Tooth Pain After Fillings
A dental filling is the most common treatment for replacing the decayed area of a tooth known as a cavity. After a filling procedure is complete and the numbness from the procedure subsides, the pain due to the cavity should be eliminated. But it is also not unusual to still have some tooth pain and discomfort after a filling. There are several possible causes of this pain. Below is some information about the tooth pain that may be experienced after a dental filling.
Some of the common causes of tooth pain after a filling include:
- Tooth sensitivity: After a cavity has been treated and a filling has been placed in a tooth it may still be sensitive for a period of time. When you are eating hot foods, cold food, or experience pain when biting, it may be just due to general sensitivity that remains for a bit after the tooth is treated. Some people also feel sensitivity as a result of air pressure or air exposure. This tooth sensitivity that results from a cavity being treated should not last much longer than a few weeks after the treatment. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity that does not get better after a few weeks, you should contact your dentist, they may want to check the coverage of your filling.
- A loose filling: If a filling is not properly fitted to your tooth, or becomes loose or cracked, it may result in some pain or discomfort. The filling is meant to treat the cavity, but from time to time fillings may need to be double checked. If you feel that your filling is cracked or may not be properly fitted it may be worthwhile to contact your dentist and schedule a quick checkup.
- Allergic reaction: Dental fillings are made from various materials. Depending on the type of filling used, it possible that your tooth pain may be a result of an allergic reaction to the filling material. For example, some people have allergic reactions if the material includes silver. The best way to avoid an allergic reaction is to make sure to let your dentist know about any and all allergies you have.
Pain relief
If you have tooth pain after a filling that lasts for a few weeks you should consider contacting your dentist. In the meantime, you can try to avoid pain by avoiding things that may trigger sensitivity, such as hot or cold foods. Also, you could try using toothpaste that is specifically made for sensitive teeth. Depending on how severe your cavity was, some of the pain may still be a result of the tooth decay. If the pain is difficult to bare you should make sure to contact your dentist and they will evaluate ways to eliminate your pain.
General soreness from dental procedures
It is normal after having dental procedures to have general soreness and discomfort afterwards. Even a basic cavity filling can result in soreness. Differentiating between general soreness and more specific tooth pain can be hard. The short-term soreness from the procedure may be more general to mouth pain or to a region of your mouth. The pain caused by a misfit filling or a cavity should feel specific to one tooth. Regardless of the type of pain you should continue to maintain a good oral health routine including your daily brushing and flossing. Anytime you are concerned, you should contact your dentist’s office and have a conversation to put your concerns at ease.
More About Dental Fillings : Fillings & Tooth Sensitivity