Pain After Filling
If a tooth has become decayed, the decay needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Once the decay is removed, the tooth will need to be filled or repaired. One very popular option for the repair of a damaged tooth is a tooth filling.
What Is a Tooth Filling?
A tooth filling is exactly what it sounds like: it is a dental material that is placed to fill an area where a tooth has been damaged. While there are different forms of repair for tooth damage, fillings are used to restore the integrity of the tooth—maintaining a good portion of the natural tooth. Fillings replace the part of the tooth lost to tooth decay, fracture and/or infection.
Having a Filling Placed
Having a filling placed begins with a trip to the dentist. This may be due to a regularly scheduled checkup, or because a patient is experiencing pain or discomfort. By visiting a dentist every three to six months, a welll trained dentist and patient can detect decay early, so it can be removed.
The process of placing a filling often involves the use of a local anesthetic to numb the area. From there, the tooth decay is removed. Once the decay is fully removed, the dentist will etch the tooth to prepare it for the filling. The dentist will then layer on the resin (for most fillings). If a filling needs to be fabricated outside the mouth, a temporary filling may be placed. Once the finished filling is ready, it will be placed.
Should I Experience Pain Afterwards?
It is very common to experience slight pain after the placement of a dental filling. This pain should go away within a couple of days. If the pain persists, there may be something wrong with the tooth, or the bite on the filling. This is often due to the filling not being positioned properly.
Certain types of fillings also may shrink, which can cause pain.
How to Handle Pain After a Tooth Filling is Placed
If you are experiencing pain beyond the first couple of days after a filling is placed, you should contact your dentist. They will schedule a follow-up appointment with you, in which they take a look at the filling and see what the nature of the problem is. They will then make the proper adjustments to ensure the integrity of the filling, and to alleviate any pain after the tooth filling.
Keep in mind that temporary fillings are much more sensitive than permanent fillings. They are much easier to damage, which can in turn lead to pain and discomfort. Take good care of a temporary filling, and be extra cautious when eating, flossing, biting and brushing.
If you are experiencing pain in the tooth where the filling was placed, contact your dentist. If the procedure was completed a while ago and it has just started hurting, the tooth and nerve tissue inside may be compromised. Make sure to speak with your dentist as soon as possible if this is the case.
If you just had a filling placed, give it a couple of days for the pain to go away. If the pain persists, contact your dentist.
Contact Baer Dental Designs in Lone Tree, CO to schedule a checkup and/or to assess your tooth/dental filling needs.
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