Tooth sensitivity can have many causes. One of them is having a recent dental filling. Fillings are a safe and effective way to halt and prevent tooth decay. Before the filling, tooth decay can cause sensitivity. The dentist will also drill in the tooth to clear out decay, causing further sensitivity. A little sensitivity after a filling is normal and should resolve within a few days or weeks. If your pain is more than mild, contact your dentist right away.
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Also contact your dentist if you have other symptoms like swelling, redness, or fever. Read on to find out more about how to treat tooth sensitivity and when to call a dentist.
The Filling Process
A filling is a standard dental procedure. It involves the dentist clearing away decay from the tooth, usually with a dental drill. He then refills the area with new material. This can be gold, silver amalgam, composite, or porcelain.
Local anesthesia is often used for the filling process for the patient’s comfort. It is important not to eat, drink, or chew anything for a few hours afterward. This reduces the risk of biting the tongue, cheek, or lips.
One of the most common effects of a filling is the sensitivity of the filled tooth or area around it for a few days or weeks.
Tooth Sensitivity Triggers
Sensitivity is often triggered by certain things. These cause a sensation of cold or sudden pain in or around the tooth. The pain comes on and dissipates quickly.
Common triggers include biting down hard, like when chewing. Foods with strong acidic or sugary composition may trigger tooth pain. Likewise, extreme hot or cold near the tooth can cause pain. Eating a popsicle or drinking hot coffee are two examples. Finally, the air hitting the tooth can cause a shock of pain. This is especially true with cold air.
Tooth Sensitivity Treatment
A dentist may recommend the use of desensitizing toothpaste for normal post-filling sensitivity. Using the toothpaste twice a day should ease the pain within two to three days.
There are other things you can do at home to treat sensitivity:
- Use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medications like Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve
- Try a topical numbing lotion for the mouth
- Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently
- Avoid tooth whitening products, which make sensitivity worse
- After eating acidic foods, rinse but don’t brush. Brushing can scrub away tooth enamel while rinsing washes out the acids.
When to See a Dentist
Home remedies can work if you have mild sensitivity for a few days or weeks after a filling. If the pain worsens, you should contact a dentist. This is especially true if you have other symptoms like fever or swelling. If it is difficult to eat, call a dentist.
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There are times when a filling causes problems in the tooth. These are scenarios in which you should go back to your dentist for corrective action.
Incorrect Bite Alignment
The new filling should line up perfectly with the other teeth in your mouth. When you bite down, you should not feel anything between your teeth. If you do, it means your bite is no longer aligned. This causes extra pressure as you bite down and more sensitivity.
Some sensitivity is normal when biting during the first few weeks. Don’t jump to the conclusion that your bite is not aligned. Contact Dr. Changela if you have difficulty eating or putting your teeth together. Ask her to check your bite. She may have to smooth down the filling so it is in line with the rest of your teeth. This should end the discomfort.
Pulpitis
Pulp lives deep within the tooth. Inflammation of the pulp is called pulpitis. It is rare for pulpitis to occur with fillings, but it may occur if the tooth has had trauma, like being cracked or broken. It could also occur if the cavity was very deep. Or, pulpitis is a danger for a tooth that has undergone many fillings.
If you have reversible pulpitis, the tooth will heal on its own. If you have irreversible pulpitis, you will need a root canal. You may also need to take antibiotics to clear an infection.
Dentist in Pomona
Pearl Dental Care provides general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry in Pomona, CA. The dentist and staff provide advanced, top-quality dental care. Their location is convenient and comfortable. Their approach is custom-made for the individual patient. Pearl Dental Care is a top-rated emergency dentist in Pomona! Contact Pearl Dental care — click or call 949-344-3543.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324267.php
