Tooth Pain After Filling
Experiencing tooth pain after a dental filling richmond va is normal and should subside within a couple of weeks. If your dentist spots an area of decay, it is important to have the area cleaned and restored before it turns into a bigger problem. Leaving decay untreated will only cause you to have more pain and require a more invasive restorative treatment such as a crown or even a root canal. Below, we will review some reasons you may experience pain after a dental filling.
Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitivity after having dental work performed is normal and usually subsides on its own within a few days, no longer than two weeks. Having a tooth filling is considered trauma to the tooth so you may notice discomfort with hot and cold foods and beverages. If sensitivity lasts longer than a couple of weeks, call your dentist for a reevaluation.
Allergy to Material
Your dentist should have a complete medical history before they perform any treatment but sometimes, and unidentified allergy to dental materials may occur. This is especially true for patients with metal allergies since base metals are common for dental restorations.
Fractured or Ill-fitting Fillings
If a filling does not fit properly, you may experience pain and sensitivity that does not subside after a couple of weeks. Visit your dentist to make sure that the filling is complete and does not need any adjustment. You may also crack a filling which can be very painful but your dentist can repair the damage with a new filling.
How can I relieve tooth pain after a filling?
Since sensitivity is to be expected after a tooth filling, there are a number of steps you can take to is your discomfort. Very hot and cold foods and beverages can trigger sensitivity as can very crunchy foods. You may benefit from over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen for a couple of days while your tooth calms down. NSAIDs usually work better to relieve dental pain than medications such as aspirin or Tylenol.
You can also replace your regular oral care products with those designed with sensitivity in mind! Sensodyne products and other products that contain fluoride will greatly help relieve sensitivity after a filling.
If sensitivity does not subside within a couple of weeks or you cannot manage your discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications, call your dentist for a reevaluation to ensure the filling is not damaged. Tooth sensitivity can be very uncomfortable but not receiving necessary dental treatment is worse. Tooth decay does not heal itself so it is important to receive advised treatment before the problem gets worse, leading you to need a more invasive restoration.