Have you had tooth filled, but still in pain?
Why is there toothache after filling, and when should you visit the dentist again?
Filling is a very common procedure that dentists use to protect teeth from further decay. Over time, the accumulation of bacteria on teeth can turn into harmful plaque, causing tooth decay. Caries causes a hole in the tooth.
Dental fillings seal these holes and prevent further tooth decay.
Firstly, the area around the affected tooth is anesthetized. After the anesthetic is applied, the decayed area of the tooth is cleaned, usually with a drill, and then filled.
Any excess filling material is polished off so that the tooth is smooth and indistinguishable from others.
In some cases, the dentist may first place a temporary filling, which will be removed and replaced with a permanent one later.
As a rule, a filled tooth should not hurt. However, exceptions occur. It depends on both the professionalism of the dentist and the patient’s body characteristics.
People who have sensitive teeth, suffer from gingivitis or periodontitis, have an untreated tooth infection or a problem of tooth crowding may experience pain and discomfort after filling more often.
However, sometimes patients, who do not have the above problems, can feel pain in a filled tooth.
It is normal to experience some discomfort and even moderate pain after filling a carious cavity, especially if the caries were deep and close to the tooth root. The tooth may hurt when pressed or when a hard piece of food gets on it.
Usually, pain and discomfort subside in a few days. You can take painkillers to reduce discomfort during this period.
What causes tooth sensitivity after filling?
After filling, the tooth may also get sensitive. Temporary discomfort in the filled tooth or the surrounding area is caused by certain triggers.
It can be a sudden pain that comes on quickly and then disappears.
Possible triggers of tooth sensitivity after a filling are:
- cold or hot food or drinks;
- air getting into the tooth, g, when breathing through the mouth;
- sweet or sour foods and drinks, including fruits, juices, and coffe.
Why do fillings cause tooth sensitivity?
Moderate pain after filling a cavity is usually the result of a change in pressure. After a filling, a piece of tooth is replaced with a hard filling. This changes the way air and saliva move through the tooth.
In addition, more pressure may be placed on the gum and root nerve after the filling.
Temporary and mild sensitivity or pain after a tooth filling is common.
However, a person should see a doctor immediately if they experience severe pain or if the discomfort is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or swelling.
Possible causes of discomfort, that require a visit to the dentist, are as follows
Irritated nerve
Temporary tooth sensitivity after a filling usually occurs because the procedure has aggravated or caused inflammation of the nerve inside the tooth.
The outer layers of the tooth, which are enamel and cement, usually protect the nerve from exposure. However, fillings, especially deep ones, can get close to nerve endings and cause irritation and discomfort. As the nerve heals, the sensitivity will disappear. It can take several days.
After the nerve is completely healed, a person should not feel the difference between the filled tooth and the rest. If the pain persists, you should consult a doctor.
Incorrect bite
The dentist should make sure that the filled tooth does not differ from the others. However, people often experience some minor discomfort when biting for a few days after the procedure.
This sensitivity usually disappears on its own. However, when the filling is too high, it can cause additional pressure on the tooth when biting and pain that can be more severe than typical post-filling sensitivity.
If a person experiences severe discomfort or has difficulty eating or connecting their teeth, they should ask their dentist to check their bite.
The dentist can smooth out the high point of the filling to properly adjust the bite and eliminate discomfort.
Pulpitis
Pulpitis is an inflammation deep in the tooth that can cause tooth sensitivity and pain.
Pulpitis does not usually occur with minor fillings, but it can happen if:
- the tooth was injured in an accident, resulting in a cracked or broken tooth;
- the cavity in the tooth was very deep and reached the inner layer of the pulp;
- the tooth has undergone multiple fillings or There are two types of pulpitis.
Reversible pulpitis is a mild inflammation in which the pulp remains healthy and the tooth heals on its own.
Irreversible pulpitis occurs when there is a damaged nerve that begins to die. In these cases, root canal treatment and nerve removal are necessary to save the tooth.
The person may also need to take antibiotics to clear up any bacterial infection.
How to prevent tooth sensitivity after filling
Compliance with the rules of oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tooth sensitivity.
After filling a tooth, a person can minimize discomfort by following the following rules:
- avoid too cold or hot food and drinks, as well as food that is difficult to chew;
- brush your teeth with a brush with soft bristles to avoid irritation and for some time do not use a paste that contains a whitening component;
Regular visits to the dentist can help you detect tooth decay before it becomes a more serious problem.
If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to tooth loss and even blood infection.
Brush your teeth twice a day between visits to the dentist to remove hard-to-reach plaque between your teeth.
The YAREMA DENTAL clinic provides high-quality dental care.
We offer a range of services including professional teeth cleaning, fillings, cosmetic dentistry services and emergency dental care.
If you have a toothache after a filling, we will help diagnose the problem and relieve the pain.