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FAQ: Fillings

Fillings FAQ Ask The Dentist Richard Winter

Question:
TMJ after a filling? I had a filling done on one of my bottom teeth and was told that I may later need a root canal.

About 2 weeks after I got the filling I started having pain in my jaw and ear. My dentist says that he sees nothing on the x-ray that would cause this pain.

I have no pain in my tooth just down my jaw line and ear and now my face is a little swollen on that side and he says a need a root canal but still says that the x ray shows nothing. Could this be a phantom toothe ache caused by TMJ?

Should I see a TMJ specialist before I have an unneccessary root canal? ...Visitor from GA

Answer:
The dentist informed you that your filling was deep and that you might experience pain. After the procedure, you developed symptoms that are consistant with the nerve of the tooth dying.

Your tooth should be assessed by your dentist and, if need be, an endodontist to verify the diagnosis of an irreversible nerve inflammation in the tooth.

Then a root canal is advised if the tooth has a favorable long term prognosis. So I wouldn't recommend a TMJ consult unless you have had a history of TMJ pain and the symptoms mimic that of previous diagnosed pain in your joints.

Otherwise, see an endodontist if your dentist can't fully assess your situation. Best of luck

Wisconsin Reconstructive Implant Dentistry
Richard Winter, DDS MAGD
Winter Dental Associates
5323 W. Hampton Avenue
Milwaukee Wisconsin WI 53218
(414) 464-9021

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