Why Do I Feel Tooth Pain After Filling?

Pain Topics

It is generally expected to feel pain or discomfort after dental fillings. The method usually involves the use of drills that are required to reshape your tooth. Typically, the entire process does not include the administration of anesthesia. However, that depends on the severity of the situation. The actual process sometimes triggers sensitive teeth symptoms because the shaping process affects the teeth’s enamel. And, that may be the main reason why tooth pain after dental fillings occurs. A practitioner from Emerald, QLD provides some details below….

 

Understanding Dental Fillings

To better understand why you experience pain and discomfort after dental fillings, it is essential to learn how the entire procedure goes. We will provide a general summary of the process and the symptoms, causes, and treatment. This information will help you comprehend why pain is common after dental fillings. You will also have the advantage of what to do in case you experience the symptoms. Of course, the best way is always visiting your dentist, but it will not hurt if you can provide immediate relief on your own. So, without further ado, let’s talk about dental fillings.

Dental Fillings are part of a restorative method in cosmetic dentistry recommended by your dentist to save your tooth from extraction. It is effective against damages caused by cavities, trauma, or tooth decay. Dental fillings can cover a partially damaged tooth, or fill the fissures from a root canal procedure.

 

Dental Fillings Process

The two steps involved in dental fillings are tooth preparation and dental fillings application.

  • Tooth preparation: At first, your dentist will perform a physical examination of your mouth. An x-ray may sometimes be required to get a comprehensive view of the extent of the damage. There are cases where the damage may not be prominent from the surface but affects the tooth underneath. That is why an x-ray scan is needed. Next is the removal of the damaged or decayed portion of your teeth that usually causes tooth pain. The procedure involves shaping with the use of dental burrs, or lasers. The sharp edges are smoothed, or the decayed parts are removed. Local anesthesia may also be needed, depending on your request or your dentist’s recommendation. As soon as the shape is restored as best as possible, your dentist will proceed to the next step.

 

  • Dental Fillings Application: Composite materials are then prepared for this step of the process. The materials may come in gold, silver, glass ionomer cement, amalgam, or porcelain. If you choose to get the amalgam or porcelain materials, your dentist will mix it to match your teeth’ natural colour. However, silver and gold remain the same. It is used to fill in the hole on your tooth, that serves as protection. It also makes your tooth look like its original form. It can also be used to meld chipped or broken tooth to restore its appearance.

 

Possible Causes of Tooth Pain After Dental Fillings

Now that you know how dental fillings are applied let’s talk about the possible reasons you feel tooth pain after the procedure. The usual culprit is teeth sensitivity; however, we’ll talk about the other factors to consider first.

  • Pain When Biting: As soon as the anesthesia wears off, you will experience pain and discomfort. However, it should go away in a few days. But if you still experience tooth pain for more than four days, especially in your bite, it’s time to visit the dentist. The filling may not have a perfect fit and is interfering with your teeth alignment. The typical solution is the reshaping of dental fillings.

 

  • Hot or Cold Exposure Pain: It is common to feel pain and discomfort from cold or hot food or drinks after dental fillings. The pain fades typically after a few seconds. However, if the pain lingers for a prolonged period, it may be that your enamel was removed entirely, and you’re experiencing the signs and symptoms of teeth sensitivity.

 

  • Intense and Throbbing Pain: This sensation often indicates tooth decay that may lead to gum infection if not treated early. Your dentist will usually diagnose your tooth and recommend root canal as the solution. It’s possible that the gum tissues or pulp within your tooth may not be healthy.

 

  • Allergic Reactions: Allergy may also be one reason you experience tooth pain after dental fillings. Some people are allergic to metal fillings like silver or gold. It’s best to inform your dentist onset of your condition to avoid these kinds of complications.

 

  • Deteriorated Dental Fillings: Last but not least, is the natural deterioration of your dental fillings. This condition is normal due to the wear and tear over the years. So, it would help if you visited your dentist regularly to have your oral health checked. If left untreated, it may lead to cavities and bacteria build-up that may have serious consequences.

 

Dental Fillings Aftercare to Avoid Tooth Pain

Here are a few tips on how to manage or prevent tooth pain after dental fillings:

  • Chew or bite using the opposite tooth away from the dental fillings. Chew and bite carefully.
  • Do not eat hard food or candy bars.
  • Do not eat sticky foods.
  • Avoid food and drinks with high sugar content.
  • Do not eat or drink hot or cold food and beverages.
  • Always chew your food with your mouth closed.

 

Final Thoughts

The key to avoiding tooth pain after dental fillings is to know when to eat. Your dentist usually recommends avoiding solid foods within the first twenty-four hours of the procedure. The main reason is that the fillings take some time to harden. That is why you should be mindful when to eat solid food. Another factor to consider is the way you brush your teeth. Always brush lightly around the affected area with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, be careful when you’re flossing. Too much force may dislodge the filling off its place, and it may cause tremendous pain. Not to mention the risks of contamination from your saliva. Whenever you feel tooth pain after the dental fillings’ procedure, always remember that it is normal. But then again, if the pain becomes unbearable and intense, please visit a reputable dentist that has good records and reviews online near you.

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