Feeling sensitivity or a high spot when biting right after a filling makes many people worry that something is wrong. Most of the time it is a temporary reaction, but a few signs mean you should return early.
- Mild sensitivity to heat and cold after a filling is common and eases after a few days up to a week or two.
- A high or painful spot when biting may mean the filling is slightly high and is easily adjusted.
- Spontaneous pain, lasting pain, night pain or a swollen gum needs an early return visit.
- Keeping teeth clean, cleaning between them and having regular check-ups helps the filling last.
A filling means cleaning out the decayed part and closing the space with a filling material. During this the tooth can be irritated, so some discomfort afterwards is common.
Is sensitivity after a filling normal?
Mild sensitivity to heat, cold or biting is common for a few days up to a week or two, especially when the cavity was fairly deep. The feeling eases over time. While you wait, you can:
- Avoid very hot, very cold or very sour food for now.
- Brush gently with a soft brush.
- Go easy on hard food on the side that was filled, as the dentist advises.
Pain when biting: the filling may be high
If, when you bite down, that tooth touches before the others, or it hurts or feels high when chewing, the filling may be slightly too high. This is easy to deal with. Go back so the dentist can adjust it to fit your bite, and do not put up with it or try to chew until you get used to it.
When should you go back early?
- Spontaneous pain, sharp pain or pain that lingers after hot or cold is gone.
- Pain at night or pain that grows day by day. See why a toothache gets worse at night.
- Swollen gum around the tooth, or a pimple with pus.
- The filling has fallen out, chipped or opened. See what to do if a filling falls out.
Spontaneous or lasting pain may show that the pulp of the tooth is affected, which needs the dentist to examine and deal with it. See how to tell whether decay has reached the pulp.
Keeping the filling lasting
Keep your teeth well cleaned, clean between them and have regular check-ups. General information about fillings is in does a filling hurt. You can visit in person during working hours at 266A - 268, Đường 3 Tháng 2, Phường Hòa Hưng, Ho Chi Minh City, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 (Zalo 082.299.3377) to ask about quieter hours.
Frequently asked questions
How long does sensitivity last after a filling?
It usually eases after a few days up to a week or two, especially when the cavity was fairly deep. If it lasts, grows or becomes spontaneous pain, go back to be checked.
My filling feels high and hurts when I bite. Is that a problem?
The filling may be slightly too high. Go back so the dentist can adjust it to fit your bite, and do not put up with it or try to chew until you get used to it.
When is pain after a filling a warning sign?
When there is spontaneous pain, sharp pain, pain that lingers after hot or cold is gone, pain at night, or a swollen gum with pus, because the pulp may be affected.