Dental fillings are the most common and effective way to treat cavities, tooth wear and tear, and minor chips. Modern dental fillings are typically made from powdered glass and acrylic resin and can be carefully shaped and moulded to the tooth. This prevents bacteria or food particles from causing oral infections or contributing to further tooth decay. While a tooth filling procedure is straightforward, patients often experience normal post-filling sensitivity.
Once the local anaesthetic or numbing agent wears off, you may notice your teeth are sensitive after fillings. This sensitivity is usually temporary. Sensitivity after a filling can last anywhere from a couple of days to four weeks and is treatable using a combination of medication and good oral hygiene.
Experiencing prolonged discomfort or extended sensitivity after dental fillings can indicate that you have an infection or nerve damage that requires treatment. If your teeth are sensitive after fillings, book a follow-up appointment at Available Dental Care. Our experienced dental team can examine your fillings to determine the cause of the sensitivity and provide you with treatment.
The Tooth Filling Procedure
At Available Dental Care, we offer mercury-free dental fillings. The tooth filling procedure involves three key steps. The first step is to numb the contact area of your mouth, ensuring you’re kept comfortable throughout the procedure. We use our patented Vibraject technology for injections to minimise discomfort.
Once the powerful numbing agent takes effect, we remove decay and any damaged tooth structure. To finish the procedure, we layer the gaps in the tooth with composite resin filling and use a curing light to harden each layer. We then shape the filling to give the tooth a natural appearance and restore bite function.
-
Available Dental Care CEREC Technology
Inlays are created as a solid piece of ceramic, designed to fit the specific size and shape of the cavity. They are inserted using dental cement for a secure fit. Onlays are fabricated similarly but fit over the tooth’s cusp, protecting the damaged area from further decay.
Why Dental Fillings May Cause Tooth Sensitivity?
If your teeth are sensitive after fillings, there may be several causes, including:
-
Irritated Nerve
Normal post-filling sensitivity is usually felt because the procedure has aggravated a nerve or caused inflammation within the tooth. Enamel and the outer layers of a tooth protect the nerve. Deep dental fillings are often placed near nerve endings, which may cause temporary sensitivity. This usually dissipates once the nerve heals.
-
Pulpitis
Pulp is the tissue situated inside your teeth. It’s made up of nerves, blood cells and stores vital nutrients that help develop teeth. Sometimes, drilling during the filling procedure causes pulp inflammation, leading to temporary sensitivity. If all the decayed material has not been removed from the cavity, this can also lead to a pulp infection. Pulp infections may require root canal treatment.
-
Bite Misalignment
If a filling is not correctly shaped to your tooth, it may cause bite misalignment, putting extra pressure on the affected area when you close your mouth. Your dentist can re-shape your filling to create a more natural bite pattern.
-
Allergic Reactions to Tooth Filling Procedure
If your teeth are sensitive after fillings, it may be due to a metal allergy. Some dentists use dental fillings made from gold alloy or amalgam, which contain a small amount of mercury. If you have a metal allergy that is causing you discomfort, we can replace your metal fillings with hypoallergenic white composite resin or CEREC inlays and onlays.
How to Treat Sensitivity After a Filling?
Depending on the cause of your sensitivity, there are several ways to treat sensitivity after a filling. At Available Dental Care, we recommend booking a consultation with one of our experienced dentists. Using the latest dental technology and equipment, we can accurately diagnose the cause of your discomfort before recommending a course of action.
To minimise sensitivity after a filling, avoid consuming hot, cold, or acidic food and drinks. You can use desensitising toothpaste when brushing and take over-the-counter medications to reduce discomfort.
If you experience persistent sensitivity, call Available Dental Care for a follow-up exam. We can help determine the cause of the sensitivity and address the issue by adjusting or replacing your filling or performing a root canal procedure if needed.
Visit Available Dental Care For Quality Treatment
If you need dental fillings or require treatment for tooth sensitivity, book an appointment online or give us a call at (02) 4062 8763. Our practice is open 7-days a week, so you can receive dental care when you need it.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.