Experiencing sensitivity after a cavity filling is common. While dental fillings are a routine procedure to restore tooth health, the healing process involves a period of adjustment for the treated tooth. This article clarifies what to expect regarding post-filling discomfort and how to manage it.
Understanding Post-Filling Discomfort and Its Expected Duration
After a dental filling, it is normal to experience sensitivity or mild pain, which lessens over time. Common discomforts include sharp, brief pain from hot or cold foods and drinks, or air. Pressure sensitivity or mild soreness when biting down is also common, as the tooth and filling material need time to settle. The surrounding gums may also feel tender, especially if the procedure involved deep cleaning or working near the gum line.
This discomfort relates to the tooth’s response to the procedure. Removing decayed tissue can irritate the nerve inside the tooth, particularly if the cavity was deep or close to the pulp, the innermost layer containing nerves and blood vessels. This irritation can lead to inflammation of the pulp, known as pulpitis.
Mild nerve irritation is temporary as the nerve settles and heals, resolving within a few days to a couple of weeks. With deeper fillings, temperature sensitivity may persist for up to four weeks as the tooth adjusts. The filling material itself, whether composite resin or amalgam, can also react to temperature changes, causing temporary discomfort.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some post-filling discomfort is expected, certain signs indicate abnormal pain that warrants a follow-up with your dentist. Contact your dentist if you experience constant, throbbing pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers. Pain that worsens after the first 48 hours instead of improving, or sharp, shooting pain when biting that persists, indicate an issue. If sensitivity lasts longer than four weeks after the procedure, it may signal an underlying issue.
Other symptoms requiring a dental visit include swelling around the filled tooth or gum, a fever, or any discharge, as these could indicate an infection. A feeling that your bite is “off” and doesn’t resolve with time can also point to an issue with the filling’s alignment that needs adjustment. Ignoring these signs can lead to further complications, such as nerve damage or a spreading infection.
Tips for Managing Discomfort
For mild, normal post-filling sensitivity, several strategies can help alleviate discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are effective in managing pain and inflammation. A salt water rinse, made by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in warm water, can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Using a desensitizing toothpaste can help calm nerve irritation over time. Temporarily avoid extreme temperatures in food and drinks, as well as sugary or acidic items, which can aggravate sensitivity. Chewing on the opposite side of your mouth for a day or two allows the newly filled tooth to settle. Maintaining good oral hygiene by gently brushing and flossing around the treated area is important for healing.