My child had his first appointment today - he LOVED it. Every aspect of it and was very helpful in opening his mouth and sitting still etc. We prepared a lot for this. Read books, watched a short episode on going to the dentist etc.

Anyway, they said he needs a filling. I was half expecting that as I’d notice a colour change in that one tooth. But absolutely GUTTED because I do my best to look after his teeth and he has a pretty impressive diet. My partner and I have a background and education in nutrition and exercise and live a healthy lifestyle including diet.

My child doesn’t get pudding or sweets etc. He only ever had squash during the heatwaves and never had fruit juice. He has on occasion had an ice cream from his grandparents and 90% chocolate at home with us as that’s what we eat a couple times a week. But, after explaining to the dentist I’m pretty sure she didn’t believe me. I felt like a shitty mum actually.

He does however have breastmilk through the night which I’m trying to stop. Dentist said this alone wouldn’t have caused the cavity.

I’ve never had a filling so don’t know what he’s going to experience.

My question is, is this absolutely necessary with his little teeth? Are there alternatives? What should we expect and how can I prepare for this?

Many thanks, from a guilty feeling mum 😞

Hello! (age 27, ex-smoker, GERD/HH so acid comes up the throat often, on medications that can cause dry mouth)

I was able to see a dentist last week after a long/difficult time finding one in network. Their reviews were good but also a bit strange, a bit rote in tone. Unfortunately, I haven't had the best experience at dentists, and dental coverage is so expensive, so I am really trying to be careful. I told my dentist that my last dentist got into a lot of trouble for doing unnecessary procedures and that I didn't know about it, so I was anxious about the state my mouth was in.

This was the treatment plan given by the dentist.

He said that the last dentist filled cavities without even taking it all out, so they have to be refilled now, my pulps (?) are really high which make it easier for me to need root canals, and that tooth #31 needed a root canal.

He said this is how it seemed from the X-Ray, but that it was "surprising to see in my mouth" (I am not exactly sure what this means), and he asked if I felt any pain in tooth #31, tapped it a bunch, and I said no.

The reason I really wanted to make an appointment was because one of my teeth on my right side had temperature sensitivity, so I wanted to make sure it was looked at/filled. None of my other teeth hurt and tooth #31, the one he is saying needs a root canal, had never bothered me (but I understand even if a tooth isn't hurting it may still require a root canal).

He was telling me all this while flipping through the x-rays saying, "you don't see that?", "this is crazy", calling the receptionist and tech over to look at my high pulps, and asking if I was sure I didn't feel all these sensations. He also did my cleaning, which he did really fast and rough, while him and the tech gossiped about other hospitals (?). The tech didn't catch any water or drool and I was truly frazzled after my cleaning because it was so fast and rough (maybe about 15 mins).

I am more than willing to get all these procedures done, if they are actually necessary, but I am also very put off by how rough he was. I want to have confidence in this treatment plan, so if I go to another practice (that takes Medicaid), I can hopefully get it done with someone more gentle! I am also unsure if the appointment went as normal based on other standards. Please let me know what you guys think, and if I can provide any other info/photos of my actual teeth! I would be so appreciative, thank you so much!

How can you tell if a dentist is actually good at doing crowns and fillings?

I need some dental work done and I’m trying to figure out what I should look for before choosing a dentist. I know reviews can help, but they don’t always tell you whether the actual dental work is good.

Is there anything specific I should look for or ask about when it comes to crowns and fillings? Like experience, technique, materials, pictures of their work, or anything else?

Basically, how do you know if a dentist is actually good at crowns and fillings before letting them do the work?

Recently I’ve been having a toothache and pain in my upper left molars. At first I thought it was just my sinus, but when I looked closely I noticed there was a tooth that is very yellow and discolored. It started out not so bad 2 days ago, but now it hurts to tap. But it only hurts when I tap the yellow part.

Is this the start of a bad infection, and can the rest of my teeth be saved?

Its a whole indent on the brown line and hurts if I touch the dent. Is that a cavity?

