Why Tooth Sensitivity Is Common After Fillings and What to Do

Dental fillings are restorations that the dentist in 80015 uses to treat tooth cavities. They help restore the tooth’s structure improving its functions and aesthetics. However, it is common to experience tooth sensitivity after the dental fillings procedure. Continue reading to learn the causes and solutions of dental sensitivity after filling.

Why Does Tooth Sensitivity Occur After Having Tooth Fillings?

Most people experience tooth sensitivity on the treated tooth after getting a filling. You may experience sensitivity when chewing, biting or consuming cold or hot things. Either of the reasons below can cause discomfort.

1. Change in bite

Sometimes after placing a filling, the filled tooth can be taller than the other teeth. Therefore, your bite will be affected by the extra pressure when you chew. This will result in pain and discomfort. Fortunately, you can avoid it by visiting the tooth-filling dentist in Aurora, CO. The expert will place the fillings correctly, aligning your bite properly.

2. Irritated nerve

After placing a filling deep in the tooth, you may have an irritated nerve. As a result, you will experience uncomfortable sharp sensations and inflammation. Irritated nerves can heal after some time easing the sensitivity.

3. Pulpitis

Pulpitis occurs when the dental pulp in the inner part of the tooth becomes inflamed. The inflammation may occur before the filling procedure. When the dentist does not remove all the inflamed tissues, the pain and sensitivity continue after the filling process. It can also happen during the filling when the drilling tools damage the pulp.

Some types of pulpitis resolve on their own when the pulp heals. But others persist and will continue causing pain and sensitivity even after a month. In such a case, you must inform the dentist in 80015, who will perform a root canal procedure.

4. Allergic reaction

Some people have allergic reactions to the materials used to fill the tooth. This usually occurs when the fillings contact the gums. Therefore, they will experience sensitivity and itching around the tooth.

How Long Does Tooth Sensitivity Last After Fillings?

Tooth sensitivity usually eases on its own within a few days or weeks, based on the cause. Generally, you should not be experiencing sensitivity a month after the process. During this period, you can manage the discomfort. However, if tooth pain after filling persists past the fourth week, notify your dentist.

Exploring Solutions for Tooth Sensitivity After Fillings

Tooth sensitivity after a filling or tooth filling repair near you causes discomfort. Therefore, you must examine solutions to it if you want to resume normal activities. The best course of action is to visit the dentist.

Your dentist will examine the tooth and surrounding tissues and then suggest a solution. If the sensitivity is mild, they recommend using pain-relieving medications and desensitizing toothpaste. They will also recommend measures to avoid sensitivity. Examples are consuming room-temperature things and avoiding acidic ones.

If the problem occurs due to a misaligned bite, they will adjust its height. As a result, you will not experience pain when biting down or chewing. They may perform root canal therapy if tooth sensitivity is from an irritated nerve or pulpitis. Another solution is replacing the filling material with ones that do not cause allergic reactions.

Overcoming Tooth Sensitivity Caused by Dental Fillings

It is possible to overcome the sensitivity that occurs due to dental fillings. Below are some tips on managing or reducing dental sensitivity after filling.

• Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers recommended by your dentist.
• Avoid taking cold or hot foods and beverages for a short while following the procedure.
• Apply topical dental numbing ointment on the area near the tooth to ease sensitivity.
• Do not consume acidic foods or drinks immediately after getting fillings.
• Brush your teeth gently and floss carefully. Doing so helps to avoid irritating the tooth or displacing the filling.
• Use dentist-approved desensitizing toothpaste for the next few weeks after the filling process.
• Avoid whitening your teeth or using whitening toothpaste after the treatment. The whitening products increase sensitivity.
• Chew or bite using the side of your mouth opposite the filling.
• Visit the dentist if the sensitivity and tooth pain after filling persist. They will check the problem and provide appropriate solutions.

Are you looking for a tooth-filling dentist in Aurora, CO? Contact us at Spruce Canyon Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment.