Dental fillings are a common procedure used to repair teeth affected by cavities. While these restorations are routine and effective, it is common to experience some discomfort or sensitivity in the treated tooth afterward.
Normal Post-Filling Sensations
Removing decayed tooth material during a dental filling can cause temporary inflammation of the dental pulp, the tooth’s innermost part. This temporary inflammation, known as reversible pulpitis, can lead to heightened sensitivity.
The filled tooth commonly exhibits increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. This occurs because nerve endings within the tooth’s dentin, a layer beneath the enamel, may become irritated during the procedure. Sensitivity to sweet foods and drinks is also common.
Discomfort when biting or chewing is another common sensation after a filling. This can happen if the new filling creates a “high spot,” causing uneven pressure. Minor adjustments by the dentist can often resolve this.
Sometimes, pain might be felt in teeth adjacent to the filled tooth, a phenomenon known as referred pain. This sensation typically subsides as the filled tooth heals. These normal post-filling sensations are usually temporary, resolving within a few days to a few weeks.
When Pain Signifies a Problem
While some post-filling discomfort is normal, persistent or severe pain can indicate an underlying issue. If the inflammation of the dental pulp is severe or does not resolve, it can lead to irreversible pulpitis. This condition often causes constant, throbbing pain that can be intense and may even worsen at night. Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers for more than a few seconds after the stimulus is removed is a key indicator of irreversible pulpitis.
A cracked tooth, potentially exacerbated by the filling process or present beforehand, can also cause sharp pain, particularly when biting down or releasing pressure. Secondary decay, new decay forming under or around an existing filling, can lead to renewed pain if bacteria seep into tiny gaps between the filling and the tooth structure.
In rare instances, an individual might experience an allergic reaction to the materials used in the filling, such as mercury or nickel in amalgam fillings, or acrylates in composite resins. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, redness, itching, or even a metallic taste in the mouth. More severe reactions might include rashes or swelling in other parts of the body.
An infection in the pulp can lead to a dental abscess, a pus-filled pocket. This typically causes severe, throbbing pain, swelling of the gums or face, and sometimes a bad taste in the mouth or fever. A significantly high filling that causes persistent, sharp pain when biting down, rather than just temporary sensitivity, may also indicate a problem. This uneven pressure can strain the tooth and jaw.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Contact your dentist if your post-filling pain does not improve, or if it worsens, after a few days or within two to four weeks. Any severe, constant, or throbbing pain warrants immediate attention. Promptly report signs of infection, such as swelling in the gums or face, the presence of a pus-filled bump, or a fever.
If you experience persistent difficulty or significant pain when chewing or biting, especially if it feels like the filling is too high, schedule a follow-up appointment. Dentists can often adjust the filling to correct the bite. If you have any concerns about your symptoms or discomfort after a dental filling, consulting your dentist is always the recommended course of action. Early evaluation can prevent minor issues from becoming more complex problems.