Is the tooth filling you got months ago, hurting now? After you’ve gone through with the whole process and even forgotten about decay or perhaps even a chipped tooth that fillings were supposed to fix?
But why is there a dull ache when you bite down on food? A sharp pang when you sip a cold beverage. Why is it hurting now? Sounds like betrayal, doesn’t it?
The thing about dental fillings is that they don’t last forever. In other words, they are not a permanent fix. Some dental fillings hold up beautifully for years, with zero problems. Sometimes, they don’t – because unexpected problems can occur.
So there is a possibility that months down the line (after your initial dental filling treatment), when you’ve forgotten all about it, for it to act up.
Understanding why your tooth filling hurts months later is important for finding relief. Here are some of the most common reasons.
Is It Normal to Feel Pain Months After Getting Tooth Fillings?
It is not uncommon for some patients to experience pain after a filling. Some sensitivity and pain are expected over the next few days or 1-2 weeks.
What’s uncommon is this pain lasting for months or springing up after several months, which is why you shouldn’t ignore it. It could be something like nerve irritation, hidden decay, cracks or a bite that’s slightly off.
While it’s an unfortunate situation, they can be treated promptly.
What are the Reasons for Filled Tooth/Teeth to Hurt After Months
Nerve Inflammation
Deep fillings used to treat extensive tooth decay sit close to your dental pulp (a connective tissue which contains nerves, blood vessels and other cells). When it gets too close for comfort, the nerve can get irritated. You may feel it when you eat something hot or cold. Sometimes, this irritation can resolve on its own, but when it doesn’t, you may require a root canal treatment, which removes the damaged pulp.
Your Bite is Off
If your filling sits even just a fraction too high or is not shaped properly to match your natural bite, it can lead to uneven pressure on your teeth. While you may not notice it, every time you chew, your tooth begins to absorb more pressure than it should, which can cause discomfort. Not only does it affect the filled tooth, but it can also affect your surrounding teeth.
The good news is that this can be easily fixed by adjusting the filling.
Tooth Decay
If tooth decay is not fully addressed during the initial filling procedure, new decay can form around the edges of the filling. It happens quietly, causing damage that you can’t see or feel until much later.
In addition, it could be the result of unnoticed tooth decay or poor oral hygiene at home. The best way to catch this is by not missing your regular dental check-ups.
Allergic Reactions to Filling Material
While this is rare, it’s also not impossible. Some people react to certain materials, such as silver amalgam, resins and metals. When that happens, you may experience irritation, discomfort and swelling in the surrounding tissue.
If the material is the culprit, the solution is to replace the filling with a biocompatible material (mercury-free, metal-free dental restorative materials).
Exposed Dentin
If the dentin layer of your tooth (the layer of the tooth located just beneath the enamel) is irritated or exposed during the procedure, you may experience tooth sensitivity. The fillings can react to changes in temperature and it could occur even months after the filling is placed. If sensitivity persists, it’s important that you consult your dentist.
Gum Disease
While the filling itself is fine, there could be inflammation, recession or bleeding of the gums around it. This exposes the tooth’s root surface, which is extremely sensitive. Along with these symptoms, you might even notice bad breath that doesn’t go away, tenderness along the gumline or pain that flares when brushing.
It’s important to get it treated ASAP, because gum disease left unchecked can affect everything around it.
Cracked or Damaged Fillings
Years of chewing, crunching and grinding can sometimes result in a cracked or damaged filling. It creates spaces where food particles and bacteria can accumulate, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Infections
If bacteria are trapped beneath a filling or an abscess has formed where you can’t see or feel it, you may begin to experience throbbing pain and swelling. With infections, catching them early on can make a whole lot of difference because left unchecked, they can even enter your bloodstream and cause other health conditions like heart disease.
What Your Tooth Pain is Telling You
There can be different types of pain after fillings, and not all of them point to the same thing.
- A sharp stab when you bite down: This can occur if your filling sits a little too high. And when your teeth come together as you bite, that tooth absorbs all the pressure.
- A deep, throbbing ache: If you experience a deep, pulsing pain that just won’t quit, it usually means the nerve inside your tooth (the pulp) is irritated or damaged.
- A short, sharp twinge: You know this one – the one that reacts to temperature changes. While filling material conducts heat and cold differently than your natural teeth, it can also be masking something deeper.
- Pain that arises out of nowhere: This is the worst type. Why? It can appear when you are about to sleep at night or when you’re at work. This could be the result of a cracked filling, which creates tiny spaces where food particles and germs can accumulate, causing pain.
Solutions for Tooth Filling Pain After Months
Most of the time, the solution to teeth that hurt after months of filling is simple and fast. Dental treatments include:
- Getting your bite adjusted if it is off.
- Getting a root canal if your nerve is damaged.
- Managing sensitivity through solutions such as fluoride treatments, dental bonding or using a desensitising toothpaste.
In addition to the above, there are a few things you can do to manage your pain at home. While this doesn’t substitute professional treatment, it can help you ease the pain to some extent.
- Switch your toothpaste to a desensitising one. Use it twice daily and let it sit on your teeth after brushing without rinsing it off immediately.
- Avoid eating or drinking scalding or cold foods and drinks when your nerves are already irritated.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid further gum irritation when brushing.
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to reduce inflammation and to keep the area clean.
Want to learn more about how you can manage pain after dental fillings? Contact us at Ashgrove Dental today.
