While a dental filling is a solution for many dental problems, some patients can experience tooth sensitivity after the procedure. Is it common, or should I be worried about it? Read on to find out possible causes of toothache after a dental filling procedure. By the end, you’ll be more aware of your oral health condition and can take appropriate measures accordingly.
But before we jump straight to our topic, let’s discuss what tooth sensitivity is.
What is tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is an oral discomfort, often triggered by consuming hot, cold, sour, or sweet foods and drinks. You can feel sharp pain even by breathing cold air. The pain can be sudden, throbbing, and shoot deep into your tooth’s nerve endings.
Tooth sensitivity is a common side-effect of dental work, such as tooth fillings or extractions. The reason you experience tooth sensitivity after dental work is typically the inflammation of nerves inside your tooth.
Possible Causes of Toothache after a Tooth Filling
Tooth sensitivity right after dental work is normal. But if this discomfort persists weeks or months after the procedure, it may signify a severe underlying issue.
1. Filling interference with the bite
If the filling disrupts the bite or is incorrectly placed, it may cause toothache when you chew. Improper installation can also lead to cracks on the filling, and if left untreated, it may even fall off. You need to see a dentist and get the filling correctly placed or reshaped to resolve this issue.
2. Oral infection
If you experience toothache weeks or even months after a filling, it may be due to an infection. There’s a slight chance that you’ve developed an infection after your dental work, causing throbbing pain and discomfort.
3. Damage to the filling or teeth
Damage to your teeth or filling may expose nerves and other sensitive tissues inside your mouth. Filling cracks can trigger tooth sensitivity when exposed to extreme temperature beverages.
To manage sensitive teeth, you should maintain good oral health by performing the following tips:
- Brush twice a day and floss daily
- Use a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Gently gargle with lukewarm saltwater
4. Allergies
You can experience persistent tooth sensitivity if you are allergic to the material used in your dental filling. Before your procedure, it’s important to check whether or not you’re allergic to some materials.
When to visit a dentist for tooth sensitivity
If you experience tooth pain or sensitivity even months after a dental filling, you should let your dentist know, as it can be a sign of an underlying issue. Tooth sensitivity after dental work is normal, but it should resolve within a few days or weeks. If the condition worsens or persists longer, visit your dentist right away.
Conclusion
You can experience tooth sensitivity after a cavity filling for numerous reasons, including improper installation, allergic to the material used, or an underlying oral infection. If you have any other questions about tooth sensitivity and oral health concerns, contact Vintage Smile Family Dentistry. Our dental experts can address all your issues and help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Schedule an appointment with us today by calling (281) 251-7770.