This weekend i was brusing my teeth like normal and decided (stupidly) to brush my back molars at a 90 degree angle. The bottom one was fine. The top on when I did it basically made me say HOLY MOLEY THAT HURTS!.
After this epsiode this weekend my tooth (mainly) has given me a dull ache all the time, and is very super sensitive to any cool or cold liquids passing by it. The cold really aggrivates it and makes it hurt for about 30-40 seconds after encountering the cold liquid.
I spoke to the dentist about it and he said the usual brush with sensodyne etc, and he noted that is was strange b/c the cavity was not near the pulp chamber.
The thing it that it has that dull pain and the sensitivity is really really bugging me alot!
Is my tooth dying on me and this is the start of it, and or is there anything else that can be done to help me at this point?
Answer Dear Greg,
It's not possible to provide reliable guidance, because the answers to your question depend entirely on the specifics of your case. However, it is widely known that resin fillings tend to provoke sensitivity, even in cavities of modest depth. The precise reasons for this sensitivity are speculated to include a direct toxic effect on the dental pulp, as well as the development of internal stresses in the tooth due to polymerization shrinkage of the resin.
Unless the sensitivity is severe, the best course of action is often to do nothing, and to allow time for the sensitivity to resolve. Further interventions, short of an outright root canal treatment, are likely to further irritate the tooth and worsen the sensitivity. You will need to decide for yourself whether such a strategy is feasible, based on the level of your discomfort.
Good luck!
Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY
