Tooth Pain After Filling
Cavities can be painful. They can cause pain in the tooth and the gums, and the amount of pain is related to the extent of the damage of the tooth. One of the most common treatments for cavities or broken teeth are tooth fillings. If you are in need of a filling, you may be wondering what the pain will be like after the filling is installed. Read on to learn more about tooth fillings and the pain associated with them.
What are tooth fillings?
Tooth fillings are temporary or permanent structures installed in the mouth to restore damaged teeth. They are temporary if the case requires more work to be done at a later date and the dentist intends to replace it with a permanent filling. They are permanent when the tooth filling is installed with the intent of lasting the lifetime of the tooth. The primary goal of a tooth filling is to fill in the space caused by cavities or decay in the tooth. Dental fillings can be made from various materials including porcelain, dental amalgam, and composite resin and they are made to match the color of the tooth.
Can tooth fillings cause pain?
One of the primary purposes of a tooth filling is to relieve pain in the tooth from the damage that has been done to it, but it is not uncommon for tooth fillings to cause some pain after they’re installed. A few reasons why a person might experience tooth pain after a filling include:
- Sensitivity in the tooth: Teeth that are damaged are inherently more sensitive than healthy teeth. Therefore, the filling and the damage are happening at similar times, so it is normal for there to be tooth sensitivity after a filling is installed. This is not necessarily related to the filling, but more so is related to the damage. Foods and drinks that very hot or very cold can cause discomfort in these cases. The sensitivity should clear up in a few days in these cases and if not, you should speak to your dentist.
- Improper fit of the filling: If the filling that is installed in the damaged tooth does not fit properly it can cause pain after it is installed. Dentists go to great lengths to ensure that the tooth filling fits the tooth properly, but in some cases, it might not. If you think your filling does not fit properly, speak with your dentist.
- Cracked fillings: Sometimes the filling can become cracked from the force of biting or from a trauma to the mouth. This is especially true immediately after the filling is installed and can cause pain in the tooth. If you have a cracked filling, see your dentist right away.
- Allergic reactions to the filling: In rare cases, a person may have an allergic reaction to the materials in the filling. It is important to tell you dentist about any allergies that you have prior to the filling being installed so they can pick the right material for you.
In most cases, pain after a tooth filling can be treated with pain medication and lifestyle changes. If you have severe pain after a tooth filling, contact your dentist right away.