My dentist removed a very old filling and replaced it with a new white one. He said I had a cavity in the tooth and it needed to be done. The tooth NEVER bothered me until he took out the old filling and put in the new one. It then felt like I had a cavity. After approx. three weeks I went back to the dentist and he had no idea why the tooth was hurting so he took out the new filling and put in a medicated treatment which was actually clove oil and put in a temporary filling. He said if it still hurt to go to an endodontist for a root canal, although he wasn't sure that was really the problem. He also said that if the pain subsided after a week, to return to him and he would refill it again. It feels a little better with the temp in but it still feels like air is getting in there somehow. The temp filling is very rough and sharp way up in the back towards the next tooth. Its my right molar, second from the back. Any ideas or input. I really don't want to get a root canal if its not necessary. $$$$$$$$$
Thanks

If the filling was large and deep it could take some time for it to settle down. Give the medicated filling a little longer to work. It can sometimes take up to 6 weeks for a tooth to settle down when a large filling has been placed.
Temporary fillings are often rough (I think DDS's do that so you DO go back to have the permanent one placed!) It may wear down some when you chew on it. I've known some patients take a clean nail file or emery board to their temps to smooth them, just be gentle!

Do you think I shouldhold off then in seeing an endontist (not sure of spelling). My dentist is telling me I shouldn't wait because if could flare up. Why didn't he tell me to leave the new perm. Filling in a little longer.
And yes, it was a large , deep filling .
Now I don't know what I should do. It still has a dull ache and I have been taking an antibiotic every couple of days which seems to help.

You are take antibiotics as directed, usually every 6 hours until they are all gone. They won't work if you take them sporadically. Is the ache better, worse or the same?

the ache seems to subside a little and then starts hurting again. I would say that's its maybe a little bit better since he took out the new filling and replaced it with the temp. although the other day it hurt more than it has been. The pain is very sporadic. Does it sound like eventually I am going to need a root canal . He told me today that I should see the endodontist. I think he is stumped. Could they possibly see something in the tooth that he's not seeing. I asked him if he could re-xray it but he said it wasn't necessary since I had x-rays done already... but that was in June. I'm so upset because I feel like I am completely up in the air with this and don't really know where to turn. Any more help or opinion would be soooooo much appreciated.
thanks for your concern.

Ahh the classic post-operative sensitivity with composite fillings! (white ones). Happens all the time, which is why I use Amalgam (metal fillings) whenever possible. The ZOE (zinc oxide eugenol) temp will sedate the nerve... lingering pain (more that 5 to 10 seconds) to cold, or spontaneous pain means ROOT CANAL! Then you'll need a crown...

Could I possible go back and have him put in a "silver" filling then... and why didn't he recommend that?
Someone was just telling me that today actually. Her story was similar to mine. Old filling removed... white one put in... lingering pain and two or three trips to the dentist and he then took out the new white one and put in a silver. Said the white ones are a little more sensitive to air and cold. Do you think I should ask my dentist about this or just go to the endodontist and see what he/she recommends. Thanks for your help.

Go back to the dentist it is his problem... after I put the sedative dressing in (ZOE) if it settles down ill take out most of it except a thin base and put a metal filling it... works most of the time

I get the impression that my dentist wants to remove himself from the situation altogether... as if its MY PROBLEM now... and I need to find some resolution, not HIM. Its much better with the temporary filling than it was with the new white one... but it still aches in that same spot... way in the back up towards my gum and the tooth next to it... it feels as though there is air getting in there still.
I guess I'll call him again... although he said because it is still aching that I should just go to the endodontist for a possible root canal. I really don't think he wants to be bothered with it. Thanks for your advice... I'll keep you posted. Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving! I chewed VERY CAREFULLY!