A filled cavity hurts really, really badly?

If your dentist is horrible then I would switch dentists. As far as the novocaine and it still hurting some of that depends on where the tooth is, the teeth at the back are much harder to numb, so that might have been part of it, If he is starting to do work and it hurts still, stop him and tell him, its your mouth and your pain, speak up.

The last time I was having pain after a filled tooth, I had to have a root canal, but that doesn't mean that's whats wrong with yours. But I would get it checked out, sooner Rather than later, you don't want to get a bad infection there ,

Hi! I've been in dentistry for over 25 years. The Tylenol 3's are not strong enough if you have a nerve involvement. You need Vicodin or Percossette. Call her back and get a stronger pain med. Stop the cold water and get clove oil. Take a very small cotton pellet, dip in oil and place carefully on open cavity. This will put the nerve to sleep for a few hours at a time. The vicodin will stop the pain so you can sleep until you can see your dentist. If the pain is that bad, go to the local ER and get better pain relief even if it only for 2 days. It sounds like you may need a root canal with this much pain the antibiotics will kick in in 24 hours. In the mean time, sleep with an extra pillow and don't eat or chew on that side. You can take an extra T3 until you get better pain relief and for the most part, this is not very effective with nerve pain. Vicodin will help you sleep and stop the pain until you can see you general dentist. Please don't wait, it will only get worse and the ER will give you percosette so you can be more comfortable and please say, severe pain, so you will get the attention you need. If you have any other questions, please ask. I don't understand why your dentist does not have a covering doctor, I ALWAYS do just for this reason. Please get help now. If you have any other questions, pelase ask.