Gum Sensitivity in One Spot

Could you advise me? My dentist is suggesting we extract this tooth, but I am fairly certain that the tooth isn’t the problem. There is a spot on my gums exactly between two teeth. The first tooth being the last molar and the second being the molar adjacent to it. The pain occurs for around 30 minutes after I eat. I would describe it as throbbing. After relief, the pain does not return again until I have my next meal. There are no signs of abcess and now fould smell. I’ve even been to my dentist about it twice. He’s x-rayed it and found nothing. I’m not keen on the idea of extracting the tooth as the tooth itself seems healthy but that is the only recommendation my dentist has for me.

Angela

Dear Angela,

I’m glad you wrote. Do not have this tooth extracted. I honestly don’t think this is the best dentist for you. Your dentist is recommending you take out this tooth simply because he can’t figure out what is wrong. To put it frankly, that is one of the stupidest reasons to do so, especially because the problem is with your gum, not the tooth. That’s like saying, “Well, we can’t figure out this pain in your leg, so let’s remove your spleen.” What?! The only thing I can think of is he is hoping to provide you with a dental implant to replace the tooth.

While you look for another dentist, I would like you to see a periodontist, which is a gum specialist. If I were treating you, the first thing I’d check is for is a pocket in the gums between those two teeth. It is possible that you have food getting trapped in there and once it disintegrates some, the pain lessens. A deep cleaning may be all you need.

You may be going to a dentist who does not pay much attention to gums. This is a shame because giving that the attention it deserves can help with the prevention of periodontal (gum) disease. When gum disease is left untreated you can end up losing your teeth.

Look for another dentist and see that periodontist.
This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.