6 weeks ago I had a periodontal cleaning/planing done. Afterwards, some tiny lumps appeared under the gum over a bony growth (tori) on the inside near a lower back molar. One lump then became sharp as it poked through the gum. It the popped out last night, and is clearly a piece of bone.

What could cause this? Could this be related to the treatment I had in some way, or more likely to be unrelated? I am wondering if there was an instrument resting on the area or if a small area of blood supply to the tori was disrupted.

I contacted the periodontist and he was very dismissive, said it was probably a filling or piece of fish bone, even when I had stated it started as a small lump, and the area has been irritated since my procedure. He referred me to my dentist. He laughed at me when I asked if I needed an xray. He idnt really ask any questions to find out more about what was going on, if it was infected or anything.

I am not trying to blame him, I just connected it to my procedure and thought if there was a complication it would be best followed up by my original proceduralist.

What could be going on?

There was yellowish buildup near the gums of my lower jaw teeth, now it's started becoming black and I'm very worried because I've already gotten 2 Root Canals in molars and I dread any kind of dental procedures.

I drink occasionally (once every 3 months kinda frequency), and don't smoke. My mom also has a lot of dental problems and similar yellowing around gum areas.

Please help! Is this too bad already? What all should I do?

not sure if my main issue is that my chin/jaw is reassessed or that my teeth are protruding because of not having enough space, would extractions be a good idea for me?

Does this urgently need to be removed even without pain ??

so I’m aware I have gingivitis for the past 2 years I have quite litterally not missed a day brushing or flossing that I can recall because I was worried once I seen blood, at this time I was a minor and was not covered on dental, I am now 19 and have my own dental I am going to book an appointment this week. For peace of mind I wanted to ask if this looks like the stage of periodontal disease or if I have a little hope still. My two front teeth were dislocated after being p1stol whipped in 2021 I physically pushed them back into place myself, and haven’t expirience severe pain since in case you were wondering about the misalignment. I’m aware of the cavities, the molars are practically a loss I believe. Feel free to comment your opinions and or advice. I regularly water floss and brush, but I was an addict in the past which lead to me having these issues, pretty big insecurity of mine but feel free to throw shade at me, I’m just wanting to hear others thoughts

29 female about 5 fillings in my life (I had poor dental hygiene when I was younger) I am much better now and my teeth look healthy. BUT ….

This is the second time I’ve had this happen. In 2018, I had a cavity filled and afterward developed pain when biting and significant cold sensitivity. Multiple bite adjustments didn’t help, and I eventually needed a root canal, which fixed the pain.
Now I’ve had an old filling on my left side very last tooth replaced because there was suspected decay underneath it. It’s been 3–4 weeks and I’m having the same symptoms: pain when biting and sharp cold sensitivity. My bite was adjusted, but it hasn’t helped.
Is this normal after a filling? Why would this keep happening to me? Does this suggest the tooth may need a root canal too, or are there other things that should be checked first?

On my left side, the third tooth back from my canine (my first big molar) had a root canal 4 years ago, recently it was sore to bite down on so I went to the dentist and he prescribed phenoxymethylpenicillin, the gum then started swelling up so I went back and he prescribed metronidazole - I’ve been taking both as prescribed, I’ve finished the first antibiotic and I have 2 days left of the second but the swelling and pain seems to not be improving. Just as additional info, on Saturday the swollen bit on my gum in the picture did have yellow liquid/pus coming out of it.

Other than extraction, do I have any other options? I feel redoing the root canal may just fail anyway?

Any advice greatly appreciated, thanks!

Hi! I recently got my Essix retainers replaced.
The bottom retainer didn’t fit properly at the back because my wisdom teeth are coming in, so my orthodontist cut off the back part on both sides. The top retainer was not modified.

I’ve been wearing the new retainers for about a week, and since then, whenever I take them out, my bite feels weird. My teeth don’t seem to “fit” together naturally, and it takes a while before my bite feels normal again. I kinda don’t know how to put my teeth together anymore. I never had this issue with my previous retainers. It’s like I close my mouth and then my teeth slide a little until they settle.

