Why Do Fillings Cause Tooth Sensitivity

ome sensitivity after a tooth filling is normal and temporary. Sometimes, however, sensitivity after a filling is due to other causes that need treatment or repair. Short-term tooth sensitivity after a filling usually occurs because the filling procedure has aggravated or caused inflammation in the nerve inside the tooth.

Usually, the tooths outer layers the enamel and cementum protect the nerve from exposure. But fillings, especially deep ones, can get close to the nerve endings and cause irritation and uncomfortable sensations.

As the nerve heals, the sensitivity will go away. This may take a few days or weeks. Once the nerve has healed fully, a person should feel no difference between the filled tooth and the other teeth.

The Pain May Be Normal

The first thing youâll want to consider if youâre dealing with a toothache after filling a cavity is the fact that the pain youâre experiencing may be completely normal. Certain types of pain are to be expected. For example, your mouth may be sore for a period after your filling from the novocaine needle.

Or, if you have a cavity towards the back of your mouth, you may experience some jaw pain after filling because of the fact your mouth was held open for an extended period so the dentist could work on the affected area.

If youâre still experiencing tooth pain after filling a cavity several days ago, then it might be time to speak with your dentist again. Pain for a day or two, however, is completely normal.

So You Have Tooth Pain After Fillingwhats Next

Wow, pain after a filling, that seems bad. But is it really?

Studies show that sensitivity on 63% of teeth was resolved after a composite filling, but 10% of teeth that were not sensitive.became sensitive. What gives?

Think of how the process works. A tooth sometimes has a small cavity that is not yet sensitive. The tooth is restored to prevent the from growing larger within the tooth. However, in order to restore the tooth, treatment must be done on it.

The treatment essentially creates a temporary bruise of the tooth.

A tooth heals similar to if you had a surgery to improve any other body part. There is initial healing involved. The work requires time to settle in and heal stronger. Healing sometimes feels like forever when its going on for days or weeks. However, the goal is not the short term. Its the benefits longterm.

So what is a normal for tooth pain after a filling?

Mild sensitivity. Particularly to the gums at the injection site, but also the tooth. If you have mild sensitivity on the tooth after a filling, do not be alarmed. Sensitivity is common for the first 2 to 4 weeks. Mild sensitivity is common and should gradually improve.

Lets dive deeper into more specifics.

Read Also: How To Relieve Gas Pain After Gastric Sleeve

Dental Fillings Are A Common Dental Procedure

Dental fillings treat cavities. Cavities are holes in teeth caused by the acid produced by bacteria. Cavity filling is a straightforward way to stop the decay and strengthen the tooth. Multiple cavities may be filled in a single visit. There are several different materials used in dental fillings, and dentists will select the one that is best.

Fillings are among the simplest dental procedures. The dentist first injects local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. Patients usually experience pain similar to a pin prick or a pinch before the area becomes numb. Once the area is numb, the dentist grinds away the decayed parts of the tooth. Next the dentist cleans the tooth before applying the filling material. Lastly the tooth is polished and filed so that the filling does not affect the patients bite. Ordinarily no follow-up visits are required, and patients can resume normal activities after the treatment.

Tooth Fillings And Pain

You might experience tooth pain or sensitivity before a filling. This is because tooth decay can leave the sensitive nerves of your tooth exposed.

During a filling, your dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth. You might feel numb, itchy, or puffy for several hours after the procedure.

After a tooth filling, some people also experience discomfort and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. If you feel a slight amount of pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods or beverages, this is normal and should go away in a matter of days or weeks. Unless this pain is severe, there is nothing to worry about.

Another type of pain or discomfort you might experience after a cavity filling is a change in your bite. If the filling causes your teeth to line up incorrectly, you might experience some sensitivity when biting down. This will typically go away with time.

Finally, you might experience pain related to inflammation in your tooth. If your tooth is damaged or youve had it filled multiple times, it might need attention from your dentist.

Recommended Reading: Minnesota Head And Neck Pain Clinic

I Just Had A Filling Placed How Long Will My Tooth Hurt Afterward Or Is A Toothache After Fillings Or Throbbing Tooth Pain After Fillings Normal

Because everyone is different, there is no clear cut answer. If the tooth required any form of extensive treatment and had a large, deep cavity, your tooth may be sensitive longer. Extended sensitivity compared to having only minor dental work completed or a small filling placed for example, and having short-lived sensitivity . Of course, the extent of the sensitivity can differ between individuals. A delay in healing time for patients who have chronic inflammatory medical conditions or autoimmune diseases is not uncommon. Therefore, if several months have passed and you feel that your discomfort has increased, be sure to talk to an emergency dentist or seek any of the dentists in Lincoln, NE for their opinion. It is possible that the nerve of your tooth did not recover properly and this is something that can happen after treatment. Consequently, you may need a root canal.

Experiencing a toothache after fillings is common, but a persistent toothache that gets worse over time, should be evaluated by your dentist in Lincoln, NE.

