Tooth sensitivity after a filling is not that uncommon, as it is a normal part of the healing process. The tooth has to adjust to the filling and go through the healing stage for the tooth to get used to it. It can be due to a nerve irritation or an inflamed tooth caused by the drilling and filling process.
Some temporary sensitivity after a dental filling is common, but if the pain is persistent, it can be due to other reasons that need professional help. Discussed below are some reasons why you may need to go to the dentist:
An irritated or inflamed nerve
After a filling, short-term tooth sensitivity can occur. This is because the filling may have aggravated or caused an inflammation in the nerve inside the tooth. The enamel protects the teeth’s nerve, but deep fillings can get close to the nerve endings and cause uncomfortable sensations and irritation.
Furthermore, the procedure of a dental filling involves extracting the decayed tooth material. This may sometimes lead to irritated tooth nerves. This sensitivity tends to lead to temporary sensitivity.
Pulpitis
The dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth before filling a cavity with a drill that releases heat. There have been some cases where this heat inflames the connective tissue that forms the center of the teeth, also known as the pulp. This inflammation is known as pulpitis.
There are two types of pulpitis:
Reversible pulpitis: Mild inflammation where the pulp is healthy and the tooth heals by itself.
Irreversible pulpitis: The nerve gets damaged and starts to die. A root canal is recommended to save the tooth.
Allergic reaction
The sensitivity in your teeth may be due to an allergic reaction caused by the material used in the filling. You may also notice some itching or rash nearby. Different filling materials, such as amalgam, nickel, cobalt, or composite resin, could be the reason behind your teeth’s sensitivity.
Some people might also be allergic to materials such as the latex in the dentist’s gloves or other materials used in the process.
Bite misalignment
One of the most crucial aspects of correctly filling is to ensure that the patient’s bite alignment is perfect. A filling, if the bite alignment is incorrect, can lead to sensitivity and impact the patient’s bite. This creates uneven pressure on the teeth and should be adjusted to fix the sensitivity.
Sometimes, a filling can cause the teeth to appear taller than the other teeth, which can make it painful if you put extra pressure on it. This can lead to a crack in the filling, which is why you should immediately visit the dentist.
To Sum It Up
Tooth sensitivity after a filling is often caused by nerve irritation or inflammation caused by the drilling and filling process. In some cases, sensitivity may also be caused by a slightly misaligned filling affecting the bite or an allergic reaction as well. With the right care and patience, this discomfort can be averted, since it is temporary.
Contact Nimmi Shine Dental to get all your dental needs met. Call us at (858) 999-8550 and book an appointment if you feel that your teeth are sensitive after a filling.
