Tooth pain after a filling is a common concern among dental patients. Unfortunately, heightened sensitivity to hot, cold, and pressure can occur as your tooth adapts to a new filling. Understanding the reasons behind this discomfort can help you manage it more effectively and know when to seek further assistance.
Defining Normal Post-Filling Sensitivity
After a filling, it's normal to experience some sensitivity. Drilling out the decay and placing the filling material, whether composite or amalgam, causes a certain level of trauma to the tooth. This can aggravate the nerves inside and cause temporary discomfort. This sensitivity usually subsides within a week or two (depending on the depth and size of the cavity filled), once the nerve endings inside the tooth have a chance to calm down and adjust to the new filling.
Deep Cavities and Nerve Irritation
Sensitivity may be more pronounced if a cavity is particularly large and close to the nerve. A deeper cavity means a more intensive filling process and greater nerve irritation than with a more modest cavity. In these cases, the nerve's recovery period may be longer. If this is your experience, monitor your symptoms, maintain good oral hygiene to support healing, use desensitizing toothpaste to alleviate discomfort, and contact your dentist if symptoms persist without improvement.
When to Seek Further Assistance
While some tooth sensitivity after a filling is usually normal, there are clear cases in which you should consult your dentist. If pain intensifies, persists beyond a few weeks, or is accompanied by symptoms like swelling or fever, you may be facing a more serious issue. In rare cases, the nerve inside the tooth may not recover and could die, despite not being directly affected during the filling. This requires further treatment, typically a root canal.
If you experience persistent pain after a filling, contact your dentist. They can assess whether the filling needs adjustment or if additional treatment is necessary to ensure your tooth heals properly.
Effective and Efficient Dental Bonding and Composite Fillings in Camas, WA
Are you looking for a dentist in Camas, WA, to guide you through the composite dental filling process, from consultation to a precise procedure to aftercare? If so, contact Dr. Demian Woyciehowsky and the highly skilled and helpful Camas Dentistry team to schedule an appointment!