[ripply]

My front incisor tooth has been a bit sensitive lately. It doesn't hurt and hot/cold food causes no problems, neither does eating, but I am aware of it. It feels a bit different. I went to the dentist today and she took an X-ray which didn't show up anything. She placed some very cold stuff on the tooth and it felt awful but just for a second, then it was fine. Then she says I need a root canal and wanted to get started right away. I said no as I'm not happy with root canals after what I've learnt on this site and others (Thanks Bryanna!). I'm just confused about this. The tooth has never had the slightest problem before, has no decay or cavity and I don't have gum disease. In fact, the dentist commented that my gums were very healthy. So I'm wondering how on earth bacteria has got in the tooth?

[Bryanna]

Hi ripply,

Do you think you could have your dentist send you the xray and then post it here?

Sensitivity in a tooth can mean only a zillion things....

1) The tooth could be fractured. Sometimes the fracture is smal or located in an area that is not visible to the eye. Usually if there is a fracture, you would have some degree of discomfort when you bit down on it. However, the fracture could be shallow which would not give you discomfort upon chewing.

2) Do you have gum recession along the gum line?

3) If you had cold sensitivity during the cold test, then the tooth is still alive. So root canal is certainly not indicated at this point.

Do you have regular dental care, routine cleanings, check ups and xrays? The reason I ask is because sometimes it helps to compare an older xray against the new one.

Do you clench or grind your teeth? Either of those habits can irritate and inflame the periodontal ligament that holds a tooth in the jaw and that would cause the tooth to be sensitive or feel odd. Did your dentist discuss that with you or look for abnormal wear on your teeth that would indicate a bruxism habit?

Bryanna

Originally Posted by ripply

My front incisor tooth has been a bit sensitive lately. It doesn't hurt and hot/cold food causes no problems, neither does eating, but I am aware of it. It feels a bit different. I went to the dentist today and she took an X-ray which didn't show up anything. She placed some very cold stuff on the tooth and it felt awful but just for a second, then it was fine. Then she says I need a root canal and wanted to get started right away. I said no as I'm not happy with root canals after what I've learnt on this site and others (Thanks Bryanna!). I'm just confused about this. The tooth has never had the slightest problem before, has no decay or cavity and I don't have gum disease. In fact, the dentist commented that my gums were very healthy. So I'm wondering how on earth bacteria has got in the tooth?

[ripply]

My dentist is NHS and they didn't take kindly to me asking for the X-ray! She did say it didn't show up anything. I'm a bit worried about asking again for it as it seems to annoy her and it's hard to find an NHS dentist. I have no problems with biting down on the tooth and the dentist didn't say anything about gum recession. I have always has regular check-ups and I am very careful about brushing and flossing. She said when I reacted to the cold test, it meant the nerve was dying and it would only get worse. It just seems a bit extreme to be jumping to a root canal! But then, I'm not a dentist. I've made an appointment with a different private dentist for tomorrow as I'd like a second opinion. It just made me nervous the way the dentist today was so keen to to a root canal on the spot! She didn't say anything about tooth grinding but my last dentist did say I clench my teeth but don't grind them.

[Bryanna]

Hi ripply,

Believe it or not, the xray is your personal property and no dentist anywhere in the world can refuse to give it to you. I just want you to know that. If she is hesitant to give it to you, then I would question her integrity.

I would suggest that you have this new dentist take 2 new xray of the tooth. It would be helpful if he took one periapical and one bite wing xray. the periapical xray shows the tooth and the bone structure around it and the bite wing xrays shows in between the teeth and the relationship this tooth has with your lower tooth. Neither one is really completely diagnostic without the other. Please don't feel silly asking them to email the xrays to you. Many people make that request, it is not unusual.

I know it seem odd to make requests of our doctors and dentists because we assume that they are just going to do the right thing. I can tell you as someone who has been in the dental field for 36 years.... it is never wise to make that assumption. It is important to be your own health advocate and it is okay to make "gentle" demands on what you expect from them Remember, doctors and dentists are just people like you and me.

