Some people might experience tooth sensitivity after a dental filling. Why does this sensitivity occur? what are the reasons for it? And should you be worried about it? We have all the answers to your questions so read on

What is tooth sensitivity?

A mild ache or discomfort experienced when your tooth meets hot or cold food or drinks is called tooth sensitivity. This is a normal or expected side effect after a patient gets cavity fillings done and is caused by the irritation or inflammation of nerves inside the tooth after the procedure.

Tooth sensitivity right after dental work is normal. However, if the sensitivity persists weeks or even months after the procedure it may be a sign of a severe issue that needs immediate attention.

Causes of tooth sensitivity after getting a filling

Sensitivity right after dental treatment is absolutely normal. The reasons for this can be

1. Incorrect bite alignment

The dentist must make sure that the filling is in alignment with the other teeth in the mouth. If the filling is too high, it can cause too much pressure concentrated on the area that is high when the person bites down. This can cause pain and sensitivity that is often more severe than normal sensitivity experienced after a filling.

It is quite normal for a person to experience some minor sensitivity when biting for a few days after the procedure. Typically, the bite will correct itself after a few weeks.

However, if the patient experiences severe sensitivity or if they have difficulty eating or putting the teeth together, they should visit their dentist to get their bite checked. The dentist may decide to smooth down the high point of the filling to align the bite and eliminate discomfort.

2. Irritated nerve

Short-term tooth sensitivity after a filling usually occurs because the filling procedure causes inflammation of the nerves in the tooth.

Usually the outer layers of the tooth, that is the enamel and dentine, protect the nerves from exposure. But deep fillings can get too close to the nerve endings and cause irritation and sensitivity.

As the nerve heals the sensitivity will subside. This may take a few days or weeks. Once the nerve has healed completely the patient will feel no difference between the filled and the other teeth.

3. Pulpitis

Pulpitis is inflammation of the pulp deep within the tooth. It can cause sensitivity and pain.

Pulpitis does not occur with minor feelings, but it might if

  • The tooth has had trauma, such as an accident that resulted in a cracked or broken tooth.

  • The cavity is very deep, reaching up to the Inner pulp layer.

  • The tooth has undergone multiple fillings or procedures.

Factors That Can Trigger Tooth Sensitivity After A Filling

  • Cold foods and drinks like ice cream, cold drinks and any beverages with ice.

  • Hot liquids such as coffee or tea.

  • Air hitting the tooth when breathing through the mouth can cause intense sensitivity which can be worse than cold air.

  • Hard, sugary foods such as candy.

  • Acidic foods like fruit, juice, and coffee

  • Biting down while eating or chewing food.

How To Treat A Sensitive Tooth

When a patient experiences sensitivity after a tooth filling the dentist may recommend using a desensitizing toothpaste for a few weeks.
While a patient may not experience immediate relief using this paste, applying it twice a day for a few days to weeks may give relief from sensitivity.

A person may also try the following methods at home to help relieve tooth sensitivity

  • Brush with gentle circular strokes on the teeth and gums. Avoid aggressive back-and-forth movements of the brush on your teeth.

  • Floss very gently at least once a day.

  • Take note of the foods and drinks that cause sensitivity and avoid them if possible

  • Avoid whitening toothpaste and products which will make the sensitivity worse.

  • Rinse after consuming acidic food and drinks like coffee, juice, or fruit.

  • Avoid brushing immediately after eating acidic foods as this may result in loss of enamel.

If sensitivity does not improve in the days following a filling visit a dentist. It is essential that the dentist rules out other potential causes of sensitivity that may not be related to the filling.

Do visit us at Smilex International Dental Centre – The best dental clinic in Pune and get world class treatment from our highly skilled team of specialists including cosmetic dentists, root canal specialist, implantologists and Orthodontists who work together to give you a beautiful smile.