Dental fillings are typically used to replace missing tooth structures. Generally, they are used to treat enamel defects caused by decay, trauma, or previous restorations.
Is Prolonged Soreness Common After a Dental Filling? What You Need To Know
What if there is severe pain following a filling, or if a prolonged soreness persists? How about a temporary soreness that returns? In this article, we'll discuss what to expect after a dental filling, and when you should call your dentist.
Dentists Commonly Perform Dental Filling Procedures
Fillings are used to treat cavities in the mouth. To stop decay and strengthen the tooth, a cavity filling is a straightforward procedure. The procedure can be repeated for multiple cavities in one visit. Dentists select the most suitable dental filling material from several different materials available.
How is a Dental Filling Done?
To numb the area surrounding the tooth, a local anesthetic (usually Novocaine) is injected. Before the affected area becomes numb, patients usually experience a pin prick-like sensation.
The decayed parts of the tooth are ground away by the dentist once the area has been numbed. The tooth is then cleaned and filled with filling material. To ensure that the filling does not affect the patient's bite, the tooth is polished and filed.
There is usually no need for follow-up visits after the treatment, and the patient can resume normal activities.
What To Expect After a Filling
After a filling, some discomfort is to be expected, especially in the first few hours. Once the local anesthetic wears off, you may feel tingling and even twitching.
When the pain does not diminish within a few hours, then there may be a problem with the affected tooth. Occasionally, the pain subsides and then returns. This often means the cavities may have been larger than previously thought, or there may be decay around the filling.
Similarly, the area around the filled tooth may also be sensitive to hot and cold liquids for a short time after the procedure. An uncomfortable sharp pain is usually felt in the sensitive area of the filling. It could mean that there is something wrong with the filling if the pain lingers or if the sensitivity persists after a week.
Reducing Pain
The procedure of placing a filling can occasionally result in complications, even though it is a common one. To reduce the pain caused by fillings, patients can take a variety of steps. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen, both available over the counter, can help relieve pain. Cold compresses can also be helpful.
If the home remedies listed above do not alleviate severe pain after a dental filling, individuals should consult their dentist. A dentist may have to redo the filling or find other treatment options to relieve the pain.
Finding a trusted dental office is crucial to exceptional oral health. Brookmere Dental Group has over 20 years of experience. Contact us today to make an appointment with our Vancouver area lead dentist.
