A dental filling is a common procedure that restores a tooth damaged by decay. Dentists remove decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill the space with a suitable material such as composite resin or amalgam. This process closes off areas where bacteria could enter, helping to prevent further decay and preserving the tooth’s integrity.
Understanding Post-Filling Soreness
After receiving a dental filling, it is common to experience discomfort or sensitivity. This can manifest as sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, sweet foods, or pressure when biting down. Tenderness in the gums around the treated tooth is also a common sensation. These reactions occur because the filling procedure can irritate the tooth’s nerve endings and surrounding tissues. The tooth and its internal structures, particularly the pulp, need time to adjust to the new filling material.
Mild discomfort subsides within a few days to a week. Some sensitivity, especially to temperature changes, can linger for up to two weeks, gradually improving. For deeper fillings, where the cavity was extensive, sensitivity might persist for up to three to four weeks. This temporary sensitivity is harmless and indicates the tooth is healing and adapting to the new restoration.
Relief and When to Contact Your Dentist
To manage the discomfort following a dental filling, several home care practices can help. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation. Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day can also reduce inflammation and promote healing. Avoid hot, cold, sweet, or hard foods for the first few days, as these can trigger sensitivity.
Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can provide relief, and maintaining good oral hygiene with gentle brushing and flossing around the treated area helps prevent complications. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the new filling for a day or two to allow it to settle. If the filling feels “high” or uneven, causing discomfort when biting, a quick adjustment by your dentist can resolve this issue.
While some discomfort is expected, certain symptoms indicate a problem requiring dental attention. These include pain that worsens or persists beyond two to four weeks, sharp pain when biting down, or constant throbbing pain. Swelling, redness, or pus around the tooth also signal a possible infection. If the tooth or filling cracks or chips, or if new sensitivity or pain develops long after the initial soreness has subsided, seek professional evaluation. These symptoms could point to issues like an improperly aligned filling, nerve irritation (pulpitis), infection, or a cracked tooth, all requiring dental attention.