Q. An old amalgam filling on a back molar was becoming uncomfortable, my dentist suggested an “inlay” without doing an x ray first. An imprint was taken and a temporary filling installed. During the week I had toothache and said so when I returned for the ‘inlay’. She said at the time “it may need a root canal but we’ll see how it goes” so the inlay was installed. 2 days later I had an abscess with excruciating pain, and am now on antibiotics and painkillers. This is the 2nd day of taking the antibiotics and the pain is still there but not as bad, although my face is very swollen. My dentist said she would now either have to remove the tooth or do a root canal. What should I do, I don’t really want the tooth removed but there is not much tooth left as it was heavily filled and I have just paid £200 for the inlay. Your advice would be appreciated. Thanks