Question about losing teeth+cavities?

I lost one of my bottom teeth, close to a molar a few years back. When I lost it, I saw that there was a cavity on the molar behind it right where the tooth had been, due to not flossing. I didn't tell my parents, and the dentist never filled anything. I let the new tooth grow in, no problem. I'm sure that it was a cavity and not a stain too. Now, I am having severe pain and sensitivity between those teeth, and I have braces on. It hurts so bad that I can't chew on that side. What should I do? My parents said that their dental insurance only covers dental visits 2 times a year. Will they damage my braces if I get them filled? I have gotten many cavities (like 8) as a child on baby teeth. I only have 1 on a permanent tooth, and I want to stay healthy.

If a root canal is needed, I really don't want to do it because I know that It will hurt a TON!!!

You are probably not experiencing any severe tooth problem. The area you noticed as what looked like "decay" was probably nothing more than stain, which can be deceiving. Decay would never have gone undetected by your dentist during and after the extraction, or the orthodontist, who "examined" you and viewed all of your "x rays" before your ortho placement. Decay is always taken care of prior to having your ortho placed. What you are experiencing sounds like and probably is due to movement of the teeth. Try taking some Motrin or Advil for the pain, avoid chewing on that side and see if it settles down. If not see your dentist next week to have it checked.

Additional information: A root canal can easily be completed without disturbing the bands; we open the occlusal surface exposing the pulp chamber allowing for access to remove the nerve for this procedure. Root canal procedures are virtually painless unless there is an abscess involved. Restorations (filling) can also be placed, usually without the removal of a band, although a band "can be easily removed" (without any damage to it) for this procedure (or any other) in the event that decay does happen to develop while in orthodontic treatment. The bands are cemented on the molars which should arrest and deter any decay except what may develop at the gingival margins and the occlusal surfaces that are exposed with poor hygiene habits. Just because you 鈥渢hink it will be painful and impossible鈥?while in orthodontic treatment, doesn't necessarily mean that it will be. We have a great deal of experience, not to mention years of school just for dentistry. We are thoroughly competent in taking care of your 鈥渃omplete dental health鈥?along with 鈥渁ny possible dental problem鈥?that may occur at any time as well as during your orthodontic treatment. Have a little faith in your dentist and orthodontist; they will do their part in taking excellent care of your teeth. The day to day care which includes flossing and brushing is all up to you, so make sure to do a good job with your hygiene so decay won鈥檛 have a chance to develop! If your pain persist or becomes worse, see your dentist early next week for an emergency appointment.

The two annual appointments covered by the dental insurance your parents were refering to, are for the semi annual hygiene or cleaning appointments with once a year x rays.

My best advice is to see a dentist ASAP.

The root canel shouldn't hurt a ton but it is something that you wouldn't like to do again.

Take care of your teeth, it the only set you get.

You just may need a root canal. Just go see a dentist and if they tell u u need a root canal and u dont wanna get it just say maybe we should do this another time and then go home.