Tinnitus Spike After Dental Filling Replacement with Laser and Drilling

[Eric N]

So, I just had my fillings replaced. The dentist was able to remove them with a laser, but some drilling—approximately 30 seconds to a minute—was still needed at the end. I asked him to use a five-seconds-on, five-seconds-off approach, and he followed that. He also used an electric drill, which is quieter than an air-powered one. I kept my earmuffs on during the drilling. Because of bone conduction, it was unpleasantly loud at times, but not extreme. I am not sure if it would have been any better without the earmuffs, and I wasn't willing to test it. This was actually the first time I had a drill used since developing tinnitus 13 years ago.

Now I am experiencing a moderate to moderately high spike. It is certainly not the worst spike I have ever had, but it is definitely louder. I am not noticing any other symptoms like muffled hearing or hearing sensitivity.

 

[Eric N]

The spike is still intense, and even the slightest thing seems to aggravate my tinnitus. It's difficult to live with.

 

[Eric N]

There are still no signs of improvement. I have some Prednisolone—19 pills at 20 mg each—but the expiration date is April 2021. I am unsure if they are still effective. Unfortunately, obtaining more from a doctor will not be easy.

It seems to be just a spike. I am not noticing any changes in my hearing, and I do not think there are any new tones. It is just that the existing ones have become globally louder. I am uncertain if it is worth the risk of taking the expired medication, especially since it has been ten days since the incident.

 

[Eric N]

Another tooth is starting to hurt. It looks like I might need either a root canal or an extraction this time. The dentist says the tooth may be dying.

I am having a hard time deciding which option to choose. A root canal would involve a lot of drilling, and since it is a molar, it would likely need a crown afterward.

 

[lostb1t]

Maybe take something like a benzo or a supplement like Lemon Balm beforehand.

I have no idea if that helps or prevents it though.

 

[Meyer37]

Dentist offices these days are pretty awful for high-frequency noise.

I always refuse the ultrasonic scaler. They will gladly use manual tools if you ask.

Bring different types of hearing protection, such as earplugs and Decibel Defense or Peltor earmuffs, to see what works best. I would imagine that high occlusion effect protection could be less effective. Unfortunately, since the work is done inside the mouth, the protection will be less effective. You can also ask them to pulse the drill instead of running it constantly.

I also wonder if air abrasion, or sandblasting, would be less harmful.

 

[Eric N]

I used Peltor X5A earmuffs on my last visit. I think I am going to get an extraction for the second tooth that is hurting. At least if I get an implant in the future, that tooth would never need drilling again.