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Aug 29, 2023
Cavities are a common problem that can affect any age group. Poor oral hygiene and wrong food choices are responsible for this ailment, which can cause sharp pain in the tooth.
Usually, dentists in Hope Island treat the problem by filling the holes and fissures created by the cavities in the teeth. Dental fillings are made from metals, porcelain or plastic and cover the openings in the teeth to avoid further damage.
The filling treatment requires numbing the affected tooth and removing the decayed part. The vacant space is then filled with the material deemed perfect for restoration.
Most people feel tooth sensitivity after the numbness fades, which is normal and subsides in a few days. Here is everything you need to know about tooth sensitivity after filling and ways to reduce it. These tips will help you relieve the discomfort and enjoy all types of foods easily.
How Fillings Cause Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity after filling can be caused because of the following reasons:
- Irritation of the Nerve
The nerve inside the tooth can become irritated because of a deep filling reaching the nerve's ends. The inflammation of the nerve leads to sensitivity while eating hot or cold foods and drinking beverages. It can take a few days for the inflammation to settle and the nerve to heal.
- Bite Alignment Problems
Although dentists Hope Island check the bite after filling, it can create some unevenness in the teeth. The asymmetry can affect the bite of the person and make them put extra pressure on the teeth while chewing. It can cause pain and sharp sensation in the affected tooth. In such circumstances, it is imperative to get the problem checked by the dentist.
- Pulpitis
Another reason for tooth sensitivity after filling is the inflammation of the tooth pulp during the removal of the decayed part. The pulp is the connective tissue that becomes inflamed, known as pulpitis.
An amateur dentist can also leave behind some of the decayed parts while drilling, which can affect the pulp and result in infection. If the pulp does not heal in a few days, the person has to undergo root canal treatment. Thus, it is necessary to visit an experienced dentist in Hope Island.
- Allergy towards the Filling Material
Dentists can use different materials for dental filling, such as gold, silver, porcelain, glass and tooth-coloured composite material. Some people can have an allergic reaction to the material used for the filling, which can lead to inflammation and sensitivity.
How to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity After Filling?
Tooth sensitivity is common after filling because the tooth undergoes drilling to remove decay and cover the crevices caused by cavities. Here is how the problem can be mitigated.
- Avoid Hot and Cold Foods and Drinks
Sensitivity is a sharp sensation in the teeth while consuming hot and cold foods and drinks. Avoiding food at extreme temperatures for a few days after the filling is better. All foods and drinks must be consumed at room temperature until the tooth is healed.
- Take Anti-Inflammatory Medicines
If you feel uncomfortable with your teeth' sudden sensitivity, you can ask your dentist to prescribe medicines. Usually, they suggest non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) and pain-relieving medicines, such as Ibuprofen. It helps to get rid of swelling, pain and redness.
- Stay Away From An Acidic Diet
Acidic foods like citric fruits, tomatoes, soda, dairy products, fruit juices, coffee, alcohol and processed meats should be avoided by people who have undergone dental filling recently. These foods can increase sensitivity because they lead to the depletion of the tooth enamel and expose the nerve of the tooth.
- Stop Using Teeth Whitening Products
Teeth whitening toothpaste and gels can aggravate sensitivity because they can be acidic and abrasive in nature. It is better to avoid these products after the filling until the sensitivity fades away.
Ask your dentist in Hope Island to prescribe toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help you get rid of the discomfort quickly. They can also suggest using a topical numbing ointment to provide relief from pain. If the sensitivity does not go away in a few weeks, you must get your teeth checked to identify the problem.
- Maintain Optimum Oral Hygiene
It is essential to take care of your dental hygiene at all times, but it becomes imperative after the filling. You must make sure that you are gentle while brushing to avoid hurting the treated tooth. Use gentle circular motions to clean all the surfaces.
Many people eat acidic foods and brush immediately afterwards to reduce their impact. However, it can lead to more damage because it leads to faster enamel erosion. So, you must wait for half an hour to brush. You can rinse your mouth with water to keep sensitivity at bay.
Wrapping Up
Tooth sensitivity after filling affects almost everyone. It can make eating and drinking your favourite foods and drinks challenging and painful. So use the tips mentioned above to get rid of the problem. If the problem persists, visit your dentist in Hope Island to get it examined and determine the cause of sensitivity.
