Tooth Sensitivity After Filling
A dental cavity is formed when a portion of the natural tooth decays, a problem that can occur when toxins and acids in bacterial plaque eat away at the dental enamel that protects and supports each tooth. While dental fillings can be used to repair other issues, they are most commonly used to treat dental cavities. Following a tooth filling, you might experience some sensitivity in the treated tooth and surrounding area, but this sensitivity should diminish within around two to four weeks. In some cases, however, tooth sensitivity after a filling might continue. If you notice sensitivity in your teeth or other oral tissues after a tooth filling and it doesn’t seem to be improving after a few weeks, contact your dentist. There are a few possible causes for tooth sensitivity after a filling, and some of them are more problematic than others.
If you notice an ache or moment of discomfort when you consume a very hot, cold, or sweet food or drink, that feeling is often caused by tooth sensitivity. Some people simply have sensitive teeth all the time, while some patients only notice tooth sensitivity following dental work. The reasons for teeth sensitivity following dental work teeth vary, but the cause is often inflammation in the nerve inside the tooth that’s been treated. If prolonged sensitivity occurs after a dental filling, this could be caused by a filling that gets in the way of your proper bite, an infection, or cracks or damage to the filling, all of which can be adjusted and repaired by your dentist and should be addressed as soon as possible.
If your filling juts too high out from the tooth that contains it, it will interfere with the bite and deteriorate or break as you chew. The filling could endure cracks, or it could break off and expose the vulnerable surface of the tooth. Such misaligned fillings can also cause tooth sensitivity or an aching feeling, in addition to feeling unnatural while biting, and they can easily be reshaped by a dentist to prevent continued discomfort. You might also have a cracked or damaged filling that’s leaving the nerves inside the tooth exposed and sensitive to extremes in temperature or other irritants. While rare, there is also the chance of infection in the tooth following a dental filling, which will also cause sensitivity as well as outright pain.
Another rare reason for tooth sensitivity following a filling is allergies to the materials used. The metal amalgam used in silver fillings can contain allergens that increase sensitivity in patients who are allergic to these metals, and alternative materials should be used. In some cases, patients are simply prone to tooth sensitivity, and the placement of a dental filling can exacerbate this. Some patients find relief by gargling with warm saltwater and by using a toothpaste designed to help reduce tooth sensitivity. Brushing with this specialized toothpaste regularly and flossing carefully can help keep the oral cavity healthy and reduce overall sensitivity. If it’s been a month or more since you’re filling and you still experience sensitivity in your tooth, this is a near-certain sign that something is wrong and that you should see your dentist. With some professional attention, tooth sensitivity after a filling can be reduced or eliminated by pinpointing the cause of the issue and repairing, reshaping, or replacing the filling to keep the teeth and their nerves protected for the long term.