It is fairly common for you to have some pain or sensitivity in the treated tooth after a filling. A dentist was just poking around and drilling in the tooth after all. Usually, any discomfort should fade after a day or two. Show
If you're still having sensitivity and pain several days after your filling, it may be due to an issue with the filling itself or with the tooth. One common reason for pain in a tooth after you get a filling is that the filling isn't positioned quite right, and it's interfering with your bite. A filling that is too high can cause malocclusion, which prevents the teeth from fitting together properly when you bite down. The type of filling your dentist used can also cause sensitivity or discomfort in the tooth. For example, sensitivity is fairly common when a composite resin material is used in the filling. A study published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry notes the sensitivity may be a result of the filling shrinking slightly and creating a gap beneath it. There are many ways to cope with or eliminate sensitivity due to a composite filling, from using a different material or changing the method used to place the filling. What to Do About the PainWhat if it's been a week since your filling and you're still feeling pain when you bite down, eat or even just open your mouth? The best thing to do is schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. He or she will be able to pinpoint and correct the issue. If it's a matter of malocclusion from a filling that is too high, the dentist will adjust the height of your filling so that you can bite down with comfort and ease. If you're dealing with sensitivity due to a composite filling, the dentist might recommend replacing the filling with a different material. Finally, if an inflamed nerve or an exposed pulp is behind your discomfort, your options might be to have a root canal or for the dentist to remove the damaged tooth and replace it with an implant or bridge. If you want to avoid cavities in the first place, establish a great oral care routine at home. Brushing twice a day will strengthen your enamel and help prevent cavities. Flossing daily will also help you prevent cavities and will keep your gums healthy. Regular dental visits are important too for spotting any problems before they need major treatments. The main symptom is tooth pain when exposed to heat or cold. Some patients report feeling a stabbing pain. Other people experience a dull, lingering discomfort after exposure to hot or cold beverages. In many cases, the treatment plan for dental sensitivity is determined by the length of time you experience temperature sensitivity after exposure. Less Than 15 Seconds of SensitivityIf pain or discomfort lasts only for a few seconds immediately after drinking a hot or cold beverage, the problem is unlikely to be serious. In these cases, the sensitivity is likely the result of mild tooth decay (cavities), a loose or lost filling, or minor gum recession. It makes sense to schedule a visit to your dentist as soon as possible, but it does not require emergency dental care. Sensitivity That Lasts 30 Seconds or MoreIn these cases, you have likely suffered permanent damage to the internal structure (pulp) of your tooth. This could have been caused by deep dental decay, a tooth fracture, an accident or trauma, or it could be the result of a serious infection. In any of these cases, it is best to get a dental appointment scheduled immediately for a thorough evaluation – before the pain becomes constant and unbearable. Causes of Dental SensitivityWhen you visit our dental office for tooth sensitivity treatment, the first step will be determining the underlying cause of the dental sensitivity. While the exact habit or experience that leads to dental sensitivity will vary from person to person, the underlying causes are typically the same. Each tooth is made up of three layers. The hard, outer layer called the enamel is the tooth’s defense system, protecting the softer, inner layers of teeth. Immediately below the enamel is the dentin, a tooth layer that contains a number of microscopic tubes that lead into the innermost layer of the tooth called the pulp. The nerve system of the tooth is housed within the pulp. Dental sensitivity to temperature typically occurs when cells within the dentin layers of teeth or the tooth’s nerve are stimulated by the hot or cold beverage. Some common causes of dental temperature sensitivity include the following: Reasons a Tooth is Sensitive to Cold
Common Reasons a Tooth is Sensitive to Heat
At-Home Tooth Sensitivity SolutionsIf you’re experiencing mild temperature sensitivity, making some changes to your daily routine may be enough to reduce your dental discomfort. Some changes you can make include:
How Dentists Can Help with Dental SensitivityIf your dental sensitivity doesn’t improve after a few days or it gets worse, you should contact our team to find out more about professional treatments to improve comfort. Some of the options we may recommend include:
Grab the Hot & Cold DrinksAt the end of the day, the goal of this blog is to help you find a practical answer to your questions about sensitivity when drinking hot or cold beverages. If mild sensitivity to temperature is keeping you away from enjoying your favorite drinks, your body is telling you something. Listen. It is giving you an early warning signal that your teeth need some attention, so get in touch with our team to take care of the problem before it becomes severe. Meet the McCarl Dental GroupSince 1924, the McCarl Dental Group has offered Greenbelt dental patients help with achieving and maintaining their optimal level of oral health. If you have a tooth that’s sensitive to cold and hot beverages, our knowledgeable dentists and dentistry team can help you relieve the pain and restore your smile. Each of our dentists brings years of education and experience to the dental office along with a dedication to continue the McCarl family’s tradition of providing exceptional dentistry services What happens if a filling is too close to the nerve?If the filling is too close to the nerve, it may get infected slowly. Dentists can't predict the time frame for the tooth to become infected. If infected, you may experience a throbbing pain or a dental abscess.
Should I be concerned if my tooth is sensitive to cold?If you notice unusual teeth sensitivity to cold or heat that persists for several days, make an appointment with your dentist. Sometimes what feels like sensitivity to cold could be a tooth abscess or an unidentified cavity, and prompt treatment is important to keep these problems from getting worse.
Why is my tooth suddenly sensitive to cold air?The dental pain triggered by extreme temperatures can have several causes such as tooth decay, exposed dentin, upset tooth nerves due to grinding teeth, or a newly placed dental filling. “Some people's teeth are sensitive to the cold,” says Dr. Gregg Michael Festa, DDS.
How do you know if your filling is infected?Symptoms. Severe, constant, throbbing toothache that can spread to your jawbone, neck or ear.. Pain or discomfort with hot and cold temperatures.. Pain or discomfort with the pressure of chewing or biting.. Fever.. Swelling in your face, cheek or neck that may lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing.. |