Least invasive way to fix a fillling crack

[dopeysgem]

After a shallow filling on the surface of molar 18, I needed the area adjusted and smoothed. Intense nerve pain occurred after. At the second adjustment and examination, the dentist pointed out a “filling crack.” There is a tiny visible line next to the filling area. Gave no indication that this could be causing the nerve pain. Just acknowledged a crack like it was normal.

Five months later, still have mild nerve pain and associated tongue pain. A specialist said it’s probably from the crack in my tooth next to the filling.

1. Did this crack form because the composite didn’t fully fill the cavity?

2. Can tiny space between a filling and natural tooth cause nerve pain for months?

3. What’s the least invasive way to fix this? Redo the filling? Fill in the crack? Get a crown? Get a root canal?

Thanks!

 

[Dr M]

Do you have x-rays you could share? Need more information

 

[dopeysgem]

Do you have x-rays you could share? Need more information

X-ray is from the first specialist in June. He said I had no cracks and my filling looked fine. Images from second specialist today needs to be downloaded. But, none show the surface of the tooth.

The specialist today used the light tool to detect the crack next to the filling. My dentist acknowledged a “filling crack” back in May when trying to figure of the cause of all my pain and irritation. It’s a small white line on one edge of the filling that’s visible in the mirror. He gave no indication that it was a problem…made it seem like that was a normal occurrence for a filling and expected to be there.

After today’s consultation, this filling crack could be the cause for the dull ache I feel in the jaw behind the tooth, referred pain in the tooth next to 18, and the pain on the side of my tongue. Plus the constant feeling that my tooth surface is puffing up and deflating through the day. The shape never feels consistent to my tongue. Pics did show that my tooth/root points more to the lingual side, probably why I have added tongue irritation.

But the remedy seems extreme. It was recommended to get a crown only, but that process could exacerbate my symptoms seeing as each time I had the filling smoothed it caused intense nerve pain. The other option is a root canal and crown. Again, seems extreme. I’m terrified!

I went to the filling procedure with a tiny, shallow cavity and ZERO pain anywhere. I left with a lumpy, mishaped tooth (other natural areas were trimmed in haste and error), pain in my tooth, jaw, and irritation on the side of my tongue next to the tooth…plus I gained a filling crack along the way.

Why can’t redoing the filling be an option?

I’ve been put on a steroid pack (Medrol) to see if that eliminates the constant pain. If/when that doesn’t work then what’s next?

Your help and insight is always appreciated. Thank you.

 

[dopeysgem]

X-ray is from the first specialist in June. He said I had no cracks and my filling looked fine. Images from second specialist today needs to be downloaded. But, none show the surface of the tooth.

The specialist today used the light tool to detect the crack next to the filling. My dentist acknowledged a “filling crack” back in May when trying to figure of the cause of all my pain and irritation. It’s a small white line on one edge of the filling that’s visible in the mirror. He gave no indication that it was a problem…made it seem like that was a normal occurrence for a filling and expected to be there.

After today’s consultation, this filling crack could be the cause for the dull ache I feel in the jaw behind the tooth, referred pain in the tooth next to 18, and the pain on the side of my tongue. Plus the constant feeling that my tooth surface is puffing up and deflating through the day. The shape never feels consistent to my tongue. Pics did show that my tooth/root points more to the lingual side, probably why I have added tongue irritation.

But the remedy seems extreme. It was recommended to get a crown only, but that process could exacerbate my symptoms seeing as each time I had the filling smoothed it caused intense nerve pain. The other option is a root canal and crown. Again, seems extreme. I’m terrified!

I went to the filling procedure with a tiny, shallow cavity and ZERO pain anywhere. I left with a lumpy, mishaped tooth (other natural areas were trimmed in haste and error), pain in my tooth, jaw, and irritation on the side of my tongue next to the tooth…plus I gained a filling crack along the way.

Why can’t redoing the filling be an option?

I’ve been put on a steroid pack (Medrol) to see if that eliminates the constant pain. If/when that doesn’t work then what’s next?

Your help and insight is always appreciated. Thank you.

Best image I could get of the “filling crack.” My filling is below that white line in the picture.

Is this normal to see partially outlining a filling? Does a crack like this cause the pain I’ve mentioned. Can redoing the filling fix this crack and hopefully stop the symptoms? Thank you!