Expert: Steven C. Scherr, D.D.S. - 8/10/2007

Question
Hi,
I have a couple of fillings - one deep, one not so deep on either side of my mouth. They seem to be very sensitive to food - especially sweets. Not so much to hot and cold.
These were filled 1 year back - I brush and floss my teeth ver regularly. Is it possible for a new cavity to develop under these fillings so soon? Or it is just sensitivity. Suring my cleaning, I mentioned this to my dentist and he said it was just sensitivity and he could not see any decay on the X-Ray. HE prescribed Sensodyne.
However, the sensitivity is really long lasting. Another dentist did these fillings and a bunch of other work on me which was probably not necessary (atleast my current dentist feels so). So I don't trust the fillings per se...should i get a second opinion...I don't want this to escalate into a root canal..also I would like for the sensitivity to go away..

Answer
Ann,

Sensitivity can be the result of several possibilities:

1. Each tooth has a limited capacity to heal.  Each time we eat, chase hot coffee with ice water, clench/ grind our teeth, develop decay, have a filling done, etc. a little of the healing ability is used up.  If the healing capacity is strained, sensitivity will develop.  If this is the case, only time will tell if the tooth will heal.  If not, root canal therapy is needed to remove the damaged nerve from the tooth.

2. New decay has formed beneath the filling and/or the filling is defective.  Your new dentist should be able to check for this.  I don't see why your current dentist wouldn't be open with you about this.  At the same time, I don't know how your current dentist would have any idea if the fillings were or were not necessary, unless that dentist examined you before the fact.

3. There is another problem not related to the filled teeth.  Examples are gum recession, gum disease, toothbrush abrassion, and root resorption.  Your dentist can identify if any of these are a problem.

Best wishes, Ann,

Steve