In August 2019, I had a small cavity filled before my dentist did my teeth whitening. I had a six-month checkup in February 2020, and my dentist said my tooth was fine. I went to the dentist two weeks ago because I felt sensitivity in the tooth to cold and air, and my dentist now says I probably need root canal treatment for the molar.

I declined an x-ray because I am six months pregnant. How do I know if it’s just sensitivity or if the tooth is really infected? And how did my tooth decline so quickly from a small cavity with a filling? Thank you. Roxanne

 

Roxanne,

Your dentist did the right thing by filling your cavity before teeth whitening treatment. Teeth bleaching gel can irritate decaying teeth and increase sensitivity.

But you’re right—the history of tooth decay doesn’t make sense. You had a minor cavity and filling that your dentist checked in February, but now the tooth is sensitive to air and cold. The sensitivity you describe could mean that the cavity is huge, and the tooth needs root canal treatment, or it could mean that the tooth was irritated from something that happened while our dentist placed the filling.

Dr. Perry would need to examine your tooth, but your description doesn’t sound like you need root canal treatment right away.

Root Canal Treatment During Pregnancy?

During the last trimester of pregnancy, unless an oral health problem is urgent, avoid dental work. But if a tooth is infected, it’s not healthy for you or your baby because the infection can spread. You can schedule an appointment with another dentist for a second opinion. But you might need an x-ray for an accurate diagnosis. During the x-ray, if you wear a lead apron covering your stomach, the baby will not be exposed to radiation.

So, it’s your choice, you can wait a while and see if the sensitivity in your tooth persists or gets worse, or you can get a second opinion right away. You can an online article published by the American Dental Association, Is It Safe to Go to the Dentist During Pregnancy?

Ryan Perry, DDS, of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.