It is common to feel discomfort or pain in a tooth with a filling, particularly when eating. A dental filling restores a tooth damaged by decay, filling the space after decayed material is removed. While fillings protect the tooth and prevent further issues, various factors can lead to sensitivity or pain, making it important to understand the underlying causes.
Common Sensitivities After Fillings
Following a dental filling, it is common to experience some sensitivity, often temporary as the tooth adjusts. This sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure typically subsides within a few days to a few weeks. Nerve irritation during the filling process, especially with deep cavities, can cause this temporary sensitivity.
Galvanic shock is another less common sensation. It occurs when different metal fillings, like amalgam and gold, come into contact. Saliva acts as an electrolyte, creating a small electrical current that causes sudden, sharp, or “zinging” pain. This is less frequent with modern non-metallic composite fillings.
Small air pockets can form within or beneath a new filling. These can create pressure sensitivity when biting down, as trapped air compresses. This can cause discomfort, especially with composite fillings, but replacing the filling often resolves it.
Deeper Dental Concerns
Persistent or severe pain when eating can indicate deeper dental concerns. One issue is recurrent decay forming under or around an existing filling. This occurs if the filling’s seal is compromised, allowing bacteria and food particles to seep in and irritate the nerve.
A filling can crack due to biting forces or wear. A cracked filling causes sharp pain when chewing, as pressure widens the crack. Similarly, the tooth can crack, often under the filling, causing pain when biting, especially upon releasing the bite.
Improper bite alignment can cause pain if a new filling is too high. This puts excessive pressure on the filled tooth, leading to discomfort and soreness. A dentist adjusting the filling usually resolves this issue.
Pulpitis, inflammation of the tooth’s innermost tissue (the pulp), can cause persistent pain. It often arises if decay reaches close to the nerve or from trauma, causing pulp blood vessels to swell and press on nerves. Untreated, severe pulpitis can lead to complications like infection.
When to Consult a Dentist
While initial sensitivity after a filling can be normal, certain signs indicate a dental visit is needed. Contact a dentist if pain or sensitivity persists beyond a few weeks, worsens, or interferes with daily activities.
Sharp, shooting pain, especially when biting, may signal a cracked tooth or filling, or deep decay. Swelling, redness around the tooth, or fever also indicate infection requiring prompt attention. If a filling falls out, exposing the tooth, immediate dental consultation is necessary to prevent further damage or infection. Only a dental professional can accurately diagnose the cause of pain and recommend treatment.