Review Patient Concerns (Scenario 1)

A: Usually small to medium-sized cavities do not hurt. After the tooth has been treated with a filling, the body responds by creating a short-term inflammation as an effort to heal the area. This is true of any part of the body after an operation. If this discomfort does not eventually subside, the tooth may not have responded normally to the treatment. In cases where the tooth responds by creating chronic inflammation over a long period of time, it is possible that the tooth was unable to heal and will require a root canal. If this occurs it is important to call us to examine the area and help you determine if further treatment is necessary.