When the Tooth Hurts After A Filling

“Dear Doctor,

I was at your clinic yesterday for a filling. An old amalgam filling was removed and a small cavity was filled, despite the fact that I felt no pain. I was told that the cavity was not deep at all, but it still hurts when cold touches it, or when I bite down too hard. What can be done if my tooth still hurts? Is it normal? Thank you for your time,

Katherine”

When using tooth colored composite fillings, your teeth may remain sensitive for a short time. This is because of the chemical properties of the white fillings. The bonding agent works because a tiny bit of acid is used, it is left on your tooth, and the adhesive bonds with the tooth itself. The acid can get all the way into the dentine tubules, and this can cause pain when pressure or changes in temperature are applied. Dentine is a hard material, and this is why it regenerates slowly, thus the sensitivity may last quite long.

The fact that your tooth is only sensitive to cold and pressure is a good sign, and means that this sensitivity will most likely go away soon. The problem is when the tooth hurts all the time, or if it gets steadily worse over time, sometimes it can flare up due to something and remain painful as well. In these cases the decay is more extensive than previously thought, and the tooth cannot be saved with just a filling. In these cases, a root canal treatment is necessary, as the dentine and the internal structures will almost definitely have been affected. If you are unsure, go back to your dentist, and have them check the tooth out!

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