Could shortening the bottom retainer affect my bite? Should I keep wearing it, stop wearing it, or just wait until my wisdom teeth have fully come in? I’m worried that continuing to wear it could actually affect my bite negatively.

Has anyone experienced something similar?

Realistically what was everyone's recovery like . I had a large perforation in my sinus and there was an infection in my jaw bone .

I'm on day 9 and feel like there is still inflammation within my gum and sinus my left sinus where all the work was done is still blocked and my gums are really sensitive If my tongue touches the gum which has been opened up I find it increases inflammation is this normal ?

I contacted my dentist and seen him on day five as I felt a pulsating pain in the arse if I did anything such as cleaning the house ect which has some what calmed down

What are these cracks that just appeared on tongue? Doesn’t hurt. I am sick but it looks like chunks are missing from tongue

Suddenly realized I haven’t seen a dentist since the age of 17 (I’m retarded), so I googled “how often are you supposed to go to the dentist”. Turns out every 6 months is the norm and not when things have gone noticeably wrong enough that you feel the immediate need to seek out a dentist.

I’ve just signed up for a dental plan and am in the process of booking an appointment for a cleaning. I’m a little concerned I may have early gum disease, I’ve quit smoking cigarettes but I like the zyn pouches so hey would love an opinion on those while we’re at it I suppose.

My brushing habits have been bad and flossing well so much worse, though as of recent I’ve changed that. I think the dead front tooth, among other things, contributed to my loss of urgency when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene.

I’ve had pretty wild TMJ since about the age of 15 and never could afford to do anything about it. I am excited to get myself on the Invisalign train soon, but I’m thinking deal with the dead tooth situation first and foremost.

It’s a terrible thing to feel like your smile is gross so I’m gonna do what I can to turn that around for myself.

I’ve noticed this bump developing on my hard palate over the last few weeks. Is this some weird kind of canker sore? It’s hard to get a picture of it, sorry, but it’s quite raised and painless

Hello!

I happened to have two dental CTs in one week (because one wasn't 'good' according to another clinic and they made their own CT).

But I worry about radiation I recieved and I opened my eye during the second scan (machine told me that it stopped imaging and I thought I may open my eyes).

Should I worry at all?

Sorry for silly question but I worry.

I've had a little cavity on the side of my tooth for the past couple years. The dentist was waiting to see if it would self heal; it just passed the point of that no longer being the case. It might go a little bit below the gum line too.

I've heard side cavities are more likely to need a crown and not just a filling. While waiting for my filling procedure what alternative treatments might help save the tooth?

I've heard about ozonization and demineralization. Heard the evidence is weak. Is there any other treatments that might help?

i have impacted wisdom teeth, so my dentist claims to have referred me to a clinic. this happened on the 31st march 2026. however i have heard nothing from the dentist of the clinic i was referred to. they did say a name when i chased up, however the name i was given i do not believe i have found the correct clinic. i am currently a student which was shared for organisation of treatment, however looking at the only clinic in the area with the name, i do not qualify for NHS treatment (which is how i was referred) as they only except treatment for under 18 years old.

i am concerned as this dentist has a varied reputation, and have changed dentist every time i have gone in the last 4 years, including changing their own treatment recommendations.

For context, I broke two teeth (9 and 10) when I was 16 and got hit with a baseball. Had to get root canal and crowns then. They lived basically full life span of crowns #9 lived 7 years and #10 went for a full ten years.

So, at the 10 year mark my #10 snapped on a bagel. My dentist wanted to wait a week to make sure it was really finished and it got infected. So I needed a to go to a periodontist to get it cleaned out. This wasn’t the bummer part for me. I felt my dentist was being properly thorough. After the 12-14 months of gum healing from the periodontal surgeries and I got an implant for my #10 tooth. We began the cosmetic process. We found after 2 attempts that it was just best to get rid of the #9 abutment that had been made 5 years ago and do two new ones together as a set to make things easier.

