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Dentistry/Void in filling?

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Question
Last Nov/December I had 4 fillings and a crown done.  In February there was still some sensitivity in a tooth from the filling, which was deep and it ended up needing a root canal.  This was a top rear molar.  One of my bottom molars on the same side had had a crown done, and the tooth in front of it a filling (The tooth in front of the crowned tooth on the bottom is the one I am having problems with).  I had biting sensitivity from day one.  They have since checked my bite 5 or 6 times with no problems.  When I went for my 6 mo cleaning yesterday, the dentist said I had a "void" in the filling of the tooth with biting sensitivity.  The tooth is not unusually sensitive to hot or cold, just biting. They did a tap test which didn't bother me at all.  My question is this, do you think it is the void in the filling causing the problem? I have an appt in June to have the void fixed as well as another cavity filled.  I just feel like I am going in circles without any answers for the tooth with the biting pain, what do you think?  * The biting pain comes when I get crackers etc impacted in the center of that tooth where the "void" is.  Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks

Answer
Dear Jamie:  The void in the filling could be causing the problem.  Usually voids cause sensitivity to hot or cold, rather than pressure.  But voids can make a tooth more sensitive to pressure.  Once the void is fixed, you will likely experience relief after a few days.  Meanwhile, of course, do not chew on this tooth.  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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