Experiencing some level of discomfort after getting a dental filling is not uncommon, and it's a question many patients at 208 Dental have. While post-operative sensitivity is typically minimal, it largely depends on various factors like the depth of the filling and your individual oral health.
Thanks to modern advancements in dentistry, the intensity of this discomfort has lessened over the years. At 208 Dental, Meridian dentist Dr. Goettsche and his team are committed to using the best materials and techniques available, ensuring that any post-op sensitivity is as minimal as possible.
How Long Should a Tooth Hurt After a Filling?
After getting a filling, it's quite normal to experience some sensitivity in the affected tooth. This sensitivity usually manifests as a brief reaction to temperature changes, particularly with cold foods or drinks. The discomfort is generally short-lived, resolving itself within a few days, though it can occasionally last up to a few weeks.
The depth of the filling plays a significant role here—the closer the filling is to the nerve, the more likely you are to experience postoperative discomfort. As the nerve heals, this pain typically diminishes and eventually disappears.
Additionally, if the filling is near or below the gum line, or between teeth, the surrounding gum tissue may feel tender for up to a few days. This type of gum soreness is often temporary and can be effectively soothed with warm salt water rinses. Some patients might also feel a bit of soreness at the site of the anesthetic injection, but this too usually fades away within a few days.
When Is Filling Pain Concerning?
While some discomfort after a filling is normal, certain types of pain should prompt you to come back and see Dr. Goettsche. One key aspect to be mindful of is how your bite feels post-filling. Before leaving the chair, we check your bite to ensure nothing is misaligned. But if you notice discomfort or that your bite feels off after the numbness wears off, it may require an adjustment.
While extremely uncommon, another concern arises if you detect sharp or rough edges on the filled tooth that were not noticeable while numb; this situation calls for an immediate visit to 208 Dental for re-polishing.
If the pain presents itself as more of an achy, lingering type pain this is more concerning and you will want to get into your dentist for an eval as soon as possible. While this could be as simple as a bite adjustment and giving the nerve more time to meal, this can also indicate the tooth is in need of a root canal. Dr. Goettsche will need to evaluate the tooth prior to making any treatment recommendations.
What to Do After Getting a Filling?
After receiving a dental filling, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery. At 208 Dental, we advise our patients to be cautious immediately following the procedure:
Dietary Precautions: Until the anesthetic completely wears off, it's best to avoid eating to prevent accidental biting of the lips, cheek, or tongue. If you're hungry, consider having a smoothie or milkshake as a temporary alternative.
Child Supervision: For children who have received treatment, it’s crucial to monitor their actions closely. The numbness might lead them to unintentionally bite or squeeze their lips, cheeks, or tongue, mainly out of curiosity.. Should they bite these areas and produce a minimal amount of trauma, use a damp cloth to apply mild pressure for bleeding, and ice packs to reduce swelling. However, if more damage has occurred, please contact our office for an immediate evaluation.
Resuming Normal Diet: You can resume your regular diet, but it may be more comfortable to eat soft foods or chew on the other side for the first 24 hours. Although composite fillings cure immediately, the treated tooth may be sensitive, so eat whatever feels comfortable.
Oral Hygiene: Continue your normal brushing and flossing routine, but be gentle with the treated tooth and surrounding gums for the first 24-48 hours, as they might be sore. If using an electric toothbrush, consider manually brushing the sensitive area.
Salt Water Rinses: To reduce soreness in the gum tissue, rinse with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt per one cup of water) several times a day for the first few days. If you have been prescribed a specific mouthwash, use it as directed, but you can also continue with warm salt water rinses as needed.
Pain Management: If you experience pain or soreness, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful, unless you have allergies or specific medical reasons to avoid them.
Contact 208 Dental in Meridian for Dental Fillings
Whether you're a new patient looking for a change in dentists, or you recently moved to the Meridian area, we're here to meet all your dental needs. Schedule your appointment online and join our family of satisfied patients. You can easily book online, call us, or even send a text at (208) 501-8860. Let us be a part of your journey to a healthier, brighter smile. Your smile deserves the best care, and we're here to provide just that!
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