Are You Experiencing Tooth Pain After a Filling?

The sentence everyone dreads hearing from their dentist.

The truth is, cavities are very common, and when caught early enough – they can be easily treated. But when left alone, cavities can be painful and cause further damage. So most dentists recommend removing any decayed parts of your tooth and restoring it with filling.

But what you might not expect is tooth pain that comes after.

Tooth sensitivity (or pain) after a filling

A cavity filling is a very common procedure. But depending on the level of tooth decay, it’s still somewhat invasive. Even before your filling, any discomfort from a cavity is typically related to exposed nerves.

There are a couple of reasons you may experience pain or sensitivity in a tooth after a filling:

• Impacted nerves and inflammation: You may be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures and have a sensitive bite after a filling. This typically will resolve itself in a few days or weeks.
• Changes to your bite: Your dentist will do their best to restore your tooth to its original shape, but even minor changes to your bite can cause some sensitivity when you bite.

Your dentist should be able to provide you with some solutions for managing the discomfort following your filling, including taking over-the-counter pain medication, avoiding certain foods, and avoiding irritation.

Some sensitivity post-filling due to the above reasons is normal. However, you should not be experiencing severe pain.

When should you be concerned about tooth pain after a filling?

While most fillings do not result in long-term issues, extreme pain or pain for prolonged periods should be diagnosed immediately. This can be a sign of a bigger issue. 

Fortunately, even if you’re experiencing longer-term pain, there are treatments, like root canals which can help get you back to being pain-free.

As a general rule of thumb, if your pain is interfering with your daily activities like eating or working, you should have it looked at. If you’re not sure if the discomfort or pain you’re experiencing is a cause for concern, it’s best to visit your dentist.

Cavity treatments at Parthenia Family Dental

Whether you’re experiencing pain post-filling or think you may have a cavity, Parthenia Family Dental can help! Tooth decay can leave you with long-term issues and should be treated as soon as possible. We can provide consultations and education to make sure that you get the treatment you need. 

With state-of-the-art facilities and emergency dental services, our team of dental experts are here to help you achieve the smile you deserve.