It’s common to experience some sensitivity after getting a dental filling, but many people wonder why this happens. While a filling restores a tooth damaged by decay, the process can sometimes leave the tooth feeling temporarily sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure. In this article, we’ll explore why you may feel sensitive after a filling, how long it typically lasts, and what you can do to alleviate the discomfort.
What Happens When You Get a Filling?
A dental filling repairs a tooth that has been damaged by decay, restoring its structure and function. During the process of filling a tooth, your dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth and replaces it with a filling material, such as composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain. While this restores the tooth, the process can also disturb the nerves inside the tooth, leading to temporary sensitivity.
What the Research Says
According to dental experts, sensitivity after a filling is a common occurrence, affecting about 30% to 50% of people who undergo the procedure. The sensitivity is typically due to the irritation of the tooth’s nerves during the removal of decay or from the placement of the filling material. Research indicates that most cases of post-filling sensitivity subside within a few days to weeks.
Common Reasons for Sensitivity After a Filling
1. Nerve Irritation
The most common reason for sensitivity after a filling is nerve irritation. The nerves inside your tooth may become irritated due to the drilling and cleaning process involved in removing decay. Additionally, the filling material may place pressure on the tooth’s nerves, causing temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure.
2. Bite Misalignment
After a filling is placed, if your bite doesn’t feel quite right, it may be due to a slight misalignment in the filling’s height. When the filling is too high, it can cause pressure on the affected tooth when chewing, leading to discomfort or sensitivity. If this happens, your dentist may need to adjust the filling to better align with your bite.
3. Filling Material Sensitivity
Some people may have sensitivity to the material used for their filling. For example, metal amalgam fillings can expand or contract with temperature changes, leading to sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. Composite resin fillings, while tooth-colored and popular, can also cause some short-term sensitivity.
4. Deep Fillings
If your cavity was deep and close to the tooth’s nerve, the filling might irritate the nerve, causing more pronounced sensitivity. Deep fillings can take longer to heal, and the sensitivity may last for several weeks as the nerve adjusts.
How Long Does Sensitivity After a Filling Last?
In most cases, sensitivity after a filling is temporary and lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. As the tooth adjusts to the filling and the nerve calms down, the sensitivity should gradually diminish. If the sensitivity persists beyond a few weeks or worsens over time, it’s important to contact your dentist to ensure there isn’t an underlying issue.
How to Alleviate Sensitivity After a Filling
If you’re experiencing sensitivity after a filling, there are several steps you can take to reduce discomfort:
- Use Desensitizing Toothpaste: A toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help reduce nerve irritation and alleviate discomfort. Use it regularly as part of your brushing routine.
- Avoid Hot and Cold Foods: Stick to room-temperature foods and drinks until the sensitivity subsides. Hot and cold temperatures can worsen sensitivity.
- Chew Gently: Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the filling is located to minimize pressure on the sensitive tooth.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If the sensitivity is causing discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease the pain.
When to Contact Your Dentist
If your sensitivity persists for more than a few weeks, worsens, or becomes painful, it’s important to consult your dentist. There could be an issue with the filling, such as improper fit, bite misalignment, or underlying decay that wasn’t fully treated. Your dentist can assess the situation and make adjustments or provide additional treatment if necessary.
Preventing Sensitivity After Future Fillings
To minimize the chances of sensitivity after future fillings, it’s important to:
- Choose the Right Filling Material: Discuss the best filling material for your needs with your dentist. Some materials, like composite resin, are less likely to cause temperature sensitivity compared to metal amalgam.
- Proper Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, can help prevent cavities and the need for fillings.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Regular dental visits allow your dentist to catch any cavities early, which can result in smaller, less invasive fillings that are less likely to cause sensitivity.
Conclusion
Sensitivity after a filling is a common but usually temporary side effect that typically resolves within a few days to weeks. It can be caused by nerve irritation, bite misalignment, or the filling material itself. Taking steps to manage the sensitivity and visiting your dentist if it persists will help ensure your tooth heals properly. By understanding why sensitivity occurs and how to manage it, you can ensure a smooth recovery after your dental filling.
Call to Action
If you’re experiencing prolonged sensitivity after a filling, don’t hesitate to contact Thorncrest Dental today to schedule an appointment. Our team will help ensure your filling is comfortable and effective. We are welcoming new patients in our Etobicoke dental office.
