Tooth Pain After Filling
One of the more common symptoms of a dental cavity is pain in one of your teeth and the gums that surround it, and when tooth decay is worse, the pain that accompanies it can also be worse, not to mention the damage it inflicts on the teeth. The most efficient way to solve any tooth pain is to see your dentist; if your dental pain is caused by a cavity, a tooth filling might be the solution you need. While many people experience sensitivity or pain in the treated tooth following a filling, this should subside within a day or two, leaving the tooth and adjacent area pain-free.
To place a dental filling, your dentist will numb the tissues of the mouth near the cavity with a local anesthetic. After the area surrounding the decayed tooth has become completely numb, which takes a few minutes, the dentist removes the part of the tooth that is damaged, drilling away the decay and cleaning out the diseased area. Then, the dentist places the dental filling, which can be made from a variety of materials depending on your needs. Because the decayed tissue is removed from the mouth, cavity pain subsides, but residual pain can linger for a few days. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for patients to feel increased tooth sensitivity following the placement of a tooth filling, though this pain and sensitivity should subside after a couple of days.
If you have tooth pain that lingers after a filling for more than a few days, call your dentist to schedule a follow-up appointment. Tooth pain after a filling can be caused by an ill-fitting filling or a filling that has developed cracks after being placed, and the situation will need to be repaired for the filling to succeed and pain to subside. In some cases, people have allergic reactions to the materials used for tooth fillings, especially with silver amalgam fillings, so make sure to talk to your dentist about your allergies when you’re reviewing your treatment choices. If your tooth pain lingers for a week or more after your dental filling, your dentist will assess the possible reasons and either replace or repair the filling, depending on the cause.
To reduce the risk of tooth pain following a dental filling, follow your dentist’s instructions for aftercare. Don’t eat while your mouth is still numb from anesthesia, and, once feeling returns to the mouth, maintain a diet of soft foods for the first few days after the procedure. You’ll also want to avoid common triggers for tooth pain like extremely hot or cold foods or beverages. Using a toothpaste designed for people with sensitive teeth can help reduce sensitivity over the long term, and anti-inflammatory medications like acetaminophen or topically applied cold compresses can help manage discomfort in the days immediately following the placement of the filling. Keep the area clean, gently brushing and flossing the treated tooth and the entire oral cavity, and promptly report anything unusual to your dentist. A dental filling is a routine procedure that’s designed to prevent pain from tooth decay, and, with your cooperation, a tooth filling can painlessly do its job for decades.