If your teeth are sensitive very soon after getting fillings, this is to be expected.
That’s because this naturally sensitive area of the mouth was manipulated by the dentist.
Some post-procedure soreness or sensitivity is quite normal — as long as it goes away fairly quickly.
However, what if this problem persists for days after the procedure?
What’s causing this?
“Fillings today are more commonly tooth colored and not the metal fillings that were traditionally placed years ago,” says Donald R. Tanenbaum, DDS, MPH, a board certified TMJ and orofacial pain specialist, and author of “Doctor, Why Does My Face Still Ache.”
Dr. Tanenbaum explains, “In the placement process of tooth colored (resin) fillings, there are a number of steps that may cause transient sensitivity.
“This can include the chemical agents that allow for bonding (adhesion) of the resin to the tooth, the drying of the tooth before the filling is placed, and the trauma to the tooth that occurs when cutting the preparation.
“These factors can produce short-term sensitivity of a couple of days and are commonplace.
“Also, a filling that is left a bit high can produce some sensitivity, especially when exposed to cold fluids. This will resolve when the filling is adjusted.”
In the meantime to avoid the discomfort, you should eat soft foods and avoid cold foods (even if they’re soft), and also stay away from foods that are typically piping hot like soup, rice, pizza or other hot cheesy foods, and coffee from a fast-food diner.
Dr. Tanenbaum’s practice focuses on facial pain, TMJ disorder and sleep-related breathing disorders. He is the past president of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain and takes a multidisciplinary approach to his patients’ care.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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