Having a tooth filled is a pretty common thing. It’s great because it helps fix a hole (cavity) in your tooth and prevents it from getting worse. But sometimes, after you’ve had a filling, your tooth might feel a bit sensitive. It can be a bit surprising and even worrying, especially if it didn’t hurt before!
Don’t worry, you’re not alone if this happens. Many people feel some sensitivity after a dental filling. Usually, it’s just temporary, and it gets better on its own. But it’s good to understand why it might be happening and what you can do about it.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss sensitive teeth after a filling. We’ll examine why it happens, how long it might last, what treatments are available, and even some simple things you can do at home to feel better.
Why Your Tooth May Feel Sensitive After a Filling
Think of your tooth like a little house. Inside that house are nerves, like tiny wires that send messages to your brain. When you have a cavity, it’s like a hole in the roof of your tooth house. The dentist cleans out that hole and then puts in a filling to fix it, like putting on a new roof.
Even though this is a good thing, your tooth has just gone through a bit of a procedure. It’s a bit like having a minor surgery. The tooth might be a little bit annoyed or “shocked” by what’s happened. This can make the nerves in the tooth react by sending signals that you feel are sensitive or painful.
Here are some simple reasons why your tooth might feel sensitive:
- It’s been poked and prodded: Your dentist uses tools to clean out the cavity and place the filling. This can irritate the inside of the tooth, making it a bit sore afterwards.
- The filling is new: The new filling material might need a little time to settle in with your tooth. Sometimes, the tooth just needs to get used to its new neighbour.
- The filling is deep: If your cavity was very deep, it means the dentist had to work closer to the nerve. This can make the tooth more likely to be sensitive for a while.
- Your bite is a bit off: Sometimes, after a filling, the new filling might be a tiny bit higher than your other teeth. This means it hits first when you bite down, putting extra pressure on the tooth and making it sensitive.
Common Causes of Sensitivity After Dental Fillings
Let’s dig a little deeper into some of the more specific reasons why your tooth might be sensitive after a filling. Understanding these can help you feel more in control.
- Inflammation of the Pulp (Pulpal Irritation): The “pulp” is the soft, living part inside your tooth. It contains nerves and blood vessels. When the dentist cleans out a cavity, especially a deep one, it can irritate the pulp. This irritation is called inflammation. Imagine a small bruise inside your tooth. This inflammation can cause sensitivity, especially to cold air or cold drinks. It’s usually temporary and gets better as the pulp calms down.
- Post-Operative Sensitivity (Normal Reaction): This is the most common type of sensitivity. It’s simply your tooth reacting to the dental work. It’s like your tooth saying, “Hey, I just had some work done, give me a break!” This type of sensitivity usually goes away within a few days to a couple of weeks. It might feel like a sharp, short pain when you eat or drink something cold or breathe in cold air.
- Changes in Your Bite (High Filling): After a filling, your dentist always checks your bite to make sure the filling isn’t too high. However, sometimes after the anaesthetic wears off, or as you start using your tooth more, you might notice that the filling feels a bit tall. If the filling is even a tiny bit higher than your other teeth, it can cause extra pressure on that tooth when you bite or chew. This can lead to pain or sensitivity. It’s a very common issue and usually super easy for your dentist to fix.
- Allergic Reaction to Filling Material (Rare): While very uncommon, some people can have a mild allergic reaction to the material used in the filling. This might cause redness, swelling, or persistent discomfort around the tooth. If you suspect this, it’s definitely something to discuss with your dentist.
- Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain or sensitivity from one tooth can feel like it’s coming from another tooth or even a different part of your mouth. This is called referred pain. It can be tricky to figure out, but your dentist can help pinpoint the exact source.
- Cracked Tooth Syndrome (Less Common): In rare cases, if the filling was very large or if there was an existing hairline crack in the tooth that wasn’t obvious before, the stress of the filling process might make a crack worse. This can cause sharp pain when chewing, especially when you bite down and then release. This is more serious and needs prompt dental attention.
- New Cavity or Decay Under the Filling (Unlikely Soon After): This is very unlikely to happen right after a filling, but over time, if a filling gets old or cracks, new decay can form underneath it. This would cause sensitivity or pain. However, for fresh fillings, this isn’t usually the reason for sensitivity.
How Long Will Tooth Sensitivity Last After a Filling?
Many people ask this question, and it’s a good one! The good news is that tooth sensitivity after a filling is temporary for most people.
- A Few Days to a Couple of Weeks: In most cases, the sensitivity will start to get better within a few days and completely disappear within one to two weeks. This is especially true for the “normal reaction” and mild pulpal irritation.
- Up to a Month: Sometimes, if the cavity was very deep or if your tooth is particularly sensitive, it might take a bit longer, perhaps up to a month, for the sensitivity to fully go away.
- When to Be Concerned: If the sensitivity is getting worse, or if it lasts longer than a month, or if you’re experiencing really severe pain, it’s definitely time to see your dentist again. We’ll talk more about this later.
It’s important to remember that everyone is a little bit different. What might be a few days for one person could be a few weeks for another. Just be patient and follow your dentist’s advice.
Treatment Options for Sensitive Teeth After a Filling
If your tooth is feeling sensitive, there are things your dentist can do to help.
