Expert: Mark Bornfeld DDS - 12/9/2007

Question
Hello,
I have had pain in one of my eye teeth for about 5 years now. I have seen several dentists about it, and they can't find anything wrong. I did have one dentist about 3 years ago put a filling in it, saying that the tooth needed a root canal, but maybe he could save it with a filling. Another dentist I saw said that she thought my wisdom teeth were causing the pain. I went to an oral surgeon last week, and had my last wisdom tooth removed. He said he didn't think the wisdom tooth was causing the pain, and that I should have my dentist take out the filling in the tooth, and see if there is something wrong with the tooth. I am so confused and frustrated. This tooth hurts more than ever. What do you think? Should I just get a root canal? If I do get a root canal, does that mean the tooth will fall out or what. Thank you very much for your time.
Stephnanie

Answer
Dear Stephanie,

The only thing that is in any way confusing in your case is why it wasn't concluded that you needed a root canal treatment after the filling failed to relieve your symptoms. It seems clear that 3 years ago, your dentist suspected you needed a root canal, and tried filling the tooth in the speculative hope that it might allow the tooth to recover. The fact that the symptoms remain would logically imply that the filling was insufficient to address the cause of your pain.

I recommend that you consult with an endodontist (root canal specialist) for more aggressive assessment of your tooth. If there is a need for root canal therapy, there is a formal diagnostic protocol that will confirm that need.

Good luck!

Mark Bornfeld DDS
www.dentaltwins.com
Brooklyn, NY