Tooth Sensitivity After Dental Fillings: A Patient's Concern

Filling the left molar?

I have been getting my teeth cleaned every six months regularly.
I was informed that I needed to have a filling on the right side, which has been an issue for 10 years.
On the day of the appointment, they first treated the deeper cavity on the right side.
To my surprise, the left side, which had never been filled before, suddenly had a cavity that was cleaned superficially.
After the procedure, I was able to eat cookies and drink without any pain or discomfort.
However, it was the previously filled shallow left molar that started to feel a slight soreness after 20 days when biting into tougher foods like meat and vegetables.
There is no sensitivity to hot or cold, and I don't feel any pain when not eating; sweet or sour foods do not cause any issues.
But whenever I apply pressure on a specific spot, I experience a slight soreness.

I later returned to the clinic for a check-up, but the dentist couldn't determine the cause.
They suggested that my tooth might be sensitive and advised me to wait two months to see if it improves.
My concern is why I felt fine immediately after the filling, but after so many days, I started to feel something when eating.
Now, I'm hesitant to chew on the left side, fearing it will become increasingly painful.
I feel that this might not be due to sensitivity, as I have never had sensitive teeth before.
I have had similar issues in the past, which ultimately led to root canal treatments, and I am worried that this tooth might end up in the same situation.
The cavity was shallow, so the filling was also shallow, and the deeper cavity on the right side was filled at the same time without any pain, which leaves me feeling quite perplexed.

Yu Xi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/22

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

The left molar has been filled after a cavity, and although the cavity was not very deep, there is a feeling of soreness afterward.
It is possible that there is gum recession at the tooth neck or a shallower tooth crack.
It is recommended that if the soreness persists, a follow-up appointment should be made for further evaluation.
Dr.
Tseng Kuang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2021/12/22

More Info

Tooth sensitivity after dental fillings can be a common concern for patients, especially when they experience discomfort or pain in teeth that have recently undergone treatment. In your case, it seems that you had a filling done on a previously untreated tooth, and after a period of normal function, you began to notice sensitivity when biting down on certain foods. This situation raises several important points regarding tooth sensitivity, dental treatments, and the healing process.

Firstly, it's essential to understand that tooth sensitivity can arise from various factors, especially after dental procedures. When a tooth is filled, the dental material used can sometimes cause irritation to the surrounding nerves, leading to temporary sensitivity. This is particularly true if the filling is close to the nerve or if the tooth was previously decayed. In your case, since the left molar was treated for a cavity, even if it was shallow, the process of cleaning and filling can still lead to some inflammation or irritation of the dental pulp, which may not be immediately apparent.

The timeline you provided is also significant. You mentioned that you did not experience any discomfort immediately after the filling but began to feel sensitivity about 20 days later when biting down on harder foods. This delayed onset of sensitivity can occur as the tooth adjusts to the new filling. Sometimes, the pressure from biting can exacerbate any underlying inflammation or sensitivity that was not initially noticeable.
Your dentist's suggestion to wait for two months to see if the sensitivity improves is reasonable. Many dental issues, including sensitivity, can resolve on their own as the tooth heals and adjusts to the filling. However, it is crucial to monitor the situation closely. If the sensitivity worsens, or if you experience pain that is sharp or persistent, it may indicate a more serious issue, such as pulpitis (inflammation of the dental pulp) or even the need for root canal therapy.

It’s also worth noting that sensitivity can sometimes be confused with other dental issues. For instance, if the filling is too high or if there is an issue with the bite (occlusion), it can lead to discomfort when biting down. If your dentist did not find any visible issues during your follow-up visit, it might be beneficial to have them reassess the occlusion and ensure that the filling is properly contoured.

In your case, since you have a history of dental sensitivity and previous treatments, it is understandable to be concerned about the possibility of needing more invasive procedures like root canal treatment. However, not all sensitivity leads to such outcomes. Many patients experience temporary sensitivity that resolves with time and proper care.

In conclusion, while it is normal to experience some sensitivity after a filling, especially if it was done on a previously untreated tooth, it is essential to keep an eye on the symptoms. If the discomfort persists or worsens, seeking a second opinion or further evaluation from your dentist is advisable. They may recommend additional diagnostic tools, such as X-rays, to rule out any underlying issues. Meanwhile, practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding overly hard or sticky foods on the affected side can help manage your symptoms.

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