13 Jan Is it Normal to Have Tooth Pain After a Filling?
No one likes to have a cavity, and everyone knows that a cavity can cause a tremendous amount of pain—but did you also know that it is completely normal to have some tooth pain after a filling? That’s right, pain or tooth sensitivity in the tooth or the surrounding area after a filling is quite common.
At Prescott Dentistry, we take a minimally invasive approach known as biomimetic dentistry and do our best to limit any pain or sensitivity that may occur after a filling. In this article, we will explore reasons for pain or sensitivity after a filling and when you should give us a call.
How long does a tooth hurt after a filling?
How long a tooth hurts after getting a filling depends on the reason for the pain. In most cases, the pain will go away in a few days. There are many reasons for pain or sensitivity after a filling and most of these are completely normal. A tooth that has recently been filled may be sensitive to hot or cold foods, sugary foods, and acidic foods and drinks like coffee and juice. If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity in the days following having a tooth filled it may be best to avoid these types of foods and drinks and switch to a toothpaste meant for sensitive teeth.
When should I be concerned?
If you have tooth pain weeks after filling, it is important to get in touch with us to have a proper assessment of the cause.
There are several reasons that pain may persist after having a cavity filled:
- The filling may be too tall, causing a problem with your bite alignment. If you have tooth pain after a filling when chewing, this may be the problem.
- An inflamed, irritated, or damaged nerve. Some sensitivity to hot or cold is normal, but if the pain lingers for a long time after contact with the hot or cold item this may be a sign of nerve damage.
- An inflamed pulp, known as pulpitis—this will feel like a constant, throbbing tooth pain after a filling.
What if I have pain in a different tooth or area of my mouth?
This is most likely referred pain and should resolve on its own, but it is best to consult with your dentist to make sure a new issue has not developed.
Give Us a Call.
If you have recently had a cavity filled with us here at Prescott Dentistry, and are concerned about continued pain, it is time to make an appointment and have the pain evaluated. Give us a call so we can get you back to a healthy, happy place!
Image used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/27/2020) Andrea Piacquadio (Pexels)