As if it were not enough to feel the pain of a toothache that needs attention, some people continue to experience tooth sensitivity after filling. Tooth pain and sensitivity may not be a sign of anything serious, but in some cases it may be. Here’s what you should know.
Why does tooth sensitivity after filling occur?
Tooth sensitivity after filling is a normal response to the dental filling procedure. When your dentist discovers tooth decay, the priority is to remove that decay so that it does not spread or cause further damage. To do this, the dentist will typically numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. They use a dental drill to remove the decay. Once your dentist removes the decay, they’ll insert a filling to seal and protect the remaining tooth from further decay.
Tooth sensitivity can occur in one of two forms: pain or sensitivity to temperature. After getting a filling, it is normal to feel some sensitivity, especially if the area of decay was large and encompassed much of the tooth itself. There are some other reasons for tooth sensitivity after filling, too.
Clean teeth expose more nerves
If your teeth were coated with plaque and tartar, removing that in the course of placing a filling may expose areas of the teeth that have thinned.
This may make your tooth sensitive to cold after a filling (or hot temperatures, too).
Composite fillings flex
Most dentists utilize composite materials for fillings. Composite materials are durable and provide a good bond with teeth.
Both of these factors make them a great choice for longevity and for preventing further decay. However, in areas of the teeth that experience more flex (e.g., the sides of the teeth) or for very deep fillings, this material may cause more tooth sensitivity and pain.
Uneven bite
In some cases, tooth sensitivity and pain is caused by the uneven bite that is created when a tooth is filled. Once a tooth is filled, your dentist will take a bite measurement to see if the teeth are hitting properly.
If your bite was off before the filling and the filling changed it to a more “correct” bite, you may feel some tooth sensitivity. If your bite was not quite even after the filling, this can also cause pain.
Bruxism
If you are a tooth grinder and a jaw clencher, you may experience more tooth pain and sensitivity after filling than other patients who are not.
How long does tooth sensitivity after filling last typically?
It is difficult to predict how long tooth pain and sensitivity after filling will last. Some people have a higher threshold for pain than others and will not be affected.
Other factors, such as the presence of bruxism or the preference for hard foods like pretzels, may increase your chances of sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity to cold after filling
In general, tooth sensitivity to cold after filling can last up to a week or two.
Your dentist may prescribe special toothpaste for this condition. You may use an over-the-counter sensitive teeth toothpaste. Using a straw and avoiding cold foods for a short period can also help you adjust and give your teeth time to heal.
Tooth pain after filling when chewing
One of the recommendations for patients who receive fillings is to avoid eating hard foods or chewing gum for at least three days after the procedure. While a diet of 100% soft foods is not necessary, you may want to avoid anything that requires prolonged chewing in the days after your filling.
How to reduce sensitivity after a filling
Dental fillings are routine procedures, but everyone reacts and heals differently.
Most dentists recommend this standard practice of self-care after getting a filling:
- Use a soft toothbrush and floss gently
- Stick to a diet of mostly soft foods, and avoid chewing on the area of the filling for a couple days
- Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen for pain in the first few days
- Avoid exceedingly hot or cold beverages until sensitivity recedes
Is it normal to have tooth sensitivity months after a filling?
While it is normal to have a moderate amount of tooth sensitivity after a filling, tooth sensitivity and pain that persists for months after is not. There are a few causes of this tooth sensitivity months after a filling.
Allergic reaction
Most dentists choose composite filling material because it is neutral and less likely to cause an allergic reaction, but some patients may be sensitive to it anyway. If this is the case, the filling will need to be removed and replaced with another material.
Talk to your doctor if you’re still experiencing increased sensitivity months after a filling.
Loose or broken filling
While it seems unlikely that a filling might become loose or break directly after it is placed, this does occur and can result in tooth pain and sensitivity.
The filling will need to be removed and repaired.
Pulpitis
Tooth decay must be removed to prevent further complications, but sometimes the treatment itself causes more problems.
Pulpitis occurs when the increased vibration and heat produced by the dental drill causes the dental pulp within a tooth to swell. This swelling can press on nerves and cause pain. Reversible pulpitis will fade over time, but in some cases, irreversible pulpitis necessitates a root canal to ease the pain.
Recurrent caries
While a dental filling will fix the first incidence of tooth decay, it may not prevent a second incidence from occurring, this time underneath the filling. These are known as recurrent caries.
Recurrent caries may form due to a small gap between the natural tooth and the filling. If not all of the tooth decay is removed, it can spread and continue to cause tooth sensitivity months after a filling. If this occurs, your dentist will need to remove both the filling and the tooth decay. Finally, if the decay is severe, a root canal may be the only treatment.
Some tooth sensitivity after filling is normal. If you are experiencing high levels of pain for a long period of time, give AZ Dentist, your Phoenix area dental clinic, a call. We can help!
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