New Filling...New Feelings?

Sometimes, a tooth feels sensitive after being treated for a cavity. A patient might feel some minor discomfort or tooth sensitivity. These feelings may last a few days or even a few weeks before completely going away.

A tooth can become temporarily sensitive after a filling due to the nature of the work, especially if the filling is large. A sensitive tooth will be agitated by common things and produce a quick feeling of a shock of coldness or a sudden pain that quickly dissipates. Factors that cause this include:

icy drinks or frozen desserts
hot drinks such as coffee, tea or cocoa
acidic drinks including juice or sodas
sugary foods
biting down while eating
air hitting the tooth while breathing in through the mouth, especially noticeable in winter

If your discomfort is minor, here are our recommendations:

avoid anything from the above list that causes sensitivity
use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
consider using a topical numbing ointment designed specifically for the mouth
use a toothbrush labeled for sensitive teeth
brush only using gentle, circular strokes on the teeth and gums (do not brush with back and forth motions)
avoid whitening toothpaste or products
rinse the mouth out with water after consuming acidic foods or drinks
avoid brushing the teeth after immediately eating acidic foods, as that could cause removal of enamel

Always call us at 908.236.9650 with any questions, but do contact us immediately if you have discomfort or sensitivity accompanied by either: fever, redness, or swelling. Also contact us if you are having a hard time eating or the sensitivity worsens. We are here to help keep your mouth healthy!