No Dental Insurance?

What Does Sensitivity After A Filling Feel Like

When a person has a sensitive tooth, they may notice that certain triggers cause a temporary, uncomfortable sensation in the filled tooth or surrounding area. It may feel like a shock of cold or sudden pain that comes on quickly and goes away.

Factors that can trigger tooth sensitivity after a filling include:

• cold foods or drinks, such as ice cream, popsicles, or beverages with ice
• hot drinks, such as coffee or tea
• air hitting the tooth, such as when breathing through the mouth, which may be worse with cold air
• sugary foods, such as candy
• acidic foods and drinks, including fruit, juice, and coffee
• biting down when eating

Recommended Reading: Abdominal Pain Right Side During Pregnancy

How To Treat Tooth Pain After A Filling

The procedure of filling a cavity is generally quick and painless. However, if you experience some discomfort following treatment, here are some of the most important tips for relieving pain and sensitivity:

• Take pain medications as directed or recommended by your dentist.
• Brush gently and floss regularly using an electronic brush.
• Make sure to use fluoride toothpaste that prevents sensitivity.
• Eat and chew on the other side of the mouth.
• Avoid cold and hot food and beverages.
• Avoid eating acidic, sugary foods and drinks.

Sensitivity After Placement Of A Restoration

Cavities most often do not hurt. However, removing a cavity and placing a dental filling may lead to some sensitivity according to dentists in Lincoln, NE. This is associated with an inflammatory process that is part of healing. Which, is entirely normal. The deeper the original cavity, the higher the chance of developing postoperative sensitivity with any dental filling. In short, a toothache after fillings or even a throbbing tooth pain after fillings, are both common.

Many times, the gum around the tooth can be a little tender. Particularly, when decay has gone between the teeth, necessitating the use of strips or bands during the procedure. Also, its not uncommon for a tooth to be sensitive to cold immediately after a restoration. Especially, the placement of a filling for a cavity that is very deep or large. As long as the discomfort is brief, and lessens in severity over a few weeks, the tooth should return to normal without any further concern. Throbbing tooth pain after fillings, is nothing to sweat about. While we understand it is uncomfortable, your body simply needs time.

Recommended Reading: Pain Management Panama City Fl

What Is A Root Canal And How Does It Treat An Abscessed Tooth

A root canal is the procedure used to treat and save an abscessed tooth. Previously, it was almost certain that abscessed tooth would need to be removed. Today, however, our root canal dentists in Lincoln, NE can better evaluate if an infected tooth can be treated and saved.

If the diagnosis looks promising, our dentist in Lincoln, NE will first administer antibiotics to kill the bacteria that started the abscessed tooth. The source of the infection must be removed, so well take care of the infected tooth or gum and drain the infectious pus. The dental professional will then evaluate what damage has been done in tooths interior pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue that holds the blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue that extends from the tooths crown down to the root within the jaw bone.

However, if the initial exam reveals that the abscessed tooth is beyond repair, our dentist in Lincoln, NE will not be able to perform a root canal and will suggest removing the tooth. If the tooth is too severely damaged for us to help you, it isnt the end of the road. We can also refer you to an endodontist who can take a look. An endodontist, which is someone who has mastered the art of root canal therapy, will be able to get you the help you need.

Treating Tooth Pain Immediately After A Filling

In the first few days after getting a filling, topical anesthetic or over-the-counter painkillers can ease pain you experience. You may also consider:

• Using a toothbrush for sensitive teeth, which will have softer bristles.
• Brushing more gently than you normally do, especially around the tooth with the new filling.
• Avoiding foods that might cause pain or sensitivity, like very hot or cold foods, crunchy food, acidic foods, or sugary food.
• Rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater after brushing and flossing.

Continued or worsening pain means you should contact your dentist to check the filling. While you wait, over-the-counter pain medications, along with cold compresses, can lessen your discomfort.

Also Check: Pancreatic Cancer Pain Worse At Night

When You Should Return To Your Dentist

When you return to your dentist to check the filling, your dentist may find that there is a malocclusion of the filling. This means it might be too high, and your dentist can adjust the filling so there is less pressure and discomfort. Your dentist may also need to replace the filling with a different material. For some people, composite fillings can increase pain or sensitivity.

There may be inflamed roots or pulp causing the pain or discomfort, which either appeared after the filling or were not removed because your dentist did not notice them at first. Unfortunately, extensive decay or infection may mean you need a root canal or an extraction.

Fortunately, pain after getting a filling is rare. Most people recover quickly and experience satisfaction with their treatment.

Dont Ignore The Signs

Tooth pain isnt something that just goes away on its own over time. Unlike other types of body aches that improve with rest or an over-the-counter pain reliever, toothaches mean that something more serious is going on inside of your mouth and these pain symptoms shouldnt be ignored.

