A dental filling restores a tooth damaged by decay. This common procedure removes the decayed portion and fills the cavity with a suitable material. Its purpose is to prevent further decay, reinforce the tooth’s structure, and restore its function, allowing continued use for chewing and speaking.
Normal Post-Filling Sensations
After a dental filling, it is common to experience mild sensitivity to temperature changes (hot, cold, or air). This often occurs because the tooth’s pulp, its innermost layer, can be temporarily irritated during the filling process.
Slight discomfort when biting or chewing, especially in the newly filled tooth, is also common. This is due to the tooth and surrounding tissues adjusting to the new filling material and altered bite surface. These sensations are temporary, resolving within a few days to a couple of weeks as the tooth heals.
Reasons for Persistent or Severe Pain
Persistent or severe pain after a filling can indicate a different issue. A common reason is a “high spot” on the filling, where the new material is slightly elevated. This causes uneven pressure when biting, leading to discomfort or pain in the tooth and jaw. A dentist can correct this by adjusting the filling’s surface.
Pulpitis, inflammation of the tooth’s pulp (soft tissue with nerves and blood vessels), is another cause of discomfort. Reversible pulpitis involves temporary inflammation that resolves on its own or after the filling is adjusted. Irreversible pulpitis signifies more significant pulp damage, possibly requiring root canal treatment or tooth extraction. This can happen if decay was very deep, reaching close to or into the pulp.
An allergic reaction to the filling material, though uncommon with modern composites and amalgam, is a rare possibility. Persistent pain can also signal secondary decay around or beneath the filling, or a crack in the tooth structure. Deep fillings, especially those near the tooth’s nerve, are more likely to cause prolonged sensitivity or significant pain.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Contact your dentist if you experience severe pain after a filling, or if the pain intensifies. Pain that does not subside after a few weeks, or interferes with daily activities like eating, drinking, or sleeping, requires professional evaluation. Swelling around the filled tooth or in the jaw, along with a fever, also require immediate dental attention.
These symptoms indicate a more serious issue requiring prompt assessment and treatment. Your dentist can evaluate the situation, involving checking your bite, assessing the filling’s integrity, or taking X-rays for underlying problems. They will then determine the appropriate course of action, ranging from a simple adjustment to more involved restorative procedures.