Ask your dentist

Tooth pain during the flu

Dear doctor, every time I get sick or run a fever, my crowns start to hurt, especially when I drink something hot or cold. They were replaced two years ago.

14.05.2025.

Dear patient, it is quite common for upper teeth to become sensitive during a cold or illness due to their proximity to the sinuses. If a clinical exam and X-ray have confirmed that the teeth are healthy, there is no cause for concern. This type of sensitivity can also occur in healthy teeth.

Antibiotics before tooth extraction

Good day… My tooth is very swollen; my whole cheek is affected. I started taking the antibiotic cephalexin yesterday… will that help reduce the inflammation so I can go in for an extraction? It’s an upper first premolar, and the root is completely in the gum… thank you.

14.05.2025.

Dear patient, the antibiotic should help reduce the swelling before the tooth extraction.

Pain one month after tooth extraction

Good day, I would like to know if it’s normal for the extraction site to still hurt a month after having a tooth with three roots removed. I had the extraction on March 4th—it hurt for a few days and then stopped, but the pain returned five days ago. It was a difficult procedure, and I can see that the wound hasn’t completely healed. How long can pain last after a tooth extraction?

14.05.2025.

Dear patient, it is most likely a case of delayed healing, which can take a while, especially after a complicated extraction. However, since a month has already passed, it would be best to visit your dentist for a check-up.

The suture that came loose

Good day, two days ago, I had two teeth extracted and the area was stitched. However, this evening, I felt that one of the sutures had come loose. To explain it better, one part is still attached to the gum, while the other is hanging halfway onto my tongue, meaning it has detached from the wound. I am wondering if this is dangerous? The dentist said they stitched it to stop the bleeding sooner. The wound is not bleeding, but I am worried about the suture—could it be a problem if the extraction site is left open without it? I apologize for the long post, but I struggle to phrase my question properly. Thank you in advance.

31.03.2025.

Dear patient, if the bleeding has stopped and you are not experiencing any other issues, there is no reason to worry about a single loose suture.

Inflammation around ceramic crowns

Two years ago, I had ceramic crowns placed on both my upper and lower teeth. Now, my upper left incisors (1, 2, and 3) hurt when touched. There are no visible changes on the gums, but I feel inflammation because my entire jaw hurts. Could this be caused by the gums, or is it possibly a problem with the tooth roots?

Thank you.

09.03.2025.

Dear, an X-ray can help determine if there is an issue with the teeth, such as an inflammatory process in the bone. Additionally, a clinical examination can establish whether the pain originates from the teeth or the gums.

Tooth infection treatment

Dear, I had a tooth infection and took antibiotics. After the swelling subsided, I started treatment for the tooth (lower molar). So far, the tooth has been cleaned twice, and if I’m not mistaken, a medicated filling and a temporary filling have been placed.

The procedure was done without anesthesia and was painless, except for one moment when I felt a sharp sensation, which the dentist said was a good sign. The pain disappeared within seconds. The cleanings were done a few days apart, and I had no issues in between.

Today, I went for the third time, and another medication was placed, which I need to keep for 20 days. The dentist advised me to come back if I experience pain (just like the previous times, though I had no problems then).

My tooth doesn’t hurt, but when I press on it firmly with my tongue or finger, I feel a very mild discomfort, if I can even call it that. The “pain” occurs only with pressure; otherwise, everything feels fine.

I assume that tooth sensitivity is normal during treatment and for a few days after completion (based on the information I found), but I’d like to know if there is any reason for concern or if this is a normal reaction.

Thank you in advance.

09.03.2025.

Dear, everything you described is within the normal course of tooth treatment, and you have no reason to worry.

Severe toothache

Two weeks ago, my dentist placed a medicated filling and then a white filling on a tooth with deep decay that wasn’t completely cleaned out. She said the medication could stay for up to six months and that she would continue treatment in April since I won’t be available until then. However, tonight, my tooth started hurting intensely, and I’ve already taken painkillers twice. Is this normal?

09.03.2025.

Dear, if you are experiencing severe spontaneous pain, it may be necessary to consider root canal treatment for that tooth.

Painful chewing

Since part of my filling fell out after a few months, my dentist placed a new section of the filling but slightly widened the space to ensure a better fit.

When the space was expanded (quite a bit, as I can feel sensitivity in the tooth), a resin base was applied, followed by layering. During the procedure, I felt a sharp, moderate pain in a specific spot.

After the process was completed, including smoothing and adjusting (shaping the bite), I felt pain when biting down or applying pressure. However, when there was no contact between this tooth and the one above, the pain disappeared.

As soon as I got home, I noticed that biting food and applying pressure with a toothbrush on a specific spot in the center of the crown caused discomfort—not very severe, but also not mild. The dentist was unsure of the cause, suggesting it might be the tooth’s reaction to acid.

This moderate pain occurs when biting, even on softer foods, precisely in the center of the crown. It wasn’t present before the dental work.

What could be the cause?
Thank you.

09.03.2025.

Dear, sensitivity after placing a new filling is a common occurrence. If it doesn’t subside over time, a medicated layer can be applied to the tooth to reduce sensitivity, after which a new filling is placed.

Problem after a dental filling

Hello!
Seven days ago, I went to the dentist because of a tooth on the left side. The dentist said that the cavity on the fifth tooth was large and that it was taken care of. However, I am still experiencing pain after seven days, but I can’t determine which tooth is causing it, as none of them react when I touch or tap them. The dentist took an X-ray and said there is no inflammation. What should I do?

09.03.2025.

Dear, the cause of your pain can only be determined through an examination and an X-ray. If the issue is in the upper jaw, the pain might also be related to the sinus.

Snoring in Children

I am interested in whether the Silensor appliance is suitable for children. My daughter has been snoring for several years, and we haven’t been able to solve the problem.

09.03.2025.

Dear, the Silensor appliance can be made if growth is complete, meaning all permanent teeth must be present.
In children, issues often arise due to enlarged tonsils or nasal deviation, so you may want to consult an ENT specialist for an examination.