If you have a single tooth or several teeth that hurt when you bite or chew, schedule an exam with a Parkdale Dental Centre dentist. Our Ottawa dental team will help you get the answers you need to best care for your smile and keep it healthy for years to come!

Read Also: Pain In Front Of Knee When Walking

You Have A Dental Abscess

When you experience pain with a specific tooth when pressure is being applied, it could be due to an abscess around the tip of the root. This swelling or cyst inside of the bone puts pressure against the tooth, causing pain when you bite or push down on it.

Abscess drainage and swelling can come and go, with symptoms feeling worse some days and going unnoticed on others. Fistulas small pimples on the gums often appear near the tooth and cause a salty tasting drainage to seep out of the area. The only viable treatment for preserving an abscessed tooth is to perform a root canal.

What Causes A Toothache After A Filling

Every tooth has its own set of nerves. Just like other places in your body, irritation or trauma to those nerves can cause sensitivity or pain. Fortunately, in the case of dental fillings, that discomfort is usually temporary. A lot of what people consider pain after a tooth filling is actually the soreness caused by the injection thats used to numb their tooth. Even though local anesthetic is there to keep you comfortable, it can cause some referred sensitivity once the medication wears off several hours later.

It can be normal to experience sensitive teeth after fillings or other dental work. A few of the most common reasons to feel that after tooth filling pain include factors like:

• soreness from where local anesthetic was injected
• the filling being in close proximity to your tooth nerve
• getting a larger than normal filling

It can take as long as several weeks after your filling appointment for the nerve to adjust to its new structure. In the meantime, some minor to moderate sensitivity is completely normal.

However, if the filling is extremely large and your tooth keeps hurting, theres a chance that the nerve was too close to the cavity. In that situation, your dentist may try to treat your tooth with a dental filling first and if it doesnt take, perform a root canal or crown.

You May Like: Bell’s Palsy Face Pain

Visiting Your Dentist For Sensitive Teeth

If you experience tooth sensitivity weeks or even months after filling, know that theres something wrong. Under normal circumstances, tooth sensitivity after removing the decay and getting the filling should only last a few days or utmost weeks.

But if it extends beyond this time frame, there can be a lingering oral condition.The first thing you should do is consult your dentist. Your provider will analyze the issue with your tooth or filling and recommend suitable treatment to help manage the toothache and sensitivity.If youre looking for a cosmetic dentist in Maple Grove, MN, contact Almond Dental at 763-762-7177.

Reach Out To Columbia Smiles For Cavity Fillings Today

Regularly visiting your dentist can help you catch cavities before they turn into more severe issues. Left untreated, tooth decay can lead to tooth loss and even blood infections. Between dentist appointments, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss to remove hard-to-reach plaque between the teeth.

Columbia Smiles has provided high-quality dental care to Howard County residents for over 35 years. At our practice, we offer a number of services, including teeth cleanings, fillings, cosmetic dentistry services, and emergency dental services. If youre experiencing tooth pain after a filling, we can help diagnose the issue and help relieve the pain.

Don’t Miss: Low Back Pain When Bending Forward

Cracks And Damage To The Teeth Or Filling

Trauma to the teeth or filling can disclose the nerves and tissues inside the tooth. When the teeth contact hot or cold temperatures, it triggers sensitivity.If youre thinking about how to take care of your sensitive teeth due to damaged filling, keeping your oral health intact is the best way.

• Regularly brush your teeth in a gentle manner
• Brush your teeth with toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
• Avoid too hot or cold foods and drinks
• Eat soft food items instead of hard and crunchy ones

How Is A Deep Filling Procedure Performed

There are three common steps in doing the deep filling, especially for severe cases of tooth decay. First, the dentist numbs the area where the tooth for deep dental filling is located. Once that region is numb, the dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth, sometimes extending the removal to make sure that no portion of the damaged tooth is left behind. When the removal of the diseased part is done, he will now apply a filling made usually with composite resin or porcelain. However, some dentists also use amalgam or metal like silver or gold.

Recommended Reading: Pain On Pinky Side Of Hand

Causes Of Tooth Pain After Fillings

Fillings are used to replace the decayed area of a tooth, reducing the pain associated with the cavity itself. But tooth pain after filling a tooth is not unusual. Some common reasons for tooth pain after a filling include:

• Tooth sensitivity: A tooth that has just had a filling placed will be more sensitive to hot foods and cold foods, air temperature, and the pressure of biting. This type of tooth pain after filling a cavity should resolve within a few weeks. If not, contact your dentist.
• Cracked or loose tooth fillings: Tooth pain after filling a cavity can occur if the filling is not fitting properly to the tooth, or if it develops cracks. If you suspect that your tooth pain is caused by a cracked or ill-fitting filling, contact your dentist.
• Allergic reaction to tooth fillings: Some people have allergic reactions to the material used for their fillings, such as silver. To help avoid tooth pain after filling a cavity, be sure to tell your dentist about any allergies when discussing your filling choices.