terrible toothache

[lainiej]

I've had the most horrendous toothache for the past week. It hurts in the cold, walking and even talking makes it worse. I'm using Sensodyne toothpaste. Have been to the dentist twice and she cant find out whats causing it - even asked for a second opinion. I've had an xray which doesnt show abcess or anything but I'm on antibiotics. The problem is that This is my eye tooth which is the anchor for a 4 tooth bridge. I have to go back on Tues. I think that the only solution is going to be having it out so I need to know if its possible to have an implant and then a bridge fastened to that. Would absolutley hate to have dentures !! Hope one of you wonderful people can help me.. Thanks so much x

[Lonnie]

I have a rough idea, but first, does your gum bleed when you brush it?.

[lainiej]

It bleeds occasionally. ALways if I floss

[Clanad]

As well, your "eye-tooth" (actually a cuspid, sometimes called a canine) has a fairly deep single root. The end of the root ends quite near your sinus cavities. Over the years as a pilot, I experienced an agonizing tooth ache in one of my eyeteeth. I found, in trying to alleviate the pain until I got back on the ground, that if I caused suction in my mouth the pain was somewhat lessened. After explaining to the dentist what had happened, he x-rayed the area and found sinus infection, which had casued pressure on the tip in the root... hence a pressure (and heat-cold) sensitive tooth... just a guess... Take a look here:

http://www.atlantadentist.com/sinus_tooth_pain.html

Good luck!

[Lonnie]

Clanads answer is a good possibility, but I was thinking of receding gums, as I had the same, my dentist, advised me to get an electric toothbrush, (a good one), and explained the proper way to brush, including on the gum, I was cured in two weeks.

[lainiej]

Thank you Lonnie and Clanad. Your suggestions are very much appreciated. They also give me hope that I might not lose the tooth. I'll pass your thoughts onto my dentist on Tuesday when I go back.

Thanks again Lainie x x

[JKennair]

Unfortunately it sounds as though, the supporting structures/tissues of the canine/eye-tooth have been compromised. This tooth itself is probably healthy, which explains why x-rays would not necessarily show any abnormality. The problem is that canine teeth are usually involved in what's known as gudance, i.e. they guide the way your lower jaw moves and take heavy loads. In your case the tooth is also having to support a 4-unit bridge and this will inevitably lead to damage of the ligaments supporting the tooth. Another possibility is periodontal (gum) disease (made worse by the bridge) though you would probably note that the tooth was loose.

I understand your reluctance to wear a denture and it may be possible to have an implant retained bridge fitted. Whether this is a good idea depends on, how much bone is available to house the implant, the health of your gums, the prognosis of your other teeth, your medical status and to some extent your age.

Hope this helps

[lainiej]

Hi everyone who posted an answer for me.

Just to let you all know that the pain seems to be subsiding now and at my revisit to my dentist yesterday she decided that she would see me again in about a month and fill the gap (didnt know there was one !)

Thanks very much again for all your advice

Lainie x

[mswoman]

Sensodyne toothpaste has worsened my sensitivity to cold. I have stopped using it and notice a relief from the problem.

Does anyone know about Sensodyne "fluffing off" gums? I read it somewhere and cannot find where.

Another question is "how does a sinus infection begin?" If this is the problem I want to know how to prevent this.