Do you think I need a root canal?

[Racheleley]

hi everyone

I went to the dentist today for the first time in 2 years as I have had very bad experiences with my dentists in the past.
My two pre molars on the top have quite bad decay which are on the edge of the pulp.
My new dentist decided to do one today by going in and clearing out the decay and only doing a root canal if e reached the pulp and needed too.
Fortunately he seemed to clear it all out and said that he hadn't reached the pulp and I just needed a filling- quite a big one but not huge.

When I came home feeling very numb and it was ok but as the anaesthetic wore off I had some throbbing. It wasn't hugely painfull but annoying.
I had asleep and the anaesthetic has pretty much gone and it doesn't hurt to bite down on the tooth at all but it is a little sensitive to hot and cold but only for a few seconds.

My worry is that the dentist said there is a 30% chance I might still need a root canal tomorrow. I don't have any sharp aim at the moment but the area in my mouth feels a bit strange with a small dull throb.

Does anyone know I this is normal? This was my first ever filling so I don't know what to expect!  

[scottma]

If a cold stimulus provokes tooth pain lasting longer than 10 seconds, it suggests irreversible pulpitis, in which condition, root canal treatment is indicated. Your current presentation doesn't suggest irrecersible pulpitis. You can wait for a couple of days.

[sunshineoh]

you may not need one now you will be cover for several years if you keep a good diet  but fillings don't last forever so now that you have a big filling in your teeth you need to make sure you see your dentist  every 6 months  along with a health diet ..no more waitng 2 years ... i had a big filling once now its a crown with a root canal GRRR

[lynn117]

sometimes the tooth can become sensitive due to the agitation of drilling. this will calm down in awhile. if it doesnt get better or if the pain increases you could need a root canal. relax and take an over the counter pain reliever it probably will go away. sometimes it takes  weeks. i dont know why the dentist would only give a day before deciding to do a root canal except for situations of extreme pain.