A tooth should not hurt, ache, or cause you mild discomfort from a new filling for an extended period. Any tooth sensitivity after a filling should be expected to go away quickly, at least within two to four weeks—as the tooth adjusts and heals through the natural process.
However, the absence of pain or sensitivity does not guarantee that these sensations won't occasionally arise. So, if you’re experiencing sensitivity after a filling and it doesn't feel like it is getting any better during that period, or if the sensitivity or dental discomfort lasts longer than four weeks, it’s important to contact your dentist.
Why does this occur? Let’s take a look at what can cause tooth sensitivity after a filling and when that sensitivity can become worrisome.
What Exactly is Tooth Sensitivity?
Understanding tooth sensitivity starts with recognizing its most common symptoms. Sensitivity is often experienced when you find that you have a slight ache or temporary discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods or drinks. If you have sensitive teeth after dental work, such as dental fillings or tooth extractions, you may experience the same type of mild sensitivity and discomfort. Over 45 million adults in the U.S. alone experience tooth sensitivity. The reason? Usually, the cause is nerve irritation or inflammation inside the newly filled tooth after a procedure.
When a filling is placed, the nerve endings in and around the dentin layer can become temporarily aggravated. The nerve inside the tooth sends pain signals in response to stimulation—such as extreme temperatures, sweet foods, or acidic foods—while the tooth heals.
While it is perfectly normal to experience some temporary sensitivity right after you’ve had a dental procedure, if that persistent sensitivity continues for weeks or months afterward, it can be a sign of an issue that requires treatment so that it doesn’t become severe.
What Causes Long-Term Tooth Sensitivity or Discomfort?
Prolonged long term tooth sensitivity after dental work can be caused by a variety of reasons. These include:
- A dental filling that interferes with bite alignment
If a tooth-colored composite filling is placed so that it disrupts your ability to bite, it can deteriorate when you chew. The deterioration can cause cracks or fissures in the filling, or the filling could break off and expose the cracked or broken tooth, triggering sharp pain or throbbing pain when biting down. If a cavity filling is incorrectly placed, visiting a dentist to reshape it is the solution.
- Infection
Although unlikely, there’s always a small chance that an infection has occurred following the cavity filling, which will then cause persistent pain and discomfort. If the infection reaches the nerve tissue, root canal treatment or therapy may be necessary to protect your oral health.
- Cracks and Damage
You may also experience a crack or damage to the teeth or the cavity filling itself. The filling might expose nerves or tissues inside the treated tooth, causing tooth sensitivity —particularly sharp pain or mild pain when the tooth encounters cold foods or sudden changes in temperature.
- You Have Sensitive Teeth
Sometimes, you may simply have very sensitive teeth that are triggered by the placement of a filling. If this is the case, there are some things you can do to manage tooth sensitivity during the healing period.
If this is the case, you can:
Use a desensitizing toothpaste containing potassium nitrate to help calm nerve endings — and avoid whitening toothpaste, which can worsen sensitivity.
Practice gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Rinse with warm saltwater to help reduce inflammation.
Avoid sensitivity triggers like acidic foods, sweet foods, and extreme temperatures while the tooth heals.
- Allergic reactions can cause sensitivity.
Finally, if you’re allergic to the tooth filling material that is used, the filling can also become sensitive. If you have had an allergic reaction in the past, be sure to tell your dentist before receiving a filling procedure.
When Should You Visit Your Dentist for Tooth Sensitivity or Pain After a Filling?
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain months after a cavity filling procedure, there is likely a reason. Remember, if tooth sensitivity is still occurring more than a few weeks after a filling, it means something is wrong.
It also means that you should see an experienced dentist who can determine the problem and find a treatment solution to end tooth sensitivity and pain.
Reach Out to Us Today
At Gold Coast Smiles in Glen Cove, NY, we are here to help. If you’re having an issue with extended tooth sensitivity or discomfort from a filling, just give us a call, today.