Help For Sensitive teeth, root canal and extraction
 

Hi,
All my teeth's were fine. Then my teeth decayed. So I went to dentist and he suggested me a root canal. He also suggested for cavity fill up on other teeth.
I have observed that after that I have constant problems with my teeth.
After a 6-8 months teeth which was filled completely decayed and dentist suggessted to remove it.
After removal I went for fixed cap(Which I think was wrong decision), for which neighbouring two teeth's were drilled.
So I landed with total 3 teeth's in damaged mode.
Now the teeth near to root canal one is fracture and dentist is suggesting on root canal.
He is also suggesting on filling up of three more teeth's as he says they are decayed.
He also suggests on cleaning op of all teeth's.

So please suggest on is cleaning of teeth good.
Also will filling of teeth with composite material protect remaining three teeths from decay.

Important having a permanent cap fixed (for which neighbouring teeth's were drilled ) on the removed teeth a wrong decision.
Please guide on preserving whatever is remaining.

Hi Sukhdev,

It sounds like you have multiple problems with your teeth. Something caused them to decay and perhaps it was many things and you didn't even realize what was happening until it was too late. However, it would benefit you to have the decayed teeth fixed preferably with non metal fillings. So yes, the composite fillings you wrote about in your post would be safer than the metal ones. Sometimes doing a filling is inadequate due to the extent of the decay and a crown needs to be done to protect the tooth from further decay.

Anytime you are in a situation where the dentist tells you a tooth needs a root canal, you always have the option of not doing the root canal but removing the tooth instead. The only time a root canal or an extraction is recommened is when the tooth is fractured or decay has entered the nerve of the tooth and caused an infection inside the tooth. If just a filling or a crown was to be done on a tooth that was fractured or infected, the tooth would hurt and the infection would get worse. Sometimes, the decay is very deep but has not yet entered the nerve.... this is when the dentist may try to just put a filling or a crown on the tooth without any other treatment to that tooth first. If the tooth hurts or gets infected, then the choice is to do a root canal or an extraction.

The three unit bridge that was done to replace your missing tooth is generally a good treatment option... if it's done well. If your teeth are getting "recurrent" decay....... this is decay that is showing up around or underneath new fillings, then you need to find out why that is happening.
One reason could be that the dentist did not remove all of the decay in the first place and what remained in the tooth has spread. Another reason could be that you have alot of plaque on your teeth and this is causing constant and recurring decay.

Did your dentist mention anything about the health of your gums? Did he measure the pocket depths around each tooth and call off numbers to his assistant as he measured them? Did he talk to you about improving your oral hygiene..... brushing and flossing? These are all very important things that need to be done to help prevent further decay.

Please keep in touch with us, we're here to help!

Bryanna