{"id":209,"date":"2019-09-25T17:34:57","date_gmt":"2019-09-25T17:34:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.longmontcompletedentistry.com\/blog\/?p=209"},"modified":"2019-10-14T17:35:10","modified_gmt":"2019-10-14T17:35:10","slug":"ask-your-dentist-is-my-tooth-supposed-to-hurt-after-a-filling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.longmontcompletedentistry.com\/blog\/2019\/09\/25\/ask-your-dentist-is-my-tooth-supposed-to-hurt-after-a-filling\/","title":{"rendered":"Ask Your Dentist: \u201cIs My Tooth Supposed to Hurt After a Filling?\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Woman<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you need a\nfilling from your dentist to save your tooth from decay, chances are you\u2019ll\ndeal with some discomfort or tooth sensitivity for a few days after the procedure.\nWhile you might have concerns at first, there\u2019s no need to worry; in most\ncases, this pain is normal and will go away on its own. In the meantime, it\u2019s\nimportant to understand what to expect in the days after getting a filling and\nhow you can take care of a sensitive tooth \u2013 as well as how to tell the\ndifference between normal pain and a symptom of a genuine issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Happens After a Filling?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The area around your tooth will be numbed during the\nprocedure. That numbness may remain for a few hours afterwards, causing your\nface to feel tingly, itchy or puffy; you might have trouble swallowing and talking.\nUntil the sensation wears off, it\u2019s usually recommended not to eat so that you\ndon\u2019t accidentally bite your tongue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the numbness goes away, you might notice sensitivity around\nthe treated tooth. This means that consuming certain foods and drinks might\ncause a sudden pain; this includes especially hot or cold foods and beverages,\nsugar, and anything acidic. Air hitting the tooth when you breathe through your\nmouth can also be uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is the Tooth Sensitive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most of the time, the sensitivity is simply a side effect of\nthe tooth\u2019s nerve becoming inflamed after the treatment. This is because the\nfillings are usually placed close to the nerve endings, which can be uncomfortable\nat first. The pain should go away after a few days or weeks after the nerve\nheals; at that point, your tooth should feel normal again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if the sensitivity is severe and\/or is accompanied\nby difficulty putting the teeth together, it could be due to a bite problem\ncaused by a filling that\u2019s too tall. Also, in certain cases the inflammation\nmight have spread to the tooth\u2019s pulp; this is called pulpitis, and severe\ncases of it might cause fever, redness and swelling. Call your dentist right\naway if you\u2019re noticing troublesome symptoms beyond what would normally be\nexpected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Treat a Sensitive Tooth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For normal sensitivity after a filling, your dentist might recommend\na special desensitizing toothpaste that will help provide relief after several\ndays of use. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can also help. You\ncan also help your pearly whites by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n