Tooth Pain and Sensitivity Before or After Filling Cavities

Dental fillings are among the most common ways to relieve cavity pain. Here’s a basic overview of what to expect during a filling procedure:

• Numbness: The first thing your dental professional will do is numb the area of the cavity.
• Cleaning: Once the area is numb, the decayed part of the tooth is removed.
• Filling: The final step in cavity pain relief—a filling made from the material of your choice is placed.

Fillings are used to replace the decayed area of a tooth, reducing the pain associated with the cavity itself. But tooth pain after filling a tooth is not unusual. Some common reasons for tooth pain after a filling include:

• Tooth sensitivity: A tooth that has just had a filling placed will be more sensitive to hot foods and cold foods, air temperature, and the pressure of biting. This type of tooth pain after filling a cavity should resolve within a few days to a few weeks. If not, contact your dental professional.
• Cracked or loose tooth fillings: Tooth pain after filling a cavity can occur if the filling is not fitting properly to the tooth, or if it develops cracks. If you suspect that your tooth pain is caused by a cracked or ill-fitting filling, contact your dental professional.
• Allergic reaction to tooth fillings: Some people have allergic reactions to the material used for their fillings, such as silver. To help avoid tooth pain after filling a cavity, be sure to tell your dental professional about any allergies when discussing your filling choices.

When you have a dental procedure, you may experience some pain or discomfort afterwards. Sensitivity is common after many dental procedures, whether it is something as simple as a cavity filling or as complicated as gum surgery. To help reduce your risk of tooth pain after filling a cavity try avoiding common triggers of tooth sensitivity, such as very hot or cold foods or drinks.

If the tooth pain persists or becomes more severe, speak to your dental professional right away to identify the underlying cause of your toothache and for more tailored routine recommendations.

Whether you suffer from short-term tooth pain after receiving a filling or long-term sensitive teeth, it is important to take proper care of your smile with a complete oral care routine. For a gentle yet effective clean try:

• Gentle Brushing: Consider the award-winning Oral-B iO9 Electric Toothbrush, which comes equipped with Sensitive and Super Sensitive brushing modes for a gentler clean that will not aggravate sensitive teeth.
• Soft Flossing: Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus Mint Floss is extra soft and gentle on sensitive gums for a more comfortable, daily interdental clean.
• Sensitivity Protection: Brush twice-daily with Crest Pro-Health Sensitive & Gum All Day Protection Toothpaste, which starts to soothe immediately for lasting relief while helping to fight plaque, gingivitis, and cavities.