Tooth Pain After Filling

If you have a sore tooth that is causing you discomfort, you may have a cavity. In order to diagnose the ailment, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you see your dentist, the sooner you can have the issue treated and experience relief from the pain.

If it turns out that the source of the discomfort is a cavity, there is a strong likelihood that your dentist will restore the area that is damaged by tooth decay with a tooth filling.

What Are Tooth Fillings?

Tooth fillings are dental repair appliances that restore the integrity of a tooth that has been damaged either due to decay or injury. Tooth fillings return the functionality of a tooth, and allow patients to bite and chew without pain and discomfort.

The Tooth Filling Placement Process

In order to have a tooth filling placed, any tooth decay first needs to be removed. This process begins with the dentist numbing the area. From there, they will clear away any decay. Once the decay has been removed, the dentist will etch the damaged tooth with an acid gel to prepare it for a filling. If a patient has chosen a tooth filling material that can be placed same day, the dentist will place the material and harden it in place. From there, the tooth will be polished.

If the patient has chosen a material that needs to be fabricated, a temporary filling will be placed. Once the permanent tooth filling is ready, an appointment can be set to place the permanent filling.

Pain After Tooth Filling Placement (and Pain Relief)

It is completely normal to feel a level of discomfort after a filling has been placed. The tooth will be quite sensitive, especially to hot and cold foods. Because of this, it’s best to avoid these foods until the sensitivity subsides. It’s also important to continue to practice good oral health—although you may need to be more gentle while the tooth is in pain. In order to relieve the pain, over-the-counter pain medication can be used.

Persistent Pain

If the pain persists or starts to become unbearable, there may be something wrong with the filling. Sometimes a filling will become loose, or sustain damage. If this is the case, an appointment needs to be set with your dentist to repair the damaged filling. Some patients are also allergic to certain materials. If your dentist finds that you are allergic to the material used in your filling, they will suggest alternative materials.

Aftercare

While fillings don’t really require any specific aftercare, it is important to continue to take care of your oral health after a filling has been placed. While the filling itself is artificial, it is still attached to a healthy, natural tooth. This natural tooth can still become infected.

In order to avoid tooth decay in the tooth with the filling or any of your other teeth, make sure to brush, floss and rinse at least twice a day. Take good care of your oral health to avoid cavities and the need for tooth fillings.

Contact West Mobile Dental Care in Mobile, AL for more information about Dental / Tooth Fillings.

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