Handling Tooth Sensitivity after Getting Dental Fillings

If your tooth has been afflicted with decay, the small holes may need filling up. During the cavity filling procedure, the holes are filled with a substance e.g. composite or amalgam. While this is a simple procedure, you may have to endure sensitive teeth afterward. The tooth sensitivity may last for a few days or take longer depending on the root of the problem.

What to Expect After Getting Dental Fillings

Before embarking on the filling procedure, the dentist will numb the region around the afflicted tooth. Even two hours after the treatment, you won’t be able to feel a thing. When the anesthesia wears off however, you may begin to feel some abnormal sensations in the mouth. These include:

• Gum tenderness
• Pain when you clench your teeth
• Pain in the teeth when taking cold or hot foods or drinks.
• A pain in the filled tooth during brushing, flossing or eating.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

There are several contributing factors to tooth sensitivity:

Pulpitis

Before the dentist fills your cavity, they use a drill to remove the part of the tooth that is decayed. This tool releases heat. On rare occasions, the heat ma inflame the pulp. The pulp is the soft part of your tooth located at the center. When this connective tissue is inflamed, pulpitis results. Failure of the dentist to remove the whole of the decaying tooth may also give rise to an infection of the pulp. If it gets to this point, your gums may swell or you may notice an abscess.

Pulpitis is categorized into two: reversible and irreversible pulpitis. When you have reversible pulpitis, your teeth will be sensitive but with time, the pulp heals. Irreversible pulpitis on the other hand is a condition where your pulp doesn’t heal and so our tooth requires a root canal procedure.

Changes in the Bite

It is common for fillings to make a tooth taller than the others. This makes closing your mouth painful as extra pressure is exerted on the filled tooth. Biting down can even cause the filling to crack. Report any changes in bite to your dentist.

Different Tooth Surfaces

Pain or sensitivity may arise from having multiple surfaces in the mouth. For instance, one of your teeth may have a silver crown while another below or above it may have a gold filling. Upon contact, you may feel an unusual sensation.

Referred Pain

After undergoing the tooth filling procedure, you may feel a painful sensation in the teeth that surround the filled one. This is a result of referred pain, a phenomenon that involves experiencing pain in other areas other than the point of pain.

Allergic Reactions

You are likely to experience increased tooth sensitivity if you are allergic to the filling material. Itching and rashes are also common. If you suspect you are allergic to the filler, call your dentist. The procedure can be redone using another material.

Managing Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be reduced by:

• Avoiding cold or hot foods and beverages for sometime
• Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Temporarily staying away from acidic drinks and foods
• Brushing and flossing gently
• Using desensitizing toothpaste
• Avoiding using the filled part of your mouth to chew

Other Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Sometimes, the tooth filling procedure may not be the cause of tooth sensitivity. Several other factors may cause this condition:

Tooth Abscess

This is an infection of the tooth nerve. It results from deep cavities, cracked tooth or gum disease. Here are the symptoms of this infection:

• Sensitivity
• Tender and reddened gums
• Severe toothache
• Pimple-like bump on your gums
• Fever

Broken or Loose Older Fillings

While dental fillings can last years, they may become loose or break over the years. When this happens, you may experience sensitivity. Even if you feel no discomfort, it is wise to get our fillings replaced to avoid any further damage to your tooth.

Gum Disease

Tooth sensitivity can also stem from periodontal disease. This is so because gum disease causes gum recession. Consequently, the part of your tooth at the root is exposed increasing sensitivity. Here are the other symptoms of gum disease to look out for:

• Bleeding gums during brushing
• Separating teeth
• Pus or sores in the mouth
• Loose teeth

Finding the Right Dentist near You

At Kids Dental, we understand that tooth decay may take its toll on you. That is why we offer dental fillings among other services in a warm homey environment. Tooth sensitivity is common after the filling procedure and if symptoms persist, come visit our pediatric dentist near you in Roanoke, VA 24018.