Frequently Asked Questions

My dentist says I have a hot tooth (back upper molar). Novacaine rarely numbs it all the way and wears off quickly. I pre-medicate with valium and realize that stress could cause the novacaine to wear off more quickly. The dentist has tried to drill and fill this tooth three times; first was unsuccessful; second was a composite filling the didn't seal to the tooth; third was a temporary filling after the novacaine wore off; and, I'm going back in a few days to get a second composite filling. Is there anything additional that can be done to help this tooth get filled? I've been in pain for four weeks and I don't know if it's the nerve being stressed, residual pain from the filling or the root dying. X-rays show that the root is still okay. My dentist seem reluctant to try nitrous oxide - would it help?

This tooth will challenge the diagnostic skills of your dentist. It may even require a referral to a specialist to evaluate whether the tooth is cracked. Although it is costly, to evaluate the tooth completely may require a general anesthetic or long lasting local anesthetic or nitrous oxide. It sounds like your dentist and you have discussed most of the possibilities for the residual pain.

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