Tooth Sensitivity After a Filling: Causes and Relief

Although you might experience mild tooth sensitivity after a filling, it’s no reason not to have treatment. Dental fillings stop tooth decay spreading, protect the decayed part of the tooth from bacteria and restore a damaged or chipped tooth so it works normally. Left unchecked, tooth decay can cause serious complications⁠ (another site), including damage to the tooth root or an abscess on your gums.

Learning what causes tooth sensitivity after a filling can help you manage the sensation effectively until it subsides.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity After Filling?

Many things can cause tooth sensitivity after a filling, and most of them subside quickly.

Pulpitis

Pulpitis is one of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity after a filling procedure. When your dentist fills a cavity, they use a drill to remove the tooth decay first. Sometimes this inflames the soft tissue at the centre of your teeth, known as the pulp⁠ (another site).

There are two types of pulpitis: reversible and irreversible. With reversible pulpitis, the pulp is healthy and will heal on its own.

Unfortunately, irreversible pulpitis means the pulp is permanently damaged, and the nerves inside have died.

Only a root canal can save a tooth with irreversible pulpitis.

Nerve irritation

Another cause of sensitivity is nerve irritation. During the tooth’s preparation and cleaning, the dental handpiece’s vibration and friction can irritate the nerve causing inflammation. This is most common in teeth that require deep dental fillings. As the nerve heals, the discomfort should diminish.

Incorrect bite alignment

Following a filling, your dentist grinds and shapes the tooth to achieve a good bite. The dentist may also ask you to bite down on articulating paper to assess the bite alignment. However, if the tooth is too tall after your filling, the extra bite pressure can cause discomfort and sensitivity. It is normal to feel a little extra pressure for the first 2 to 3 days, but if you experience discomfort beyond a week, contact your dentist to reshape your filling.

Managing Tooth Sensitivity at Home

Tooth sensitivity is common after a dental filling and should only be a short-term effect of the procedure. In the meantime, there are a few ways you can manage the sensation to make it less uncomfortable.

Avoiding hot and cold foods is the easiest way to avoid triggering the sensation. The brief burst of intense temperature can stimulate nerve cells and create an uncomfortable sharp stinging feeling. Highly acidic foods like citrus fruits may also make your teeth sensitive, as the acid erodes the tooth enamel and penetrates through to the dentin and nerves.

A desensitising toothpaste can help reduce your tooth sensitivity as well. The compounds in the toothpaste are designed to protect nerve endings from possible irritation by remineralising your tooth enamel and sealing the microscopic channels leading to your nerves. Your sensitivity should improve after a few uses.

Avoid aggressively brushing your teeth; use gentle circular motions⁠ (another site) with a soft-bristled toothbrush instead. Over-brushing your teeth can erode the enamel and increase your tooth sensitivity.

If you experience extreme discomfort due to tooth sensitivity, take an over-the-counter medication, and contact your dentist for a follow-up appointment. Prolonged tooth sensitivity after a filling can indicate an infection or damage to the tooth structure that needs to be addressed immediately.

Fillings at Dental Spot

At Dental Spot, we offer dental fillings made of white composite resin, which contains no mercury. The colour is more aesthetically pleasing than metal fillings, and composite is durable. It also bonds to the teeth, protecting your enamel and hiding discolouration.