Tooth Sensitivity After Dental Filling: When to Seek Further Treatment

Sensitivity to hot and cold after dental filling?

Hello Doctor, I have a cavity in my molar that is quite deep and close to the nerve.
When the filling material was placed, I felt a lot of sensitivity.
After the procedure, when I drink water that isn't very cold, my tooth still hurts.
Additionally, when I eat, food gets easily stuck, which leads to pain.
Using dental floss is also very painful, and there is often bleeding, especially when there is food trapped between my teeth and I have to force the floss in.
It hurts a lot when it's compressed.
However, if I leave it alone, I don't feel much discomfort.
Do you think I need to proceed with a root canal treatment in a week? Thank you for your help.

Yang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/01

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

The filled tooth still feels sensitive, which may indicate inflammation of the dental nerve.
Additionally, experiencing pain in the gums while using dental floss could suggest inflammation of the gum tissue between the teeth.
If the pain persists, it may be necessary to consider root canal treatment for that tooth.
Gum inflammation should be addressed with periodontal treatment.
It is advisable to consult a dentist for further examination.

Reply Date: 2017/03/01

More Info

Tooth sensitivity after a dental filling can be a common issue, especially when the filling is placed close to the nerve of the tooth. Your symptoms, including pain when consuming non-cold liquids, discomfort when food gets trapped, and bleeding when using dental floss, suggest that the tooth may be experiencing some complications that warrant further evaluation.

When a cavity is deep and close to the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), the risk of pulpitis (inflammation of the pulp) increases. This can lead to sensitivity and pain, particularly when pressure is applied or when exposed to temperature changes. The fact that you feel pain when using dental floss and that there is bleeding indicates that there may be inflammation in the surrounding gum tissue, which can be exacerbated by food particles getting stuck in the area.

In your case, it is crucial to monitor the symptoms closely. If the sensitivity persists or worsens, or if you experience additional symptoms such as swelling, prolonged pain, or a change in the color of the tooth, it would be advisable to seek further treatment. A dentist may recommend taking X-rays to assess the health of the tooth and the surrounding bone structure. If there is evidence of pulpitis or if the tooth is at risk of infection, root canal treatment may be necessary to remove the inflamed or infected pulp and to relieve the pain.

Additionally, the discomfort you experience when using dental floss could be due to the filling's proximity to the gum line or the presence of gum disease. It's essential to maintain good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, to prevent further complications. However, if flossing is causing significant pain, you might want to discuss alternative cleaning methods with your dentist, such as using a water flosser or interdental brushes, which can be gentler on sensitive gums.

In summary, while some sensitivity can be expected after a dental filling, persistent or worsening symptoms should not be ignored. It is advisable to follow up with your dentist within a week if the discomfort continues, as they can provide a thorough examination and determine the best course of action, which may include root canal therapy if the pulp is compromised. Remember that early intervention can often prevent more extensive treatments later on, so it's better to address these concerns sooner rather than later.

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