Why is there severe pain and discoloration in a filled tooth?

Question

Hi doctor,

My molar tooth had a cavity seven years back, and a dentist filled that cavity. But since last week, I have been in a lot of pain, and my molar has blackened. I feel as if the filling is getting between my jaw. My entire jaw hurts, and no amount of medication has helped. I am unable to eat anything and I have never experienced anything like this before. I am currently taking Acabel and Panadol for pain. What should I do? What is this condition called? What procedure is required? Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read the query, and I can understand your concern.

You mentioned that a filling you received on a molar tooth seven years ago has recently become extremely painful. First, the cavity on that tooth needs to be checked as soon as feasible. Generally, a tooth has three layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp. Typically, we do not feel much pain when a cavity is in the first two layers, but when it is in the third layer, called pulp, we feel terrible pain. When the pulp is damaged, the tooth's nerve and blood supply are cut off, which causes excruciating agony. So, in your scenario, even though you have filled it long back, the cavity must have traveled deep by now. From the image that you have shared (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity), the outer side of the filled tooth has a cavity. So, now you can immediately visit an endodontist (root canal specialist) and get your treatment done. If necessary, they will begin the root canal treatment after taking an X-ray of the tooth to see how deep the cavity is. After the root canal treatment, they might place a crown over the tooth if necessary. So, taking painkillers will not help you with this condition.

I hope this will help you.

Thank you.