It’s common for individuals to experience sensitivity after a dental filling, which typically resolves within a few days or weeks. However, extreme pain or discomfort accompanied by symptoms like fever, redness, or swelling warrants immediate attention from a dentist.
Following a filling procedure, individuals may encounter temporary sensations in the filled tooth or surrounding area as they adjust to the restoration. These sensations can include numbness, tingling, itchiness, or swelling of the face, making activities like eating, swallowing, talking, or facial movements challenging for a few hours.
Dentists may advise avoiding eating or drinking for a few hours post-filling to prevent accidentally biting the tongue or cheek. As the numbing agent wears off, these temporary sensations subside. However, in the days and weeks following the procedure, individuals may notice new sensations, with sensitivity in the filled tooth being a common occurrence during this period.
Tooth sensitivity after a filling can manifest as a brief, uncomfortable sensation triggered by various stimuli such as cold or hot foods and drinks, air hitting the tooth, sugary or acidic substances, or biting down when eating.
Short-term sensitivity post-filling typically arises from inflammation of the tooth nerve aggravated during the filling procedure. Fillings, especially deep ones, may come into proximity with nerve endings, leading to irritation and discomfort. As the nerve heals, sensitivity diminishes over time, usually within a few days or weeks. Once the nerve fully heals, individuals should experience no discernible difference between the filled tooth and other teeth.
