It is not uncommon to experience tooth sensitivity after a deep filling. But the pain and numbness should go away within 2 hours after you leave the clinic. If the pain persists, it can indicate that the filling was not done correctly. You might have to return to your dentist soon.
You wonder why a tooth would hurt after it just got treated. However, this common question is often asked by patients who made a recent trip to the dentist. While tooth sensitivity is normal after dental treatment, it can be very irritating.
Summary
It is certainly best to avoid fillings in the first place. A good dental hygiene is imperative to avoid cavities. But if you do need a filling, your teeth may be sensitive afterwards. We list 5 reasons why your tooth hurts and is extra sensitive after a filling and how long you can expect it to last.
Included in this article, you will find:
- Your tooth is sensitive to hot & cold after filling or when chewing
- How long should a tooth hurt after a filling?
- Why does my filling hurt after months or years? 5 reasons
- Jaw pain after filling
- How does sensitivity feel after a filling?
- A toothache after a filling is getting worse
- How long should you wait to eat after a filling?
- How to best avoid fillings
- FAQ
Continue reading
Having a toothache is no less horrible and even after having seen the dentist you may still experience pain. Below, you will find examples and explanations for why you experience this and how long you can expect it to continue. We also included a list of ADA Seal of Acceptance acquired toothpastes.
After the filling is completed, your teeth may be hot or cold. They are also sensitive to pressure, a normal condition known as pulpitis.
The nerve of a tooth that undergoes the trauma of being drilled can become agitated and produce sensitivity that will last for days or weeks.
This sensitivity is further increased if the decay is deep and close to the nerve. If this condition persists, you should contact your dentist and schedule another visit as soon as possible.
An adjustment will often solve your problem. For now, continue reading as we show you 5 reasons for tooth sensitivity after a filling. We will also explain why it hurts and how long it lasts.
Why does my filling hurt after months or years? 5 reasons
Temporary sensitivity is common after getting medical treatment. It can be a cause of concern if it occurs months or years later. In that case, you might need to get an additional treatment recommended by your dentist. Take a look below at 5 reasons why your filling hurts after months or years:
- Pulpitis
- Allergic reaction
- Irritated nerve
- Incorrect bite alignment
- Galvanic shock
1. Pulpitis
Pulpitis can cause tooth sensitivity because it is an inflammation of the pulp situated deep within the tooth. It does not occur with minor fillings and usual dental procedures. It can happen if the tooth has suffered an accident that resulted in a crack.
Pulpitis can also occur if the cavity is very deep and the tooth has undergone several fillings and procedures. While mild inflammation is referred to as reversible pulpitis, irreversible one occurs when the damaged nerve starts to die. A root canal is crucial and should be performed as soon as possible to save the tooth.
A restorative procedure performed by a skilled dentist will solve pulpitis. You will need to take antibiotics shortly after to clear any bacterial infection.
2. Allergic reaction
After a filling, some people will experience allergic reactions. The filling material often causes allergic reactions in people that are sensible. Some of them can also develop an allergic reaction to other materials involved in the procedure, such as the dentist’s tools or gloves.
3. An irritated nerve
Suppose you experience short-term tooth sensitivity after visiting the dentist. In that case, the cause might be related to a nerve inside the tooth suffering from inflammation.
Your nerves are protected from external exposure by the enamel and cementum, which are your teeth’s outer layers. Deep fillings can often get close to the nerve endings and cause uncomfortable and irritable sensations.
The sensitivity should quickly go away as the nerve heals. In some cases, this process can take days or weeks. You will not feel any difference once the nerve has fully healed, as a normal tooth will be the same as a filled one.
4. Incorrect bite alignment
The tooth fillings have to line up with the other teeth in the mouth. It is something that your dentist should ensure in their procedure. When you bite down, you will experience an uncomfortable sensation and minor sensitivity for the next couple of days after the procedure.
But if the cavity filling is too tall, extra pressure will make things worse as you bite down. This type of sensitivity is worse than the one experienced after a successful filling. You should discuss this problem with your dentist and ask for another treatment to eliminate the discomfort.
5. Galvanic shock
In some rare cases, a small shock occurs when fillings composed of different metals touch and produce an electric current. It often occurs when one filling is made of gold while the other is made of amalgam.
When chewing
Your dentist will check your bite at the end of the treatment. Because you are numb, you can’t exactly tell what feels normal. That is why after a filling, you might notice that the bite feels differently than before you made the dental appointment.
It is often remarked after the numbness subsides after a couple of hours. While the throbbing tooth pain is gone, you might experience pain when you bite down time.
Additionally, sensitivity to cold and hot beverages or foods will confuse you as you try to identify the cause of your problem. Most likely, the filling is taller than what you find normal for your teeth and needs to be adjusted.
The entire surface of your teeth will be changed after a dental procedure, so the feeling will never be the same. But luckily, humans can quickly adapt to change. We get used to it over time.
Still, pain is something you should not get used to. Contact your dentist and schedule another visit as soon as possible. They will fix your filling for comfort.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Suppose your tooth hurts and is sensitive after a filling. In that case, it is a completely normal reaction that happens after the treatment has finished. During the time that follows, it is necessary to stay away from hot and cold foods and beverages for at least a couple of hours.
During this time, your filling sets. It is why you might still experience pain. However, the pain should reduce after a week. The sensitivity will not last more than a month.
During this time, you will notice an increased sensitivity whenever you eat sweet foods and hot or cold beverages. Changes in pressure and air temperature will also affect your teeth. If the pain and sensitivity do not disappear after a couple of weeks, consult your dentist and share your problem with them.
Jaw pain
After a cavity is filled, it is common for people to experience soreness in their mouth. Around the area of the affected tooth, this feeling will be more intense. The complete range of symptoms is vast, but some people might also experience jaw pain.
This pain is not related to the procedure in itself. It often occurs because you hold your jaw open for an extended period to allow the dentist to work on your teeth. The pain you experience in your jaw and teeth should go away on its own after a couple of days.
If the filling is too high, you can also experience abnormal pain. It can sometimes become unbearable. In this case, do not wait for the pain to go away. Instead, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor and have them fix the issue.
