Tooth sensitivity after filling

The best defense against tooth decay and protection of your oral health is through regular, routine dental visits combined with daily care at home, including regular flossing and brushing. If you or your children find that your teeth are particularly sensitive after a dental procedure, however, you may feel discouraged from seeking additional dental care in the future. It is important to understand that some sensitivity is normal, and it usually subsides within a week or so. It can also usually be effectively treated at home. Because dentists use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area before placing a maple grove dental filling, you won’t feel anything until the anesthesia starts to wear off, usually about an hour or two after the procedure is completed. Once you start to notice sensations, you may feel some pain or tenderness in the teeth around the filling, or in the gums, and you may find that your teeth are very sensitive to extreme temperatures. There are many possible reasons for this sensitivity.

A cavity is a hole in the tooth that is caused by tooth decay. Before your dentist can fill your cavity, the tooth decay must first be removed. This is done using local anesthesia, to numb the area, and a dental drill, to remove decayed tooth material. Rarely, the heat generated by the drill can cause inflammation of the tender tissue inside the tooth, which is called “pulpitis.”  Sometimes, if your dentist doesn’t effectively remove all of the decay, this can cause infection of the tooth’s pulp. In both cases, you’ll need to follow up with your dentist to make sure the problem can be fixed. You may also notice a change in your bite following a filling. Sometimes, this resolves itself, as the bite adjusts to accommodate the filling. If, however, the filling causes discomfort or pressure because it is too large, and if this pressure does not resolve within a few days, contact your dentist, who can file and reshape the filling so it better fits in your mouth. Some patients have noticed that multiple materials, such as two different crowns made of different metals, may cause an unusual sensation when they make contact with each other, while some people report allergic reaction to filling materials. If you believe you’re having an allergic reaction, and the discomfort persists or becomes painful, contact your dentist.

It is helpful to reduce sensitivity by using over-the-counter painkillers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and by temporarily steering clear of foods that are extreme in temperature or highly acidic. You may also want to use a desensitizing toothpaste, being sure to brush gently, and you may prefer to chew with the side of your mouth opposite the filling site. If your sensitivity develops into pain, or if you develop a fever or notice redness or swelling in the area around the filling, be sure to contact your dentist immediately. Otherwise, with a little time and some gentle care, your filling should feel like a natural part of your mouth in no time.

More information on dental fillings : How Much Do Dental Fillings Cost?