Is it typical to experience tooth pain after a dental filling?
The objective of receiving a dental filling is to rectify tooth decay or cavities and alleviate any associated discomfort. Post-filling, specific individuals may encounter dental discomfort. Multiple factors can contribute to experiencing pain or sensitivity during a dental filling procedure.
Causes of Postoperative Pain Following Dental Filling
Post-filling, you may encounter discomfort or heightened sensitivity in the tooth that was treated. Ultimately, your dentist examined and performed dental work on the tooth. Typically, any pain should diminish within a day or two.
Suppose you continue to have sensitivity and pain for an extended period following your dental filling. In that case, it is possible that the cause lies either in the filling itself or in the tooth. An often-encountered cause of tooth pain following a dental filling is the disruption of your bite by the filling. An excessively elevated filling can lead to malocclusion, a condition that hinders the appropriate alignment of teeth during biting.
The filling material employed by your dentist can also induce dental sensitivity or discomfort. For instance sensitivity often occurs when a composite resin undergoes minor shrinkage, resulting in the formation of a minuscule gap underneath it.
One can manage or eradicate sensitivity resulting from a composite filling by choosing an alternative material or adjusting the technique used during the filling procedure.
How to Address the Pain
What if a week has passed since your dental filling. And you continue to experience discomfort when biting, eating, or even opening your mouth? It is advisable to arrange a meeting with your dentist promptly. They will have the capability to identify and rectify the problem accurately.
If malocclusion arises due to an excessively high filling, the dentist will modify the height of the filling to ensure that you can bite down comfortably and effortlessly. If you are experiencing sensitivity due to a composite filling, the dentist may suggest replacing the filling with an alternative material. If your discomfort is caused by an irritated nerve or an exposed pulp, one possible solution is to have a root canal treatment.
To prevent cavities, creating a diligent oral care regimen at home is essential. To enhance the strength of your enamel and reduce the risk of cavities. Brushing your teeth twice a day using toothpaste that contains fluoride. Consistently flossing will additionally aid in preventing cavities in the interdental spaces, which are difficult to access with a toothbrush, and promote the health of your gums. Regular dental appointments are crucial for early detection of any issues before requiring extensive procedures.