I am wondering if there is something wrong with my tooth extraction site. It felt achy for a while, which I thought was normal, but now it is sensitive to anything with heat. I’m worried. Do I need to have it looked at?
Bonnie
Dear Bonnie,
You are correct that it is normal for a tooth extraction to be achy for a bit. However, the sensitivity to heat is an issue. Usually when this happens, it is because the root of a tooth adjacent to the extraction site has been exposed.
When a tooth first gets irritated, it becomes sensitive to cold. If that isn’t dealt with, then the pulp inside the tooth begins to die. In the process of dying it will give off gases. Heat causes gases to expand. However, in a tooth, there is nowhere for the expanding gases to go so the tooth becomes sensitive. My recommendation is you have this tooth looked at. Hopefully, it can be saved.
I am curious about something, though. You didn’t mention anything about a replacement for the extracted tooth. This is important. Otherwise, the adjacent teeth will begin to shift or tip into the empty space.
Usually, my recommendation for a tooth replacement would be a dental implant. It is the closest thing to having a healthy natural tooth again. Another option is a dental bridge. This will be a serious consideration if the adjacent tooth has to be crowned for any reason.
Best of luck and get that tooth looked at.
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