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Dentistry/discomfort & swelling after dental work

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Question
A couple days ago I had an old decayed filling on my left lower side drilled and prepped for a crown.  It took a few injections before I was completely numb to the area.  Once the anesthesia wore off I had pain to all my teeth on the left side, my left gland became swollen and I had pain inside my mouth under my tongue.  I also just noticed some swelling to the gum near the area of the tooth that was worked on.  The dentist assured me that there was no need for a root canal and thinks it has nothing to do with the dental work performed and that I should see my ENT if it doesn't go away.  All I know is that I was in quite a bit of discomfort once the numbness went away.  Does this have anything to do with the dental work I had done?  Is it possible he injected something he wasn't suppose to?

Answer
Dear Maria:  I hesitate to differ with your dentist, but it sounds like some type of infection was introduced with the injections and/or the tooth preparation.  This could resolve by itself over time.  It could also spread and get worse.  If you were my patient, I would immediately prescribe an antibiotic to fight the infection, and wait several weeks before cementing your permanent crown to be as sure as I could be that you do not need a root canal.  You might want to call your dentist and ask if he/she would prescribe antibiotic for you.  Good luck, and let me know what happens.  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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