TOOTHACHE WHEN EATING HOT FOOD

[Putthatbookdown]

The pain is only there when I eat something hot then it stops Could this be an abcess?

[MegGriffin]

I get that problem with a tooth I have had root canal treatment on . No idea why but I am guessing it's not good and will cost.

[Lovefruitsandvegs]

Once I told my dentist that my tooth was sensitive to hot food. He said it was not good because sensitivity to hot indicates or might indicate the tooth is getting bad. However, it was right after had a tooth filling so that is why it was sensitive.

[MegGriffin]

I went to the dentist today for a check up and asked her about my tooth which is slightly different from ops as it has been root canalled. She x rayed it and said she could not see any infection but if it continues may need further investigation.

[wicketkeeper]

I have the same problem, also with a tooth that has had root canal work. It doesn't hurt every time I have something hot, and I can go weeks without it bothering me. It seems more susceptible to big changes in temperature (eg coming in on a really cold day and having a cup of tea). I've had it x-rayed and all they can come up with is that it's old root canal work (15 - 20 years ago) and it might be 'wearing off' (???!!!???). We basically decided that, as it only happens occasionally, it's probably best to leave well alone (the alternative was to have more root canal work, but with no guarantee that it would sort the problem).

[Carrotsandcelery]

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help a great deal with this sort of problem. I have tried Colgate Sensitive with good results. I don't know what your ethical stance is though as I have never found one that is not tested on animals.

[Grumpystiltskin]

Sensitivity to hot usually means (usually but might not be!) the tooth has "pulpitis" and the nerve is dying. In fact, this is a classic sign. Please try to see your dentist ASAP, at my emergency clinic over half of patients have been in pain for more than a week but haven't contacted their dentist (and over half are registered). Not only will you have to pay the NHS twice (ie the emergency charge of £17 and your dentists fee), the chances are it will get worse and usually before something important like a holiday or job interview.

HTH

[MegGriffin]

Can you get pulpitis in a root cannaled tooth Grumpy?

[Grumpystiltskin]

No because there should be no pulp in a root filled tooth. It's possible some has been left behind but would be unusual. How long has it been root filled for?

[MegGriffin]

I had it root filled about 18 months ago grumpy.
Footle sorry to hear about your tooth. You hear lots of stories about problems with root filed teeth. I believe they are difficult to do. Teeth are just a nightmare!