It’s common to experience toothache or sensitivity after dental filling. This is because your tooth was under pressure and in contact with different tools. However, the tooth pain and discomfort should diminish within a few days. This article will explain why you may experience tooth sensitivity after filling and how to minimize the pain. Here are 4 reasons you should know.
Type of Filling
One of the reasons behind toothache can be the type of filling used by your dentist. You’re likely to experience tooth sensitivity after having a filling with composite resin material. This happens due to the shrinkage of filling, which creates a gap under it.
It’s possible to manage the toothache due to composite filling. You can ask your dentist to use a different material or place the filling using another technique.
Malocclusion
Pain or sensitivity in the tooth after filling can be due to the mispositioning of filling, disturbing your bite. If the filling is higher than the surrounding teeth, it can result in malocclusion. This oral issue can stop your teeth from closing properly. If you feel this is the reason behind your toothache, visit your dentist. With an adjusted filling, you can now bite with ease.
Galvanic Shock
If you have fillings made of different materials adjacent to each other, they can touch and produce galvanic shock(electric current). This happens rarely but is one of the reasons behind sensitive teeth after filling.
Exposed Tooth Pulp
An exposed pulp or swollen nerve can also give you painful sensations. To treat the discomfort, your dentist may suggest a root canal. Another option is the extraction of a damaged tooth and replacing it with a dental implant.
The filling can be sensitive to temperature, the sweetness of foods and drinks, or chewing pressure. The pain should go away within 10-15 days, but if it’s not the case, immediately see your dentist, who may ask you to visit an endodontist. As a specialist for toothaches, and root canals, the endodontist can identify the deeper meaning of why your tooth hurts.
Managing the Pain
Fillings are placed to eliminate cavities and soothe any related pain. However, if it has been several days or months to your fillings and toothache or discomfort is still present when you chew or open your mouth, you need to do something about it. What would be in your best interest is scheduling a consultation with your dentist immediately.
To book an appointment with Pearl Dentistry, call 713.766.4389.
How to prevent toothache and cavities
To prevent decay and cavities, the best way is to practice good oral hygiene at home regularly.
- Brushing twice a day will strengthen your enamel and help prevnt cavities.
- Brush your teeth twice daily to make your enamel strong.
- Floss every day at least once to keep your teeth safe from cavities and to strengthen the gums.
