Sensitive Teeth After Fillings
Around 90% of adults have had at least one cavity in their lifetime. Most cavities can be diagnosed and treated with a simple dental filling. Sensitive teeth after fillings can occur for several different reasons depending on the size of the cavity and where it is located in the mouth.
Table of Contents
How Cavities are Treated
Understanding the process of treating cavities can help identify why sensitive teeth after fillings occur.
- Diagnosis: Dental x-rays and vitality testing are used to assess the tooth’s condition.
- Numbing the Tooth: Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth’s nerves to prevent any sensitivity during treatment.
- Removing Decay: The dentist will remove any affected areas of the tooth caused by the cavity.
- Restoring the Tooth: After selecting what material is best, your dentist will return the tooth to its optimal function.
The Types of Dental Fillings
The type of filling chosen depends on the size of the cavity and where it’s located. This can also be a factor in sensitive teeth after fillings.
- Composite Resin: This tooth-colored dental filling is the most common type used. It’s made out of plastic and resin materials.
- Silver Amalgam: This metallic material is less commonly used due to its aesthetic appearance. It’s made out of minerals like silver, zinc, copper, and mercury.
- Gold Filling: One of the strongest materials used, gold fillings are very durable and a great option for dental fillings.
- Ceramic Porcelain Filling: A porcelain inlay/onlay is a custom fabricated filling that is free of metal, BPA, and mercury.
Learn more with our educational post on How Much Do Cavities Cost to Fill.
Why Sensitive Teeth After Fillings Occur
Dental cavities cause permanent damage to the tooth’s structure and will continue to grow until treated. Through a series of steps, your dentist and dental assistant will repair the tooth. For some patients, sensitive teeth after fillings can occur. This can be due to:
- Nerve Irritation: The process of repairing a cavity can sometimes cause short-term discomfort. Removing the cavity is a process that involves multiple layers of the tooth that surround the nerves and can cause irritation. Over time, the nerve will calm down and will relieve sensitive teeth after fillings.
- Improper Bite Alignment: Teeth fit together like puzzle pieces. After a dental filling is placed, the dentist will check the occlusion of the teeth and see how they fit together. If the teeth aren’t perfectly fitting together when biting down, sensitive teeth after fillings can occur. A simple adjustment can correct this discomfort.
- Pulpitis: Large cavities near the pulp chamber and nerves can be difficult to fix. Irreversible pulpitis occurs when the cavity is close to the nerve, damaging most of the tooth. A root canal may be needed if the dental filling can not resolve the tooth’s sensitivity.
The severity of the cavity can also influence the sensitivity after treatment. Our article Discover Cavities in Between the Teeth breaks down the different levels of cavities.
Managing Sensitive Teeth After Fillings
Minor discomfort with sensitive teeth after fillings is common. In most cases, any tenderness will resolve itself within two weeks. Supporting your teeth after a dental filling is placed includes:
- Chewing on the opposite side of the mouth.
- Avoiding hard, crunchy foods that may cause more irritation to the tooth.
- Avoiding foods and beverages that are too hot or cold that can anger the tooth’s nerves.
- Using sensitive toothpaste to help block the tooth’s nerves and prevent any discomfort.
- Avoiding teeth whitening products such as whitening kits and toothpaste.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce discomfort until the nerves calm down. Always follow the instructions on the label and consult your doctor accordingly.
- Keeping the teeth clean and avoiding sugary foods. It’s important to keep the bacteria in your mouth neutralized. For more tips on keeping a healthy smile, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should teeth hurt after fillings?
It’s normal to have some discomfort after having a dental filling. Removing the cavity can cause the tooth’s nerves to become stressed. The nerves usually calm down within two weeks. If pain increases, contact your dentist.
What helps sensitive teeth after fillings?
A cavity will put stress on the tooth and nerves before the dentist places a dental filling. To support your teeth after dental fillings, avoid over-working the tooth and keep the area clean.
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