Sensitivity after dental restoration is a common issue that causes concern for many people, affecting both quality of life and daily activities. Why does this pain occur months after the procedure? And how can you effectively relieve it? Find out the answers in the following article!
What are the normal and abnormal signs of toothache after filling?
Dental fillings are a simple procedure that involves using specialized materials to restore areas of the tooth affected by decay or external damage.
Normal signs after a dental filling
Right after a filling, it’s normal to feel some pain or sensitivity, as the filling material has just been placed and the tooth needs time to stabilize. Additionally, during the procedure, the dentist may have removed bacteria and decayed tissue, which can temporarily increase tooth sensitivity after filling – especially when consuming hot or cold foods.
This discomfort typically improves within 1–3 days and is considered a normal reaction, so there’s no need to worry.
Abnormal signs after a dental filling
If tooth pain persists for a long time – lasting 1–2 weeks or even reappearing months after the procedure – and gradually worsens with increasing discomfort, it’s important to visit a reputable dental clinic for a thorough examination. These are abnormal signs after a filling and may indicate underlying issues that require accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Why does my tooth filling hurt after months?
Tooth pain occurring months after a filling is definitely an abnormal sign. This condition can result from various underlying factors, such as:
Low-Quality filling material
Persistent pain from a filling months after the procedure may be due to the use of low-quality or non-standard materials. These materials can compromise the integrity of the filling, cause irritation to the tooth, and lead to ongoing discomfort and pain.
Underlying dental issues
Pain and discomfort months after a filling may result from underlying tooth decay or infection that was not thoroughly examined or completely treated beforehand. In such cases, the tooth remains inflamed after the filling, leading to increased sensitivity and ongoing irritation.
Overfilled restoration
If the dentist’s technique is not precise, the filling may be placed too high compared to the surrounding teeth. This can cause increased pressure when biting or chewing, leading to prolonged tooth pain and sensitivity.
- Cracked filling: A filling may crack or break due to chewing forces or poor-quality material. When this happens, the damaged filling can affect the bite and lead to prolonged pain in a restored tooth during eating and chewing.
- Nerve irritation: The outer enamel layer serves to protect the tooth. However, if the filling irritates or impacts the underlying nerves, it can lead to prolonged discomfort and persistent tooth pain.
- Pulpitis: Pulpitis causes persistent pain and sensitivity. If a filling is performed without addressing the inflamed pulp, the condition can worsen over time, leading to more intense pain that can become distressing for many patients.
How to relieve tooth pain after a filling?
Pain in a restored tooth after a filling is an unpleasant experience that no one wants to encounter. However, in some cases, discomfort may occur following the procedure. If this happens, you can manage the pain by following a few methods recommended by your dentist.
Tooth pain after filling
- Use anti-inflammatory medications as directed by your dentist to help reduce pain.
- Limit the intake of hot or cold foods, as well as highly acidic items like lemons and grapefruit.
- Brush your teeth gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoid brushing too forcefully to prevent damaging the filling.
- Use toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth.
- Use salt water to reduce bacteria and help strengthen the teeth.
Long-term filled tooth causing pain and discomfort
If a restored tooth causes ongoing, severe pain over an extended period, it’s essential to visit a dentist for appropriate recommendations.
- In cases where the filling is too high, the dentist will adjust it by trimming the excess material to ensure proper bite alignment and normal chewing function.
- If you are allergic to the filling material, the dentist will remove it and replace it with a safer, more effective material.
- In cases of infection, tooth decay, or pulpitis prior to the filling, the dentist will remove the existing filling, examine and treat the infection thoroughly, and only then proceed with placing a new filling.
- If the nerve is irritated, the dentist will perform an examination and use professional techniques to address the issue promptly, ensuring maximum comfort and preventing prolonged pain or discomfort.
The information on why a filled tooth may hurt months after the procedure has been thoroughly shared by the dental experts at Shark Dental. Although dental filling is a simple and commonly performed treatment, it requires precision and skill from the dental team. Clients are advised to choose a reputable dental clinic to ensure safety and minimize pain or irritation during and after the procedure.
