Tooth sensitivity after dental fillings is relatively common and typically nothing to be concerned about, especially if you had a deep cavity. Dental fillings are a standard dental treatment that helps save your natural teeth from further decay and possible extraction.
Australians aged 15 years and older had an average of 11.2 decayed, filled and missing teeth in 2018. The number of dental caries tends to increase with age, with those 75 and older having an average of 24.4 in 2018. Getting dental fillings is essential for maintaining your oral health, facial structure, confidence, and overall wellbeing.
Why Dental Fillings are Important for Your Health?
If you are a patient at Bright Dental Group, we know you probably have excellent hygiene habits. However, no matter how well you take care of your teeth, cavities occasionally occur.
Dental fillings treat the cavity and prevent more damage to your tooth and jawbone. If your tooth is left untreated, the decay spreads deeper inside the tooth and may lead to a root canal treatment, jawbone infection, or removal of the infected tooth. A gap in your smile can affect your speech, diet, and self-esteem.
Dental fillings are a straightforward procedure that is completed in one dental appointment. Modern technology and techniques mean you can have a tooth-coloured filling that seamlessly matches your existing teeth and restores your tooth’s strength, appearance, and function.
Tooth Sensitivity After Filling
Dental fillings may cause some short-term tooth sensitivity after a filling. Tooth sensitivity typically occurs when you eat or drink something hot or cold and usually subsides within a few days. However, if it lasts for several weeks, you may want to revisit your dentist to have your tooth evaluated. Common causes of tooth sensitivity after a filling include:
- Incorrect bite alignment: If you notice a problem with your bite, you may feel some pressure on the affected tooth. Your dentist can reshape the tooth, realigning your bite.
- Pulpitis: If you had a deep cavity, experienced tooth trauma, or the tooth has already had multiple restorations, your dental pulp may become inflamed and cause tooth sensitivity. This is known as reversible pulpitis and typically clears up on its own. However, if your gums start swelling or a pocket of pus (abscess) forms near the affected tooth, this is known as irreversible pulpitis that needs root canal therapy because the dental pulp is infected.
- Allergic reaction: While uncommon, some patients may have an allergic reaction to the material in dental fillings. Your dentist can redo the filling with a different material if this is the case. At Bright Dental Group, we use mercury-free composite white fillings to reduce the likelihood of an allergy.
- Multiple tooth surfaces: If you have different restoration materials in your mouth, you may experience tooth sensitivity when they touch. At Bright Dental Group, we can replace your old metal restorations with composite resin, porcelain, or ceramic for a natural-looking and sensitivity-free smile.
Post-Filling Tips
Getting dental fillings is a fast and simple process, but it isn’t unusual to feel discomfort afterwards, especially once the anaesthesia wears off. Try these tips to alleviate your tooth sensitivity after a filling: 
- Avoid hot, cold, sugary, and acidic foods and drinks for several hours after getting dental fillings
- Take over-the-counter medication if needed
- Chew or eat on the opposite side of your mouth
- Use toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth and gently brush the affected tooth using a soft-bristled toothbrush
Are You Experiencing Tooth Sensitivity?
If you have followed your dentist’s post-filling aftercare advice, but are still experiencing tooth sensitivity, call our practise on (02) 4708 9691 for a check-up. We can assess your tooth and address your tooth sensitivity.
References
Oral Health and Dental Care in Australia
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/oral-health-and-dental-care-in-australia/contents/healthy-teeth
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