Sensitive teeth after filling

This is an automatically translated article.

Sensitive teeth after filling is a common phenomenon and will disappear after a few days to a few weeks. However, if this condition becomes severe over time, it is necessary to go back to the dentist to find the cause and treat it early to avoid causing long-term pain.

1. Are teeth more sensitive after filling?

Fillings are dental procedures that remove cavities and fill them with selected materials such as gold, silver, composite resin or porcelain.
Several hours after filling, the face may still feel a bit numb, tingling or puffy making it difficult to eat, swallow, speak and move. Dentists often advise against eating or drinking for the first few hours after filling to limit the risk of biting your tongue or cheeks.
These sensations will go away when the effect of the anesthetic wears off. However, in the following weeks, it is possible that the tooth sensitivity will continue to occur as it adjusts to the new filling.
Sensitive teeth after fillings are evident when exposed to certain types of agents, usually a sudden pain that disappears, these agents include:
Cold foods or drinks such as: ice cream, popsicles or iced drinks Hot drinks like coffee or tea Air gets in between teeth like mouth breathing, teeth are more sensitive when it's cold air Sugary foods like candy, cakes Food and acidic drinks such as fruit, juice and coffee Chewing food

2. Complications after filling?

Sensitive teeth after fillings are normal and temporary in nature. However, in some cases of prolonged sensitive teeth, it is necessary to visit a doctor to find out the cause and treat it immediately. Here are some common causes of sensitive teeth after fillings:
2.1. Nerve stimulation The enamel layer protects the nerve from exposure, but fillings, especially deep fillings, can get close to the nerve causing itchiness and discomfort in the tooth. Therefore, after filling, the nerve inside the tooth needs a few days to a few weeks to heal. During this time, sensitivity may occur when the stimulus is encountered.
When the nerve heals, the sensation of sensitive teeth will disappear, you will not feel any difference between the filled tooth and other teeth.
2.2. Incorrect bite alignment If the filling is not aligned and too high relative to other teeth, it can increase the pressure when biting, causing pain and sensitivity. Normally, the bite will self-correct during the daily eating process after a few weeks, the sensitive tooth condition will also disappear. However, in some cases, if the pain increases over time or you have difficulty chewing food, you should see a doctor to have your bite checked. On re-examination, the dentist can trim the high point of the filling to fit the bite, eliminating pain and discomfort.

2.3. Pulpitis is an infection deep inside the tooth, causing pain and sensitivity to the tooth. The disease is uncommon with small fillings, but can occur when:
Teeth have been injured due to various causes such as accidents leading to cracked or broken teeth. The cavity is very deep, reaching the pulp layer of the tooth. Teeth that have undergone many fillings or other procedures. There are two types of pulpitis:
Reversible pulpitis: A mild inflammation where the pulp is healthy and reversible. Irreversible pulpitis: A condition in which the nerves in the tooth are damaged. damage and die, then it is necessary to take the tooth pulp to preserve the tooth. Pulpitis can be treated with a new filling, a root canal, or antibiotics to get rid of the bacteria causing the infection.
2.4. Tooth Abscess A tooth abscess is an infection in the nerves of a tooth, in which the main cause is a tooth decay, gum disease or a cracked tooth. Symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
Severe toothache Sensitive teeth Redness on the gums Bad breath Pimple-like swelling or boils on the gums Fever Tooth abscesses require medical attention, so when present If you have any of the above symptoms, you need to see your dentist for an immediate diagnosis and treatment.
2.5. Old fillings are loose or broken. Fillings usually last for years, but they don't last forever. If the aged filling is loose or broken, it can cause sensitivity and pain when it is located near the nerve. Even if the filling isn't loose or broken, it's a good idea to replace it when it's due to avoid damage, causing cavities and toothache.

2.6. Periodontitis Bleeding gums when flossing can be a sign of periodontitis, which causes tooth sensitivity. This is because the gums recede, exposing part of the tooth root, which does not have enamel to protect, so it causes sensitivity when exposed.
Other symptoms of periodontitis include:
Red or bleeding gums, especially while brushing or flossing Gums that look different In the mouth Periodontitis usually causes no symptoms in its early stages, so it's a good idea to have regular dental visits to check for problems before they become serious.

3. How to treat sensitive teeth after fillings

Some of the following measures are recommended by dentists to treat sensitive teeth after fillings:
Use a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate to help prevent sensations on the tooth surface from being transmitted to the nerve endings inside. Use toothpaste every 2 days, after a few days will start to see the effect. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Oral numbing ointment. Use a toothbrush made for sensitive teeth with soft bristles that are less irritating to teeth. Brush gently in a spiral over the teeth and gums, avoiding repeated or vigorous scrubbing. Floss once a day, being careful to be gentle on gums and teeth. Avoid foods or drinks that cause tooth sensitivity. Avoid toothpaste and teeth-whitening products as they can make the sensitivity worse. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic foods or drinks like coffee and fruit as they can wear down tooth enamel. Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating acidic foods as this can cause a lot of enamel loss. Chew on the side opposite to the area of ​​the tooth being filled

4. When to see the dentist?

You should not worry if your teeth are mildly sensitive in the first few weeks after filling. Using home remedies and toothpaste for sensitive teeth will help reduce discomfort during this time.
When the sensitivity becomes severe, affecting eating and drinking, accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, toothache, you need to see a dentist to check your teeth right away.
With many years of experience in the examination and treatment of oral and maxillofacial diseases, now Vinmec International General Hospital has become one of the major health care centers, capable of examining and screening filtering and treating many diseases in depth. Therefore, if there are signs of tooth sensitivity after fillings that do not improve, along with other abnormalities, you can go to Vinmec International General Hospital to examine and receive support and advice from experts. doctors and health professionals.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

References: healthline.com, webmd.com, medicalnewstoday.com