AboutJoel S. Teig, DMD, FABOMS Expertise I am a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon available to answer questions related to tooth extractions, implant insertion, facial recontruction, facial and oral tumor removal, TMJ dysfunction and various successful treatments, including surgery if all else fails, and occlusal discrepancy requiring orthognathic or jaw surgery.
Experience Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicing for over 20 years. Assistant Clincal Professor at State University School of Dentistry.
Organizations American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Expert: Joel S. Teig, DMD, FABOMS Date: 6/22/2008 Subject: Punch biopsy/pain in tooth related directly to biopsy site
Question Hi,
In August 2007 i had a 6mm punch biopsy on the top of my mouth next to my UL5 tooth, part of the gum margin was removed in this procedure. The gum was incredibly sore and slow to heal in that area but after some cleaning by a periodontist which was completed in May 2008. I am pleased to say that the gum has now healed but i still have some recession around that tooth due to the biopsy of which I am told is approx 1.5 mm. Since having the biopsy and despite the treatment i received from the periodontist my UL5 tooth is extremely sensitive all the time and feels like it is throbbing all the time and gets worse when I eat/drink anything cold, hot or spicy etc. I have been back to the consultant at the hospital at which the biopsy was peformed and back to my dentist several times and they have advised me to continue using desensitising toothpaste (as did the periodontist on my final visit - i have been doing so for the past 6 months plus). I have also had acrylic bonded over the surface of the tooth by my dentist none of which even seem to decrease sensitvity. I have been told by my dentist that the tooth is healthy and I am therfore reluctant to have a root canal which has also been suggested. Is there anything else that may help or that could be done or could there be somthing more than just sensitivity of the tooth causing me the pain? I am at my wits end on what I can do and neither my dentist nor the consultant seem to be able or willing to help me.
Thankyou
Emily
Answer Emily - There is a specific product developed and made by the Colgate company that the dentist and periodontist should have already used to reduce your discomfort. Yes acrylic bonding can occasionally help, but you need the tooth itself to reduce its sensitivity to cold, sweet, etc.
The product is called Duraphat, a high fluoride content varnish, by Colgate. Tell the doctor to get it, apply it to the tooth and you should notice a reduction of sensitivity. I wish you well and hope you feel less sensitive soon.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me again.
