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Have you just had some dental treatment?
- I have just had an Amalgam (Silver) Filling - The tooth
can ache for up to forty-eight hours, especially if it was
large. In this time it is also possible to have sensitivity
from hot and cold. If the tooth feels tender upon biting,
it is possible that the filling is proud and needs smoothing
down.
- I have just had a Composite (White) Filling - The same
problems as above can occur. In the past, sensitivity was
a greater problem with large composite fillings. Although
this is getting better, some treatments are still prone
to this problem.
If the problems have not settled in forty-eight hours, please
contact the dentist for advice over the phone.
The edge is sharp and is rubbing against the
tongue
Place a soft material e.g. sugar-free chewing gum, cotton
wool etc. to act as a cushion. Refrain from using nail files
to smooth off the sharp edges in case you pierce the tongue
or lip.
The tooth has now become sensitive to hot
or cold
The sensitive part of the tooth (Dentine) has become exposed.
It reacts to hot and cold. It usually does not get worse.
Do not be concerned; tooth decay will not undermine the tooth
in the short term. Avoid hot and cold until the Dentist can
see you. It is sometimes possible to get temporary filling
material from the chemist. Follow the instructions carefully.
When making an appointment, mention that you have a broken
filling/tooth that is sensitive.
Food keeps getting stuck between the teeth
Do not leave the compacted food between the teeth and pressing
against the gums. It can become very painful. Keep the area
clean with floss and wood sticks after each meal
I have a deep continuous ache OR I have
throbbing pain from a tooth
Both can be caused by damage and swelling of the nerves in
the middle of the tooth (Pulp). Take painkillers and make
an appointment to see the dentist. In the old days, the use
of clove oil in an existing large cavity helped. Clove oil
is strong and has been known to “burn” the gums.
Antibiotics will not help at this early stage of toothache.
Please note: After a few days the pain can subside. This is
because the tooth has “died”. An abscess can gradually
form. It is advisable to seek a Dental opinion even though
the pain has apparently subsided.
I have a very tender tooth and my face
is swelling
This is a sign that an abscess may be forming. It needs to
be treated by a Dentist who will remove the source of the
infection and possibly prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics
will not “cure” the problem.
I have had a very sharp, shooting pain
from a tooth while chewing
Sometime the force of the bite can be accidentally directed
onto one tooth only. This is very painful and can leave the
tooth very tender to bite on for a few days. The tooth will
also ache and be sensitive to hot and cold during this time.
A bruising of the bone under the tooth causes this. The tooth
should be avoided and will heal with time.
If there is a sharp, shooting pain when chewing on the tooth,
it is possible that there is a “crack” in the tooth.
This is not uncommon on filled teeth. A dentist needs to be
consulted.
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