I had a dental exam and cleaning to prepare for teeth whitening and Invisalign. My teeth are yellow, and I wanted to whiten them because it would make me feel better before starting orthodontic treatment. My dentist found a small cavity in a first molar tooth and filled it with composite. I feel a sharp pain in it when I chew. My dentist says the tooth is not cracked, and he adjusted my bite twice. He also says that sharp pain after a small composite filling is rare but not unheard of. I asked him to redo the filling, and he said that the filling is not the problem. Now he says that with sensitivity in my tooth, he doesn’t want to do teeth whitening but will proceed with Invisalign. I don’t want Invisalign moving my teeth when I am already in pain. I want the sharp pain resolved. Now my dentist says I might need a root canal and crown and start Invisalign. What is going on? Thanks. Anya from Georgia
Anya,
It seems that your dentist would rather do a root canal and crown for $2000 or more than replace a composite filling.
Replacing a small composite filling if it causes sharp pain
You will probably not convince your dentist to replace your composite filling that causes sharp pain. But if he agrees, the steps are below:
- Remove the existing filling
- Cover the dentin with a glass ionomer base
- Etch the tooth
- Replace the composite filling
If you need to switch dentists
Resolve tooth pain before Invisalign treatment
If you need to switch dentists because your current dentist does not cooperate, we recommend that you get a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist to redo the filling. Since you want your teeth whitened and Invisalign treatment, look for a dentist who can provide all three treatments:
- Composite fillings
- Teeth whitening
- Invisalign
Don’t hurry your decision, though. Research a few dentist’s websites for their post-graduate training and credentials in the treatment you need.
Rekha Reddy, DDS of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.