- Adjusting the Bite (Occlusal Adjustment): This is often the first and easiest thing your dentist will check. If your filling is too high, even by a tiny bit, it can cause a lot of discomfort. Your dentist will use a special coloured paper (like carbon paper) to see where your teeth are touching. Then, they will carefully file down the high spots on the filling. This is a quick, painless procedure that can bring immediate relief. It’s super common, so don’t feel shy about asking for it if you think your bite feels “off.”
- Desensitising Agents/Varnishes: Your dentist can apply special gels or varnishes to the sensitive tooth. These materials help to seal tiny pores in the tooth surface, which reduces the signals going to the nerves and lessens sensitivity. These are usually painted on and can provide temporary relief.
- Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel (the outer layer of your tooth) and can make teeth less sensitive. Your dentist might apply a fluoride gel or varnish, or recommend a high-fluoride toothpaste for home use.
- Refilling or Replacing the Filling: In some cases, if the sensitivity is severe or persistent, and other options haven’t worked, your dentist might consider replacing the filling. This could be if the filling wasn’t sealed properly, or if a different material might suit your tooth better.
- Root Canal Treatment (Last Resort): This is usually only considered if the pulp (the inside of your tooth with the nerves) has been severely damaged or has become infected. If the inflammation or pain is very bad and doesn’t get better, it might mean the nerve is dying. A root canal removes the damaged pulp, which stops the pain. This is a bigger procedure, but it can save your tooth if other treatments aren’t enough. Your dentist, like the dentist in Pakenham, will always try less invasive options first.
How to Relieve Sensitivity at Home
While you’re waiting for your tooth to settle down, or if your sensitivity is mild, there are some things you can do at home to feel more comfortable:
- Use a Desensitising Toothpaste: Many brands make special toothpastes designed for sensitive teeth (look for words like “sensitive” or “sensitivity relief” on the tube). These toothpastes contain ingredients that help to block the tiny tubes in your teeth that lead to the nerves, reducing sensitivity. Use it regularly, twice a day, for best results. It might take a few days to start working properly.
- Avoid Trigger Foods and Drinks: For a while, try to avoid things that make your teeth sensitive. This often includes:
- Very hot foods and drinks (like steaming tea or coffee)
- Very cold foods and drinks (like ice cream, iced water, or cold fizzy drinks)
- Sweet foods and drinks (sugar can sometimes make sensitive teeth hurt)
- Acidic foods and drinks (like citrus fruits, soft drinks, or vinegar)
- Brush Gently with a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: Brush your teeth with a very soft toothbrush and use a gentle, circular motion. Brushing too hard can wear away enamel and make sensitivity worse.
- Breathe Through Your Nose: If cold air makes your tooth hurt, try to breathe through your nose, especially when you’re outside in cold weather.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: For mild pain, you can take over-the-counter pain medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen (always follow the instructions on the packet). These can help manage any discomfort while your tooth is healing.
Preventing Future Sensitivity After Fillings
While you can’t always completely prevent sensitivity, especially if you have a deep cavity, there are things that can help reduce the chances of it happening or making it worse:
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: The best way to prevent new cavities is to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and use a mouthwash if your dentist recommends it.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Visiting your dentist regularly (usually every six months) for check-ups and cleans helps catch cavities when they are small. Smaller cavities mean less drilling and less chance of sensitivity. Your dentist Berwick can keep an eye on your dental health.
- Address Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): If you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, it can put a lot of stress on your teeth and fillings. This can lead to sensitivity and even cracks. Talk to your dentist if you think you might be grinding your teeth; they might recommend a nightguard.
- Protect Your Teeth: If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury.
When to See a Dentist for Sensitive Teeth
While most sensitivity after a filling is normal and goes away on its own, there are times when it’s really important to go back and see your dentist. Don’t hesitate to contact them if you experience any of the following:
- The sensitivity is getting worse over time. Instead of getting better, it’s becoming more painful.
- The pain is severe and constant. It’s not just a quick zap; it’s a throbbing or aching pain that doesn’t go away.
- The pain keeps you awake at night. This is a strong sign that something more serious might be going on.
- You have swelling around the tooth or face. This could indicate an infection.
- You notice a bad taste in your mouth or a pimple-like bump on your gum near the tooth. These are also signs of a possible infection.
- Your bite feels significantly off or painful when you chew, and it doesn’t get better after a few days. This is a common and easily fixed issue, so don’t suffer needlessly!
- The sensitivity lasts longer than a month. While some sensitivity can linger, anything beyond a month should be checked.
- You experience sensitivity to hot foods or drinks that lingers. Sensitivity to cold is more common and usually less concerning. Lingering pain from hot things can be a sign of deeper trouble with the nerve.
Your dentist is there to help, and it’s always better to get things checked out early rather than wait until the problem gets worse.
Conclusion
Feeling a sensitive tooth after a filling can be a bit of a nuisance, but for most people, it’s a normal and temporary part of the healing process. Your tooth just needs a little time to settle down after its “makeover.”
You can confidently manage this common issue by understanding why it happens, knowing what to do at home to relieve the discomfort, and recognising when it’s time to see your dentist again. Remember, regular check-ups with your dentist, whether it’s your trusted dentist in Berwick or your local dentist in Pakenham, are key to keeping your smile healthy and happy.
If you’re experiencing sensitive teeth after a filling and are concerned, don’t hesitate to contact your dental practice. They’re the best people to help you figure out what’s going on and get you feeling comfortable again!