Scary tooth and headache pain after cosmetic dentistry. Now what?

October 15, 2021 6:07 PM

A dentist did some shoddy veneer work on my top front teeth recently. Wondering how to evaluate treatment plans for rework (obviously by a different dentist).

This dentist went ahead and filed away at my (poorly enameled and sensitive) teeth without consent. Yep, I should have stopped her dead in her tracks when she did it, but I did not. Also, I believe the veneers don't reach the gumline.

This all took place 3-4 weeks ago. Now, I have sensitivity along the gumline as well as headaches at the top of my head. I never have had this type of headache. The pain isn't bad, but it is super scary because I wonder what structural issues this nitwit caused.

I'm seeing a couple of different dentists with good patient reputations to get treatment suggestions. One says that she can close up the gaps between the veneers and the gumline as an initial conservative measure. I see another dentist on Monday, just to get an opinion.

I will be requesting X-rays for sure, partially to build the malpractice case that I will inevitably bring. I'm documenting everything and logging expenses as well.

But most importantly I want the sensitivity and headache to go away and I want to make sure that my teeth won't be vulnerable to decay and damage down the road.

Has anyone been through something like this and had rework done that addressed the issue? If so, what was the nature of the rework?

posted by Sheydem-tants to Health & Fitness (2 answers total)

I've had extensive cosmetic dentistry. This caused a strain in my jaw due to keeping it open for so long. This strain caused a raft of problems including headaches and later, migranes. A massage therapist who asked if I had recent dental work could perceive the strain in my jaw. They did some release work on the large ligament connecting my jaw at the rear of my molars. Holy fuck it was painful when they pushed on it. But then it released a bit and I felt some relief in a few hours time. It didn't go away completely, not for a while, but I learned to do my own release and now do it when I have been clenching.

Did you cosmetic dentist recommend a night mouth guard? You might be grinding your teeth which could also be causing tooth sensitivity. Mouth guards for nightwear also help keep the integrity of the veneers for longer.
posted by Thella at 8:11 PM on October 15, 2021

I would take any treatment plan home with me and sit on it for a while. Discuss it with a trusted friend. Figure out what questions you have and ask them of the doctor. Then get a plan from a second dentist, ask all the questions, and compare the two plans.
Also do some internet searching and see how those plans stack up against conventional wisdom.
That’s not very specific to your situation but it is how I would approach it.
Best of luck to you in getting things fixed and feeling well again.
posted by SLC Mom at 9:38 AM on October 16, 2021