When a person has a cavity in their tooth, the chances are that the dentist will recommend dental filling for them. Dental filling is very safe, effective and prevents tooth decay. However, most of the times, patients experience throbbing pain and sensitivity that will go away within a few days or weeks. A person should seek immediate attention from their dentist if there is extreme pain, or if the discomfort is associated with other symptoms such as fever, swelling, and redness. This article will take a look at the reason why one experiences throbbing pain and sensitivity after dental filling and how to deal with the issue.
What is Dental Filling?
Dental filling is a common way used by dentists to treat cavities, which are small holes in the enamel that can later result in tooth decay if not treated. During the filling, the dentist uses a substance such as an amalgam or composite to fill the holes. This is done after the dentist has cleaned away any decay from the tooth. While this is a very simple dental procedure, it leaves many people with throbbing pain and sensitivity.
What to Expect After the Filling
During the procedure, the dentist will always numb the area around the affected tooth to avoid any pain and discomfort. You will probably not feel any pain within the first hour after the procedure. You might start noticing some unusual sensation in your mouth once the numbness wears off. These include:
- Tenderness in your gums
- Pain in your teeth, especially when taking hot or cold foods and beverages and breathing cold air
- Pain when clenching
- Pain in the teeth surrounding the filling
What Causes Throbbing Pain and Sensitivity After a Dental Filling?
In most cases, throbbing pain and sensitivity are normal and temporary after a dental filling. However, the pain and sensitivity may be due to other causes that might require attention from the dentist. Here are some of the causes:
- An Irritated Nerve
One may experience short term nerve sensitivity because the filling has aggravated a nerve or has caused inflammation in the nerve inside the tooth. The tooth structure consists of several layers; the outer one is the enamel, followed by the dentine and then the pulp, which contains nerve endings. Sometimes the filling can come close to the nerve ending and cause some irritation. However, as the tooth heals, the throbbing pain and sensitivity will slowly go away.
- Incorrect Bite
The dentist needs to make sure that the filling is in line with other teeth in the mouth. If the tooth is taller than the others, it can cause some extra pressure while biting down. This can cause pain and severe sensitivity. It is normal to feel some pain and sensitivity while biting down, which wears off after some time, but if the pain is unbearable, make sure you visit your dentist right away.
Conclusion
Throbbing pain and minor sensitivity should not be the cause of alarm after a dental filling. In most cases, the discomfort will wear off after some few days or weeks. However, you should see a dentist right away in case the pain and sensitivity worsens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A tooth may throb after a filling because the nerve inside the tooth becomes irritated during the procedure. This is normal and usually settles within a few days.
Yes. Mild to moderate throbbing pain after a filling is common. It happens as the tooth heals from the cavity removal and filling placement.
This may be due to an incorrect bite. If the filling is slightly too high, extra pressure on the tooth can cause throbbing pain when chewing.
Throbbing pain two weeks after a filling may be due to deeper nerve irritation, a high filling, or an undetected infection. A dentist should check it if pain persists.
Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold is common after a filling. It occurs because the dentin layer and nerve were exposed or irritated during treatment.
Yes. Most filling throbbing pain improves on its own within a few days. The nerve needs time to calm down after the procedure.
If you feel sharp pain when biting, difficulty closing your mouth, or pressure on one tooth, the filling may be too high and needs adjustment.
If the pain worsens over time instead of improving, it could indicate a problem with the filling, nerve inflammation, or infection. Visit your dentist immediately.
In most cases, pain after dental filling lasts a few days to one week. If discomfort continues beyond two weeks or worsens, it’s best to have the filling checked.
You should see a dentist if pain is severe, lasts longer than two weeks, or affects daily activities. Book an appointment promptly to prevent further complications.