For cavities, the dentist usually performs a filling treatment by removing the damaged part of the tooth to finally fill it with a specific material: a filling. It is possible to have increased sensitivity after this procedure, especially when brushing your teeth or when you eat food that is too hot or too cold. Here are some tips to minimize these sensitivities.
The different types of fillings
There are 3 types of “fillings”:
- The amalgam (or “gray filling”): composed of an alloy of mercury (more than 50%), silver, copper, and tin, it used to be the most common type of filling. It was appreciated for its strength, waterproofness, low cost, and durability, but is considered unattractive and potentially toxic (due to the presence of mercury).
- The composite (or “white filling”): it consists of a resin imitating the color of the enamel. It is, therefore, more aesthetic and does not contain mercury, but can easily be stained by certain substances (coffee, wine, tobacco, etc.).
- The ceramics: aesthetic, imitates enamel well by its hardness and aesthetics, it is the best material to replace a tooth that has been damaged. It is also more expensive than regular fillings.
No matter what filling or fillings your dentist has applied to your tooth, sensitivities may occur after the procedure.
Postoperative Pain
Sometimes there is slight pain for a few days following the restoration of the tooth. Indeed, during the procedure, your teeth, jaw and even your gums undergo trauma and when your sensations return after the anaesthesia wears off, some sensitivity can remain.
This hypersensitivity is not alarming and can be relieved by taking painkillers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). It is not recommended to take aspirin which will thin your blood unnecessarily…
Be careful, clove is a potent antiseptic and anaesthetic and without proper use, it can hurt the gums more than help them. Although OTC, natural products and essential oils are not to be taken lightly, as they are powerful products that can affect your oral and overall health or cause undesirable interactions with drugs that you may already be taking. Please consult a qualified professional aware of your oral health before using them.
To decrease sensitivity, wash or brush your teeth with an ultra-soft brush and desensitizing toothpaste. Several products on the market can help to decrease sensitivity (such as, Xpur Remin, MI paste, etc.), you can apply the paste on the tooth just like a beauty cream! You can ask us what the best product is for your condition. Do not gargle to keep the product on the tooth. For an optimal and lasting result, the application must be repeated at least once a day for 3 weeks.
Sensitivity to Temperature Changes
You may feel discomfort with hot or cold foods because the nerves are particularly sensitive after getting a tooth filling. Also, know that temperatures that are too extreme can dilate or contract a gray filling if you have one in your mouth. Lukewarm food is better if this is the case.
Sensitivity While Chewing
It is common to experience pain when pressure is applied on the recently filled tooth, especially while chewing. In this case, pain relievers can help you.
Some people will prefer foods that are easy to chew (neither too hard nor too sticky) and preferably use the side of the mouth opposite to the filling. In general, avoid clenching your jaw.
However, this type of pain must be temporary. If you’re still in pain while chewing after three days, go back to your dentist so he can make any needed adjustments to your filling. Indeed, because of anaesthesia, properly adjusting the height of the filling can sometimes be complicated. A second intervention performed without anaesthesia may then be necessary to do the final touch.
Twinging or Pulsating Sensation
If you have a twinging or pulsating sensation in your tooth, consult your dentist immediately. It can be an inflammation of the nerve, related to a cavity that is deep or close to the nerve. In this case, prompt treatment is imperative to prevent the pain from intensifying.
It is normal to feel some discomfort in the days following a tooth filling. To avoid this, some precautions can be taken but if your pain persists beyond a week, consult your dentist. For some people, sensitivity to temperature changes can last for up to 6 months.
Dentistes REMA will welcome you and gladly accompany you in your dental assessment by establishing the best diagnosis related to your condition.