Regarding the cold test.... if your tooth reacts to the cold temperature, then it is alive. It may not be 100% alive, but it is still alive.

Please check back with us after your visit.
Bryanna

Originally Posted by ripply

My dentist is NHS and they didn't take kindly to me asking for the X-ray! She did say it didn't show up anything. I'm a bit worried about asking again for it as it seems to annoy her and it's hard to find an NHS dentist. I have no problems with biting down on the tooth and the dentist didn't say anything about gum recession. I have always has regular check-ups and I am very careful about brushing and flossing. She said when I reacted to the cold test, it meant the nerve was dying and it would only get worse. It just seems a bit extreme to be jumping to a root canal! But then, I'm not a dentist. I've made an appointment with a different private dentist for tomorrow as I'd like a second opinion. It just made me nervous the way the dentist today was so keen to to a root canal on the spot! She didn't say anything about tooth grinding but my last dentist did say I clench my teeth but don't grind them.

[ripply]

The new dentist couldn't find any problem with the tooth. He took the xray's and did the cold test again. I could feel it but he said this is normal, and it was the same on the other teeth he tested. It's strange how the other dentist said that if I could feel it, I needed a root canal. The tooth feels fine today but he said if it becomes painful or has any problems to call back. I've been doing some thinking about when this began and it was just a few days after starting to use opalescense toothpaste. Maybe it's a coincidence but I didn't use it last night and the tooth feels better today. I'm just hoping it doesn't get worse but I'll have to wait and see.

The new dentist also did a full check up and I can't believe the difference in private and NHS. I'm used to a 30 second glance at my teeth. This one today took around 30 minutes and he went over everything from my teeth, to gums, even my lymph glands to check they aren't swollen. I can't believe how thorough it was and I've never had that before. I was pleased to hear that my gums are very healthy and he said my teeth are in good condition.

[Bryanna]

Hi ripply,

I am so glad that you got a second opinion and he confirmed what I said about the cold test reaction being normal. If you had gone along with the first dentist you would have ruined your perfectly good tooth for no reason..... other than $$$ in her pocket!

The dentists who participate in NHS are similar to the dentists here in the US who operate their practice through the insurance networks. In the US these dentists rely on insurance money to pay their salaries which often requires them to prescribe and perform multiple and expensive procedures (even when not necessary) to make a decent living as the fees are less expensive than private dentistry. This is why I tell people to get an opinion from a "private" practicing dentist as he is more likely to give you more of his time and not sell you something you really don't need.

I also think you solved your own tooth problem....... tooth whitening toothpastes are very harsh on the enamel of the teeth. If you use them regularly, the enamel on your teeth will become damaged and you will develop sensitivity. In some cases the regular use of these products will cause irreversible nerve damage in the teeth. It is okay to use them on an infrequent basis but not more than that. At this stage, I think if you were to stop using it altogether, your tooth will be fine.

If you want to use something natural to brighten your teeth, than put a tiny bit of baking soda on your wet toothbrush when you brush your teeth. There are no harsh chemicals to worry about ingesting and it won't harm your teeth.

Thanks so much for checking back with us and giving us a great update!

Bryanna

Originally Posted by ripply

The new dentist couldn't find any problem with the tooth. He took the xray's and did the cold test again. I could feel it but he said this is normal, and it was the same on the other teeth he tested. It's strange how the other dentist said that if I could feel it, I needed a root canal. The tooth feels fine today but he said if it becomes painful or has any problems to call back. I've been doing some thinking about when this began and it was just a few days after starting to use opalescense toothpaste. Maybe it's a coincidence but I didn't use it last night and the tooth feels better today. I'm just hoping it doesn't get worse but I'll have to wait and see.

The new dentist also did a full check up and I can't believe the difference in private and NHS. I'm used to a 30 second glance at my teeth. This one today took around 30 minutes and he went over everything from my teeth, to gums, even my lymph glands to check they aren't swollen. I can't believe how thorough it was and I've never had that before. I was pleased to hear that my gums are very healthy and he said my teeth are in good condition.