There is a multitude of reasons why you may need dental filling. However, the first signal that you may need a filling is if you experience sensitivity in the mouth.
A dental filling is a recommended treatment choice if the tooth sensitivity after filling persists, which would be needed to fill a cavity (a tiny hole or opening in the tooth root) or treat decay in the mouth. Dental filling treatment is safe and is designed to fill a hole in the tooth root for the long term.
One of the key questions patients ask is: is it normal to have tooth sensitivity after filling? With any treatment, minor sensitivity should be expected during and after treatment. Although, you shouldn’t expect the sensitivity to be long-term. If that is the case, you may need to consult the dentist for further support.
Let’s learn more about dental fillings and sensitivity.
Should I Expect Sensitivity After Dental Filling Treatment?
Tooth sensitivity after filling treatment should be expected. Although the sensitivity would mainly occur during the procedure and just for a few days after, one of the cons of tooth filling is that if the dentist does not clean the diseased region properly, the sensitivity will worsen even with filling treatment.
The infection could potentially spread to the tooth root, exposing and harming the blood vessels. Therefore, the dentist would need to drill into the affected tooth to clean out any decay that has occurred. Before the dentist does this, you will be administered a numbing agent so you don’t feel a lot of pain during the treatment.
What Are the Causes of Pain or Sensitivity After a Filling?
Tooth sensitivity or pain after a filling can have many causes, including:
- Nerve irritation: The filling procedure can irritate or inflame the nerve inside the tooth, especially if the filling is deep. This can cause sharp, uncomfortable sensations. The sensitivity should go away as the nerve heals, which can take a few days to weeks.
- Bite interference: An incorrectly placed filling or one that’s too high can prevent your teeth from fitting together properly when you bite down. This can cause sensitivity or pain. You might need to have your dentist reshape the filling.
- Allergic reaction: This is a rare cause of sensitivity or pain after a filling. It occurs when your body reacts to the materials used in the filling. If you suspect an allergic reaction, consult your dentist.
- Cavity damage: If the cavity went too deep into the tooth’s pulp, the tissue might no longer be healthy. In such cases, you might need a root canal. This is to remove the damaged pulp and relieve the pain.
- Galvanic shock: This can happen if fillings made of different metals touch and produce an electric current. It results in a sharp, sudden pain. Consult your dentist to address this issue.
- Cracked filling: If the filling breaks down or cracks, bacteria can get in and cause sensitivity. This can lead to further decay or infection. A replacement filling might be necessary to resolve the issue.
- Composite resin shrinkage: During the curing process, composite resin fillings can shrink slightly. This can create a gap under the filling that causes sensitivity. Your dentist may need to adjust or replace the filling.
Duration and Normalcy of Post-Filling Sensitivity
Post-filling sensitivity typically lasts from a few hours to a few weeks. It is a normal response to the procedure and usually subsides as the tooth heals. If sensitivity persists beyond this period, consult your dentist for further evaluation.
How Can I Manage Any Sensitivity After Dental Filling?
For the first two to three days after treatment, you’re likely to be in pain. If the sensation persists for more than three days, you should see a dentist.
Here are some suggestions for reducing sensitivity after filling:
- Take an anti-inflammatory medicine from over-the-counter drug stores, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen
- Stay away from hot and cold beverages and drinks since these can aggravate sensitivity.
- When brushing your teeth around the filled region, be gentle. You want to avoid disturbing or dislodging the filling
- Drink more water instead of sugary and acidic drinks as this can build harmful bacteria
- Softer foods such as potatoes, soup, and green vegetables should be added to a softer diet
Related: How to Prevent Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening
My Dental Filling Has Dislodged. What Do I Do?
The tooth filling may become dislodged because of a dental injury. A dental injury can mean a physical collision or bite down on something hard (which is not recommended if you have a dental filling fitted). It is essential that you see a dentist as soon as possible if this occurs.
Bacteria and food debris will soon infect the tooth, which will then spread to the tooth root and vessels if the filling is dislodged. Bring the dislodged filling with you in a moist container as the dentist may look to relodge the filling or fit a new one altogether. Even if the filling has dislodged, brush and floss your teeth to keep the tooth as healthy as possible.
When you arrive at the dentist, explain to the dentist how the filling became dislodged and let them know if you’re experiencing any tooth sensitivity after filling.
