Post-Dental Filling Sensitivity: Is It Tooth Sensitivity?

Q: Post-Dental Filling Sensitivity: Is It Tooth Sensitivity?

Hello： After completing the treatment, it will take some time to adapt. <br>It is recommended to observe for 1 to 3 months and to use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste for cleaning treatment. <br>After 3 months, an X-ray should be taken to check for any issues such as pulpitis or ot

Experiencing soreness after using dental floss following a dental filling?

Hello, doctor.
For the past month, I have been experiencing tooth sensitivity when eating.
I later discovered that I had cavities between my teeth.
After getting the cavities filled, I no longer feel pain when biting down on food, but I experience sensitivity whenever I use dental floss and it touches the filled area.
I would like to know if this is considered tooth sensitivity?

Mr. Hsu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/19

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: After completing the treatment, it will take some time to adapt.
It is recommended to observe for 1 to 3 months and to use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste for cleaning treatment.
After 3 months, an X-ray should be taken to check for any issues such as pulpitis or other problems.
Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2021/05/19

More Info

Tooth sensitivity after a dental filling can indeed be a common issue, and it sounds like you are experiencing a specific type of sensitivity related to the area where the filling was placed. This sensitivity can manifest as discomfort or pain when you eat, drink, or even when you clean your teeth with dental floss.
When a tooth is filled, especially if the cavity was deep, it can lead to several factors that contribute to sensitivity. First, the dental filling material itself can sometimes cause a reaction in the tooth or surrounding gum tissue, leading to discomfort. Additionally, if the filling is not perfectly contoured to match the natural shape of the tooth, it can create areas where pressure is unevenly distributed when biting or chewing, which can also lead to sensitivity.

Another important factor to consider is the health of the tooth and surrounding structures. If the cavity was deep, it may have affected the pulp of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Even after a filling, if the pulp is irritated or inflamed, it can lead to ongoing sensitivity. This is often referred to as pulpitis, which can be reversible or irreversible depending on the extent of the damage.

Moreover, if you are experiencing pain specifically when using dental floss, it could indicate that the filling is slightly high or that there is an issue with the way the filling interacts with the adjacent teeth. If the filling is too high, it can cause discomfort when you bite down, and flossing can aggravate the area if the filling is not smooth or if there are sharp edges.

In your case, since you mentioned that the pain occurs primarily when using dental floss, it may be beneficial to return to your dentist for an evaluation. They can check the filling to ensure it is properly shaped and not causing any undue pressure on the surrounding teeth or gums. Your dentist may also want to assess the health of the tooth itself to rule out any underlying issues that could be contributing to your sensitivity.

In the meantime, using a desensitizing toothpaste can help alleviate some of the discomfort you are experiencing. These types of toothpaste contain compounds that help block the transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. Additionally, be gentle when flossing around the filled tooth to avoid aggravating the area further.

In summary, what you are experiencing could very well be a form of tooth sensitivity related to the recent filling. It is advisable to consult with your dentist to ensure that everything is healing properly and to address any specific concerns you may have. Regular follow-ups after dental procedures are crucial to ensure that any complications are caught early and managed effectively.

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