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Cavities can be a pain (literally), but a dental filling should bring relief. But sometimes, a tooth may feel sore or sensitive after a filling. Most of the time, the discomfort is normal and temporary, but sometimes it can point to a bigger problem. If you’re worried about why your tooth hurts after a filling in Phoenix or Gilbert, our team is more than happy to help you figure out what’s going on.
The important thing to remember is not to panic. There are a few things you can do to keep yourself comfortable until the situation improves, either on its own or with our help. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons why your tooth might hurt after a filling and what you can do about it.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity After a Dental Filling?
There are several reasons your tooth may feel sore or sensitive after a filling. Some causes are completely normal, while others may need attention from your dentist.
The Nerve Can Get Irritated
Any time a cavity is cleaned out and restored, the nerve inside the tooth can get irritated. This can leave your tooth feeling a little bruised after the procedure. For example, it might feel tender when you bite or chew, or it might be more sensitive than usual with hot, cold, or sweet foods or drinks. In most cases, this type of discomfort fades on its own in a few days to a week or two.
The Cavity Was Very Deep
If you had a very large cavity that was close to the nerve, it can take longer to heal. A deep cavity can cause more irritation and even lead to temporary inflammation inside the tooth. During your cavity filling, we may recommend adding medication and a temporary filing to calm the nerve down before we place your permanent restoration. If the nerve does not recover, a root canal treatment may be needed to save the tooth.
The Material Irritated the Tooth
Some filling materials, like metal, can conduct heat or cold more easily, which may trigger sensitivity. Even with tooth-colored composite resin fillings, certain ingredients in the material can cause a reaction at first. Usually, your tooth will adjust to the material over time.
The Filling Doesn’t Fit Correctly
Your cavity filling should fit seamlessly into your tooth and help it look and feel like it never had a cavity in the first place. However, there are many situations when a filling doesn’t fit perfectly.
It’s very common for a filling to be slightly too “high,” meaning it hits the opposing tooth too hard when you bite down. In this case, seeing your dentist a quick and simple adjustment is all it takes to fix the issue.
Sometimes a filling can shrink or pull away from the tooth and allow saliva, food, and bacteria to leak into the tooth. In this case, the filling needs to be replaced right away to prevent serious problems.
What Should You Do If Your Tooth Hurts After a Filling?
There are a few things you can do at home to help relieve tooth pain after a filling and give your tooth a chance to adjust.
1. Use a high-quality antisensitivity toothpaste.
If you’re not already using one, try switching to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. These formulas help to reduce nerve activation and minimize your discomfort. Fluoride is a key ingredient that is highly effective at reducing sensitivity.
We may also recommend professional treatment like fluoride varnish to strengthen the tooth and decrease sensitivity after your treatment.
2. Let your tooth rest.
While your tooth is adjusting to your new filling, try to avoid foods that can make sensitivity worse, like:
- Very hot or cold foods and drinks
- Acidic foods like citrus, pineapple, and soda
- Hard or crunchy foods like nuts or chips
- Sticky candies
Giving your tooth a break from these triggers can speed up the healing process. If you tend to grind your teeth or clench your jaw, be sure to wear your night guard or focus on keeping your jaw relaxed whenever you can!
3. Take over-the-counter pain medication.
Mild tooth pain after a filling can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Always follow the directions on the package and ask your dentist or doctor if you have questions about what’s safe for you.
4. Keep it clean.
Good oral hygiene is more important than ever after a filling. Brush gently twice every day and floss every day to keep the area free of plaque and bacteria. Keeping your tooth clean can help support healing and minimize bacteria that can irritate your tooth even more.
5. Give it a little time (but not too much!)
Some sensitivity after a filing is completely normal and may last a few days to a couple of weeks. However, pain that doesn’t get better after two weeks, or that seems to be getting worse, is a sign that you should see your dentist!
When to Call a Dentist About Pain After a Dental Filling
Our team at Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona is here to help you enjoy a healthy, comfortable smile. We talked to Dr. Jose Soto about when you should call a dentist about your tooth pain after a filling.
He suggests calling your dentist if you notice:
- Sharp pain when you bite down
- Toothache after a filling that gets worse instead of better
- Sensitivity that lingers for more than two weeks
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Swelling or signs of infection
- A toothache months or even years after a filing was placed.
- Throbbing pain, or intense pain that comes and goes
“Tooth pain that comes and goes can be a sign of something serious if left undiagnosed. In some cases, it may be related to a reversible condition that can be managed with proper dental care.”
These might be signs that our filling isn’t fitting correctly, the tooth is infected, or there’s another dental problem that needs attention.
Worried About Pain After a Dental Filling in Phoenix or Gilbert? We’re Here for You!
At Dental Specialty Associates of Arizona, we know how frustrating it can be to deal with tooth sensitivity or pain after a filling. That’s why our experienced dentists in Phoenix and Gilbert, AZ take the time to carefully evaluate your tooth and make sure your filling is done right the first time.
If you’re still in pain after a filling or you’re wondering, “Why does my tooth hurt after a filling when I bite down?” don’t wait and hope it goes away. The sooner we check it, the easier it is to fix.
Give us a call today to schedule an appointment. We’ll help you find the cause of your pain and get you back to smiling, eating, and living comfortably again.
