One common reason for pain in a tooth after you get a filling is that the filling isn't positioned quite right, and it's interfering with your bite. A filling that is too high can cause malocclusion, which prevents the teeth from fitting together correctly when you bite down. Your dentist can adjust the height of your filling so that you can bite down with comfort and ease.
The type of filling your dentist used can also cause sensitivity or discomfort in the tooth. For example, sensitivity is fairly common when a composite resin material is used in the filling and may result from the filling shrinking slightly and creating a gap beneath it. There are many ways to cope with or eliminate sensitivity due to a composite filling, from using a different material or changing the method used to place the filling.
Galvanic shock occurs when adjacent fillings composed of different metals (one of gold and the other made of amalgam) touch and produce an electric current; however, this situation is rare.
If an inflamed nerve or an exposed pulp is behind your discomfort, your options might be to have a root canal or for the dentist to remove the damaged tooth and replace it with an implant or bridge.
Keep in mind that your new filling may also be aggravated by hot, cold or sweet food and beverages, air and pressure from chewing. These sensitivities should subside in a week or two. If it doesn't, schedule a return visit to your dentist. They may refer you to a dental specialist known as an endodontist. The Indian Dental Association explains that an endodontist is a dentist who specialises in the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the human dental pulp or the nerve of the tooth, and a root canal requires one or more office visits and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist. The Indian Dental Association further explains that a root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.
The goal of getting a filling is to correct tooth decay or cavities and ease any discomfort. But if it's been a week since your filling and you're still feeling pain when you bite down, eat or even just by opening mouth. The best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. He or she will be able to pinpoint and correct the issue.
If you want to avoid cavities in the first place, establish a great oral care routine at home.
Preventive care is always best, but once you need a filing, seek your dentist's help to plan your next steps.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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