‘’Why does my tooth filling hurt after months, all of a sudden?’’ Is that what you’re wondering about? It is quite common because nearly 30% of the filings may become sensitive or hurt if you don’t take care of them as per the dentist’s command. While some patients experience sensitivity and tolerable pain after a filling, noticing severe signs can be alarming.
This blog will tell you why your filling might hurt after a few months of its placement and what steps you can take to prevent future problems.
Is Pain After Filling Normal?
The short answer is yes, some level of pain or discomfort in the initial days after filling can be normal. Under ideal conditions, the discomfort or irritation after filling should subside. However, if months have passed and your filling has started to turn out problematic all of a sudden then it needs attention and reassurance from a dentist.
Five Reasons Why Tooth Filling Hurts After Months
The following reasons can be the possibility for pain in the filling after some time:
1. A High Filling
If your filling is slightly higher, then you can feel pain especially while biting. The high spot on the filling can cause misalignment and exert extra pressure on the tooth eventually leading to pain.
2. Irritation Of The Nerves
If the cavity or the decay was near to the nerves and the filling was placed directly above it then your tooth can feel sensitive and also start to become painful.
3. A Temporary Sensitivity In The Tooth
Sometimes you can feel sensitivity in your tooth after a few months of the filling that you often mistake as pain.
4. Regrowth Of An Infection
Sometimes even after a filling a part of the bacteria can be left. This is very common if there is a space left between the tooth and the filling, which allows room for the bacteria to invade and cause an infection. This condition can progress and lead to pain a few months after your initial treatment.
5. Referred Pain
A lot of the time, patients are unable to localize the exact site of the pain. It might not be your filled tooth that is causing you pain, but it could be the neighbouring tooth or the opposite arch tooth.
The Solution
The solution to prevent pain after a filling includes:
- Avoid chewing hard and sticky food
- Maintain your oral hygiene so that no bacteria can enter around the filling
- Use desensitizing toothpastes as per your dentist’s recommendation
- Do salt water rinses in lukewarm water
- Set up an appointment with your dentist for closer evaluations and prompt treatment
The Last Message
If you are continuously facing pain after a filling and it’s not improving, then there may be underlying problems associated with it. You can reach out to us at Nimmi Shine Dental, where we have trusted dental professionals with years of experience in restorative dentistry. Our expert will analyze the cause of your problem and will deliver the right treatment.
You can call us at (858) 999-8550 to book an appointment.
