Dental filling is a common procedure when you face cavities and tooth damage. Fillings help restore the original function of your tooth and prevent further decay.
Although this process has a high success rate, you can expect some degree of sensitivity after getting a dental filling.
Do you know how to manage tooth sensitivity after a dental filling? Do you know why this happens and how to prevent such issues?
In this blog, you will get a detailed account of tooth sensitivity after dental fillings.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity After a Dental Filling?
If you experience any tooth sensitivity after a filling, there can be multiple reasons behind it:
- Nerve Irritation
Mild discomfort is normal after a dental filling because this process slightly inflames the tooth nerve. However, this mild discomfort should go away within the first few days. However, if the pain does not go away, the filling is very deep and has affected the nerve endings.
Healing, in this case, may take some days to weeks. When the nerve heals fully, you should not feel any kind of pain or discomfort.
- Incorrect Bite Alignment
One of the major reasons for tooth sensitivity after a dental filling is improper bite alignment.
If your filling is placed at a higher position than your normal bite, it will create excess pressure while eating or chewing. This will lead to extreme pain and sensitivity.
This pain is different than normal sensitivity after a dental procedure. So be cautious of it and contact your dentist soon if you experience this kind of pain. Your dentist will smooth down the high point to properly align your bite.
- Pulpitis
In this condition, the pulp within the tooth becomes inflamed. This inflammation often leads to pain and discomfort.
Pulpitis can occur if:
- You have done dental fillings in the affected tooth earlier also and multiple times,
- The tooth recently had an accident that caused a broken tooth
- The cavity was deep and affected the inner pulp as well.
This condition of the pulp can be cured with the proper guidance from a cosmetic dentist in Frisco. Your dentist might do another procedure to relieve this pain.
- Allergic Reaction
Sometimes, the materials used in the process of dental fillings can cause an allergic reaction. Among the materials used, amalgam, nickel, and cobalt mostly cause allergies.
How to Manage Tooth Sensitivity After a Dental Filling?
You can follow these simple steps to manage the sensitivity after a filling. See if this helps.
- Desensitizing Toothpaste: Using desensitizing toothpaste can help you manage the pain. This toothpaste can easily block the sensitive sensation from reaching the tooth nerves.
- Gentle Brushing: With a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently brush your teeth and gums. This practice will limit further aggravation of the discomfort you might be feeling after dental fillings.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Immediately after getting the filling, you should avoid foods and drinks that are too cold and hot. This type of food can cause severe inflammation of the nerves.
- Chew on the Opposite Side: Allow the treated area some rest. Chew from the opposite side so the pain does not increase.
Dental fillings typically last 5-15 years, making them a reliable long-term investment. Understanding tooth sensitivity and proper care is crucial for effective treatment.
Do you have any questions regarding this? Contact our dental office today to get the related information.