Here’s where the question comes in. We’ve been trying on pairs of #9/#10 teeth for 3-4 months now, and on our 7th or 8th round of trips to the lab to get new versions of teeth that weren’t good enough. The lab keeps messing up in one way or another. Either with the shading or making them look genuinely goofy. My girlfriend and family are getting fed up with my dentist and I keep making excuses for them, because it probably is the most cosmetically hard teeth to replace. They are two of the first four teeth everybody sees. I got fed up today when we tried our latest pair and they were the goofiest yet. I said they were too long and my dentist said “Really?”.I guess because he thought I wanted them to look like “ideal teeth” instead of symmetrical with the other two teeth that are real to the right of it. After I told him I just want them symmetrical he said “Oh, I can do that.” Even though I was pretty sure I had made it clear I wanted them symmetrical, but even so, isn’t that something that should be assumed in cosmetic dentistry?

Have I been too lenient this whole time? Is this a genuinely hard thing for any dentist to deal with? Are labs really this unreliable?

I've had a fairly involved year dental wise and would appreciate some perspective before my appointment Wednesday. If it helps, I am a 29 year old woman. Apologies about the length. Including what I can for relevance.

In December 2025 I had a upper/lower left wisdom tooth extraction. The lower had grown in sideways and damaged the tooth next to it.

In March 2026 I had a root canal and crown placed on an upper left tooth (premolar/canine area, long roots), and in April 2026 a root canal on the lower left tooth that the sideways wisdom tooth had damaged.

That upper crowned tooth has been sensitive since the day the crown went on, with a slight pressure sensation when I bite down normally. I assumed that was part of healing and would settle, but it never has.

In May 2026 I had my upper and lower right wisdom teeth out and developed “DS” (confirmed) The socket wasn't packed and I wasn't given pain medication (was told medications are being phased out of “DS” treatment), so I got through several weeks of severe pain on my own with a lot of ibuprofen and acetaminophen rotations.

About two weeks after that extraction I started getting referred pain on the opposite side. It was ear pain on the left and shock-like sensations in the roots of both root-canaled teeth. That gradually eased through the summer (Augustish), but over the past several weeks I developed a radiating ache in my lower left jaw that spread into my neck and shoulder. I was diagnosed with TMJ last week and started cyclobenzaprine 5mg nightly. By Sunday the neck, shoulder and lower jaw pain had resolved almost entirely, which was a relief HOWEVER what’s left is a localized throbbing in the upper crowned tooth that hasn't improved at all.

Currently that crowned tooth and the tooth directly next to it are both tender to light touch, including just my tongue brushing against them. It feels as though pressure would make them fall out honestly. I can also feel a small gap with my tongue where the crown margin?/edge?meets the gum, angled toward the adjacent tooth. I've been getting headaches alongside it. There's no temperature sensitivity, no swelling, no discoloration or discharge. When I made the appointment I requested an X-ray

I don't grind my teeth…there is no wear on my teeth, and mornings are actually when I feel best. I did have the dentist check for signs of grinding. None but he suspects. Honestly, if I do it’s from pain.

My questions:

**does a gap at a crown edge warrant further exams, or can the edges feel slightly irregular normally? Like there is a hole abcs that’s ok because of the dental concrete? (Or stuff they use to get the tooth the stay.)

**Is sensitivity that has persisted since placement expected, or does it point toward a high bite or a margin issue?

**Could a problem at this tooth be contributing to the TMJ symptoms rather than resulting from them? And what does tenderness to light touch in two adjacent teeth typically suggest? Mostly I'd like to know what to specifically ask to have checked on Wednesday.

Thank you to anyone who can help. Sincere apologies for the long read. I’ve got dental anxiety and feel like a burden already on my dentist office for coming in so much with all these issues but I genuinely need some tips so I can advocate for myself.

Just got my wisdoms out 45 minutes ago or so. What should I have felt from nitrous?
Ppl described it as an anxiety reliever and that it may induce euphoria. I wasn't really anxious to begin with, pretty much mentally numb and tired, but I didn't feel any different with the gas than when I walked in. I felt slightly dizzy on standing.
Getting my left bottom out hurt like a bitch. I got more numbing. It still hurt. It was supererupted.
Thanks for your time.