Over the weekend I've had really bad pain in a tooth that has a filling in, and this morning the pain seems to have shifted to swelling below the tooth. I've managed to see my dentist, and he's prescribed amoxicillin for the swelling, and told me I have to have a tooth out, despite it only being 'lightly filled'. Basically, I'm wondering if I have any other options... At 22 I don't really want to lose a tooth, which is just on the outside of my visible smile.

Anyone with any more info on why it may be necessary to have it removed, as opposed to perhaps refilled? What may the implications be if I don't have it out?

Thanks for any help.