Cavities..

[Platypus]

So I've made it through a decent portion of my life without having a cavity, but due to having braces as a teen, my dentist told me the enamel had worn away on my tooth and I got my first cavity filled last Thursday.

Since I've never had this done before, is it normal for the gum area around the tooth to be aggitated still? It feels infected and I get a slight amount of blood when brushing/flossing that area. It doesn't really hurt to chew with it but it feels 'weird.'

Is this standard fare or should I call and make an appointment for him to recheck it?

 

[moshquerade]

Originally posted by: Platypus
So I've made it through a decent portion of my life without having a cavity, but due to having braces as a teen, my dentist told me the enamel had worn away on my tooth and I got my first cavity filled last Thursday.

Since I've never had this done before, is it normal for the gum area around the tooth to be aggitated still? It feels infected and I get a slight amount of blood when brushing/flossing that area. It doesn't really hurt to chew with it but it feels 'weird.'

Is this standard fare or should I call and make an appointment for him to recheck it?

where is the filling located?

 

[Platypus]

It is on my furthest back tooth on the top row, right in the middle of the bottom (the indentation).

 

[moshquerade]

Originally posted by: Platypus
It is on my furthest back tooth on the top row, right in the middle of the bottom (the indentation).

most likely they used a matrix band on you. that is a metal strip they put around the tooth to strengthen it so it doesn't crack while they are using the drill on it. the matrix bands slides a bit under your gum and can cause irritation.

i would give it a couple of days and it should be fine. keep the area really clean though.

here is a matrix band around a tooth and a couple of wooden wedges on either side.

 

[Platypus]

Originally posted by: moshquerade

Originally posted by: Platypus
It is on my furthest back tooth on the top row, right in the middle of the bottom (the indentation).

most likely they used a matrix band on you. that is a metal strip they put around the tooth to strengthen it so it doesn't crack while they are using the drill on it. the matrix bands slides a bit under your gum and can cause irritation.

i would give it a couple of days and it should be fine. keep the area really clean though.

here is a matrix band around a tooth and a couple of wooden wedges on either side.

Interesting, I don't remember them using that but then again they had just swabbed the entire area with numbing agent so it is possible they did this.

I figured I'd give it a couple of days and see if it is better, thanks.

 

[moshquerade]

Originally posted by: Platypus

Originally posted by: moshquerade

Originally posted by: Platypus
It is on my furthest back tooth on the top row, right in the middle of the bottom (the indentation).

most likely they used a matrix band on you. that is a metal strip they put around the tooth to strengthen it so it doesn't crack while they are using the drill on it. the matrix bands slides a bit under your gum and can cause irritation.

i would give it a couple of days and it should be fine. keep the area really clean though.

here is a matrix band around a tooth and a couple of wooden wedges on either side.

Interesting, I don't remember them using that but then again they had just swabbed the entire area with numbing agent so it is possible they did this.

I figured I'd give it a couple of days and see if it is better, thanks.

it pretty common to use a matrix band. you probably didn't realize they put it on since you were numb.

 

[Insane3D]

You are going to die...

 

[nakedfrog]

Yeah, they used one on me a couple weeks ago.

 

[Platypus]

Originally posted by: Insane3D
You are going to die...

sweet! *shred 80s metal riff*