Tooth sensitivity can be painful, especially if you have recently had a filling. There are several reasons you may be experiencing tooth sensitivity after a filling.
Temporary sensitivity after a filling is normal. However, you should contact your dentist if the sensitivity continues for more than a few days because it can be a sign of complications. Leaving the discomfort untreated may lead to further complications and require additional procedures to remedy.
Nerve Irritation
The most common cause of tooth sensitivity after a filling is that the procedure has irritated the nerve inside the tooth. This should be expected to some extent because tooth filling is invasive.
A deeper filling increases the risk of nerve damage. The tooth’s inner-most layer (pulp) contains nerves and blood vessels. If tooth decay has reached the pulp, your dentist may inadvertently hit a nerve while removing the decayed tissue.
Mild nerve irritation is typically temporary; however, you may need a root canal treatment to remove the affected pulp and seal the cavity if you have extensive nerve damage.
Pulpitis
Pulpitis is a condition that inflames the pulp within the tooth. Pulp refers to the nerve which is located deep inside a tooth. Pulpitis can result from damage such as a crack or break to a tooth or if the tooth has had more than one filling. It can also occur if the cavity is extended into and disturbed the pulp layer.
If you have pulpitis, it can potentially heal on its own. However, it may be irreversible and require a root canal to resolve, or possibly a tooth extraction.
Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction to the filling material can cause increased tooth sensitivity and toothache. The best way to deal with allergic reactions is to prevent them. If you have any known allergies, you should discuss them with your dentist before performing a tooth filling to ensure a suitable filling material is used.
Amalgam is a material used to fill teeth that studies have found to cause allergic reactions. Metal-free composite resin fillings are an excellent alternative and give you a more natural-looking smile.
Incorrect Alignment
You may experience increased sensitivity if your fillings are improperly shaped to match your bite. A misaligned bite can place undue pressure on the tooth and prematurely wear away your enamel, leading to erosion and heightened tooth sensitivity.
You should contact your dentist to have them check the alignment of the filling. If there is a problem, they can grind it down to get a perfect fit.
How to Treat Tooth Sensitivity
Mild and temporary tooth sensitivity after a dental procedure is normal. If you continue to experience discomfort after getting a filling, it is essential to have your teeth examined to ensure you do not have any underlying problems.
Our principal dentist at Aurora Dental Group can examine your filling and ensure that your bite alignment is correct and that there are no signs of decay under the filling. They can also discuss your options for further treatment if necessary.
If you are experiencing sensitivity after having a filling, contact Aurora Dental Group at (630) 896-7354 to schedule an appointment.
