Tooth Sensitivity After Filling

If you have suffered damage to your tooth due to injury, or you have a cavity, you may be in need of a tooth filling. Luckily, tooth fillings are affordable and allow for an excellent level of support for the tooth that is being repaired. Patients will often find that they don’t notice their tooth filling at all, and that they are able to bite and chew their favorite foods without any discomfort or fear.

If a cavity is not taken care of early enough, though, and the decay is allowed to continue to get worse, a more intensive repair option may be necessary. At a certain point, the tooth may need to be extracted. Because of this, it is important to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning to catch any tooth decay in its earliest stages, and to have a tooth filling placed.

What Is the Tooth Filling Process?

The process of having a tooth filling placed begins with a trip to the dentist for a checkup or consultation. If you are experiencing any discomfort in a tooth, you may decide to see your dentist between visits. Otherwise, your dentist will check your teeth during your routine checkup.

If they notice tooth decay, they will begin the process of clearing away the decay. Once the decay is removed, they will prepare the tooth and will likely place the tooth filling that day. There are certain materials that tooth fillings can be made from that can’t be placed the same day, and instead need to be manufactured. If this is the case, your dentist will provide you with a temporary filling.

Is Sensitivity After the Filling Placement Process Normal?

It is completely normal to feel some sensitivity after a tooth filling is placed. This sensitivity will often occur with hot or cold foods, or with harder foods. Because of this, a patient should stick to softer foods for a couple of days until the area heals. Swelling is also normal after a tooth filling procedure.

If the sensitivity or pain lasts more than a couple of days, contact your dentist. Your filling may be loose or damaged. You also may be having an allergic reaction to the specific material that is being used. If this is the case, your dentist will replace the filling with a different material.

Aftercare

While your filling will eventually become practically unnoticeable, it will be uncomfortable after the procedure. In order to reduce this discomfort, over-the-counter pain medication can be used. You also can use a cold compress for 15 minutes on and off.

In order to avoid any future decay to the recently repaired tooth or any other teeth, make sure to brush, floss and rinse every day, twice a day. Also make sure to visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup. If you have recently had a filling placed and you have any further questions, contact your dentist.

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

More Information on Fillings : Tooth Pain After Dental Fillings