Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 10/1/2006

Question
Dear Jeff Dalin,
I was wondering at what point tooth sensitivity becomes worrisome.  I had tooth #18 filled about 4 years ago and it has been sensitive to cold ever since.  I always avoided the situation by chewing on the other side and being careful about keeping cold things away from it.  But, recently I had a root canal done on tooth #3 and it failed, so I had an apicoectomy to save the tooth.  I was advised to be especially careful chewing on that side, so I have begun to chew only on the side with the sensitive tooth.  I was wondering if the filling can be replaced or repaired to help the sensitivity issue and help me eat more normally again.
Thank you for your time.
Katie Doering

Answer
Katie
Tough question here. You had this filling done 4 years ago. It has been sensitive but you have to think the nerve is okay because it hasn't gotten any worse in 4 years. If something bad was going on, it would never not change in 4 years. Another possibility is a crack in the tooth. It too should have changed in 4 years if this was the case...it would be chewing sensitive or a piece would have chipped by now. Could it merely be some gum recession and root exposed? That would give you cold sensitivity. The best thing to do here is go into your dentist for an evaluation. A second opinion might help if you feel that you are not getting anywhere with your present dentist. A crown might even be the answer here.

I think I have given you a lot of information here that you can use when you see your dentist. This information should give you some good questions to ask and things to explore. Good luck. Let me know if you have any more questions.

Jeff Dalin, DDS