Tooth pain

[KAH1963]

HI hoping someone can help...today I had a cavity filled in tooth #19...deep DO...anyway...since anesthia has worn off I m beginning to feel like a sharp electrical shock like feeling in the tooth..pretty extreme feeling...not persistant but defianitly noticable when it does happen...any suggestion on whats going on...any thoughts on what to do? It does not feel good at all when it hits! Thank you for any replies...

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

You may want to take some over the counter pain medication that you would safely be able to take for a headache.

You may be experiencing some sensitivity from the deep filling you got.  If the symptoms improve, continue to monitor it but it worsens or becomes more consistent, it would be best to go back to your dentist.  It may possibly need a root canal.

Is the electrical shock pain triggered by anything or is it spontaneous?

[KAH1963]

Thank you for your reply....the shock is definatly spontanious...it has settled down somewhat throughout the overnight...I have been taking tylenol, will continue to do so. I think you are right I believe it just needs to settle down from the trauma of being worked on and the depth of the filling. I'll give it time. But I'll tell you those darn shocks are no fun...lol...again thank you!

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

I would give it a few more days to ensure that it heals properly.  If it doesn't improve by then, I would recommend going back to your dentist for an exam of that area to see if it might need a root canal.  

You also want to make sure that the nerve doesn't die.  It can possibly die from the cavity/infection and then it won't hurt anymore although there'll be an infection growing. You can find this out by going back to your dentist at your next visit.

[KAH1963]

Thank you so much....today is a much better day...so far so good...(knock on wood)...Im holding off and giving it till my next appointment which is this coming Wednesday. If things run like today, I think it may be ok...keeping my fingers crossed. Only one shock today so far,  maybe it just needed to settle down from the trauma of the drilling and such yesterday. I know the Doctor put in a fugi-glass ionomer setative base in the tooth as well...so maybe that will take care of it.  But gain thank you for your input and help I do appreciate it.

If I can ask you another question....What do you know about severe Vitamin D definacy and tooth decay....Im asking this because I am a 45 yr old female who has always had fairly decent teeth with minimal cavities through out my life. Just over the past year or so I've come down with a "severe" case of Low Vit. D, I am taking huge amounts of perscribed supplements for this...all of a sudden ( meaning over the last six months), I have developed alot of tooth deacy,,,hence this one I just had filled yesterday. It was perfectly fine on my last six month checkup and when I just had my cleaning and xray this time, it showed a huge DO in that short amount of time. Have you ever seen or heard of such a rapid pace of decay with a vit. definacy such as D...in such a short amount of time? I brush and floss regularly, dont eat sugar, no sodas, and not a candy eater...all that I can come up with is the major lack of Vit D...I know it effects the developing stages in children,,,but adults and decay?.Im curious of your thoughts on this. Thank you and I am sorry if Im bombarding you with my questions...

[NJ7881]

You can try a pain reliever which is prescribed by your dentist or you can also try panadol or mefenamic acid. I found a website that might answer your question, http://bestdentalcareaz.com/scottsdale.php. I'm not an expert but those are the pain relievers I take and they are safe.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

No problem with the questions.  I'll try to answer them as best I can.

I did a little research to figure out if I could find anything in regards to Vitamin D deficiency and cavities but there isn't anything specific about the onset of cavities at your age.  Vitamin D deficiency in children or pregnant women can resulting in weaker teeth that are more cavity prone but vitamin D doesn't play a big role in the maintenance of enamel after your teeth have erupted.  Vitamin D does play a role in the jaw bone and the roots of your teeth though.

If I were to guess without much information as to why you are getting more cavities, the biggest and most common problem is dry mouth.  Are you taking any other medications or are experiencing dry mouth?  Cavities grow rapidly in a dry mouth and needs to be treated aggressively.

[KAH1963]

Goodmorning....you asked if I was on any other medication...the only thing I take is multi vitamins and extra iron along with the Vit D supplements...I also use a albuterol inhaler on occasion but not everyday. I cant really say that my mouth is dry, I really dont believe that it is. This really has me baffled, I do have some recession but the cavities arent at the gumline so doubt thats the reason. I guess this will remain on of life's mysteries LOL...but really not funny. I think I will moniter what I eat everyday and see if maybe something Im eating can be causing it..( what, I dont know considering I dont really eat sugar), sounds like I may have to play detective on this one. I used to work for the VA and  have a few colleages down at U of MD., (In Dental)...I may put in a phone call to a few people down there to see if they might have an idea. Ill keep you posted, because this one is unusual to me. I do thank you and appreciated you looking into this as well...its crazy to say the least.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Ya, it sounds like there isn't anything you are doing that may be causing a problem.  I know that Vitamin C is an acid and people who tend to chew on Vitamin C tablets frequently through the day to prevent cold/flus can start to get cavities cause of the acidity.  Remember that its not just sugar that can cause cavities but also acid.  Diet sodas don't have sugar but it does have acid in it which would damage your teeth as well.  I recommend brushing, flossing, using a fluoride mouth rinse and just rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking anything.  That'll help reduce the risk for cavities.  You can also ask your dentist for a prescription strength fluoride toothpaste if your cavities are becoming rampant.

[KAH1963]

I agree.... I am getting flouride this week, had custom trays made last week should be ready by Wednesday...hope it helps ...at this point Im ready to give anything a shot. Thanks Again, enjoy your week!!!

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Thanks.  Hope the tray helps.  It never hurts to also read up on cavity prevention and pick up some nutrition or hygiene tips.  For instance, after eating or drinking anything, it might not be a bad idea to carry some bottled water and rinse out with it to flush out the food and sugars if you aren't able to brush at that moment.