Why are my teeth suddenly sensitive after a filling and what should I do?

Sensitive teeth after a filling

You had a cavity that your dentist did a filling on and then afterwards you are feeling sensitivity in your tooth, what should you do now? Most of the time this simple routine procedure does not cause any trouble but sometimes people experience some sensitivity, which is completely normal.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

There are several things that can cause tooth sensitivity after a filling, including:

• Pulpitis – In rare cases, this inflames the pulp, which is the connective tissue that forms the  centre of your teeth, causing pulpitis.

• Nerve irritation

• Incorrect bite alignment

• Multiple tooth surfaces – You might also feel pain or sensitivity from having two different surfaces in your mouth, causing an odd sensation when they touch.

• Referred pain – It’s also common to feel pain in the teeth surrounding the affected one.

• Allergic reaction – Sensitivity after a dental filling could be an allergic reaction to the materials used in the filling.

What should you do? Are there ways to ease the sensitivity?

There are some things you can do to ease the sensitivity. Dentists often numb the area around the affected tooth before doing a filling. Once the numbness wears off is when you might notice some unusual sensations in your mouth. Right after the filling is done it’s important to avoid hot and cold foods and drinks for at least a few hours while your filling sets.

You can use over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. Make sure you only use a soft-bristled toothbrush specially designed for sensitive teeth and do not push too hard on your teeth or gums, also floss very gently. Avoid toothpaste that can make your sensitivity worse, like whitening products. Instead, use either Sensodyne Rapid Relief or ProNamel. These are especially good options to use if you generally have sensitive teeth.

Tooth sensitivity should go away within two to four weeks and if it doesn’t seem to be getting better in that timeframe, contact your dentist. Also at any point, if you have extreme pain that occurs with other symptoms such as fever or swelling, you should contact the dentist right away. 

 

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/tooth-sensitivity-after-filling

https://www.sensodyne.com/en-us/oral-health-tips/tooth-sensitivity-after-cavity-filling/