Course of Treatment Correct?

[effortless]

Hi, I've just been for an examination and it looks like I need 5 amalgam fillings

I have a tooth on the left rear of my mouth (Lower Left 6) that has a fairly deep hole in it, and is on and off giving me mild pain. No other teeth are giving me pain.

When I was at the surgery I said it wasn't in pain then but was previously, and she has filled it with a substance for the time being.


Would it be suitable to fill it? Won't that make the pain worse? Can I challenge the treatment and will it put me into Band 3 (£150 more) to get it fixed?

Thanks

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Thank you for your post.

If a tooth has had a temporary filling placed inside it, it needs a period of review before a new permanent filling is placed. Typically this could be anything from a few weeks to a few months- your own dentist will have to advise you on that. Changing the temporary filling to a permanent filling too early, does not allow sufficient period of review and if pain arises after the permanent filling is placed, it may need to be removed to allow access for root canal treatment. You can always speak to your dentist regarding different treatment options available to you.

I am not an expert on NHS dentistry because I have not practiced it for a few years but I think, you will only be placed in the NHS band 3 if you require a lab made appliance such as a denture, crown or inlay/onlay,... If you dont think you will need any of these things, then its unlikely that you will be placed into band 3.

[effortless]

Thankyou for your detailed response!

What does this "Period of review" entail? Is there anything I can do to stop this pain? It has been on and off all day & night.


Thanks again

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

If by pain you mean sensitivity that lasts a few seconds, then I usually allow 6 weeks for things to settle and then review. If you are having pain that requires painkillers and persists more than a few seconds, then there is a chance that your tooth may have irreversible pulpitis and you should go to see your dentist now for them to consider starting root canal treatment.