Tooth Sensitivity and Pain After Dental Filling Procedures

Q: Tooth Sensitivity and Pain After Dental Filling Procedures

Hello： Based on what you described, the tooth has been filled multiple times and may no longer be able to function naturally in occlusion. <br>If you experience pain for more than one minute after eating, it is advisable to undergo root canal treatment and get a crown. <br>After

Experiencing intermittent pain while eating one month after a dental filling?

Hello Doctor: About two months ago, I had a deep cavity filled in my molar, and the dentist mentioned it was very close to the nerve.
Two weeks after the filling, I suddenly experienced sensitivity on the buccal surface of the molar, reacting to cold and heat.
Following the dentist's advice, I used a desensitizing toothpaste, which alleviated the symptoms.
However, a month ago, I felt pain on the buccal surface when eating harder foods.
The dentist indicated that it was a situation of impending decay, but not yet a cavity, so they filled the buccal surface of that tooth.
After the filling, the symptoms did not improve; in fact, I experienced intermittent pain after eating, which sometimes lasted a long time, and other times the symptoms would lessen (but it was always a mild pain, not severe).
Another issue is that after brushing with the desensitizing toothpaste, the buccal surface of the tooth feels tight, and when I bite down and then release, the tight sensation becomes more pronounced (though it disappears after a while).
I have described all these symptoms to the dentist, who suggested we observe the situation further.
I would like to ask the doctor two questions: 1.
Does the intermittent pain after eating (only on the buccal surface) indicate that I may need a root canal? 2.
What does it mean when my tooth feels tight after applying desensitizing toothpaste? Thank you!

Xu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/11/07

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: Based on what you described, the tooth has been filled multiple times and may no longer be able to function naturally in occlusion.
If you experience pain for more than one minute after eating, it is advisable to undergo root canal treatment and get a crown.
After applying desensitizing toothpaste, it is common to feel a sticky sensation, as the agent needs to adhere to the tooth.

Reply Date: 2022/11/07

More Info

Tooth sensitivity and pain after dental filling procedures can be quite distressing, especially when the symptoms persist or worsen over time. Based on your description, it seems you have experienced a range of symptoms following a dental filling for a deep cavity near the nerve of your tooth. Let’s address your questions and provide some additional context regarding tooth sensitivity and pain.

1. Intermittent Pain After Eating: The intermittent pain you experience after eating, particularly on the buccal (cheek) side of the tooth, could be indicative of several issues. Given that the filling was placed close to the nerve, it is possible that the tooth pulp is inflamed or irritated, which can lead to a condition known as pulpitis. This inflammation can cause pain that varies in intensity and can be triggered by temperature changes or pressure from chewing.
However, the fact that you mentioned the pain is not severe but rather a mild discomfort suggests that it may not yet warrant a root canal treatment. Root canal therapy is typically indicated when there is significant pulp damage or infection. It would be prudent to continue monitoring the situation. If the pain intensifies, becomes persistent, or is accompanied by swelling or other symptoms, a root canal may become necessary.
Additionally, the pain could also be related to the filling itself. Sometimes, if a filling is too high or not properly contoured, it can cause discomfort when biting down, leading to intermittent pain. If your dentist has already checked for this and ruled it out, it may be worth revisiting the topic with them, especially if the pain persists.

2. Tight Sensation After Using Sensitivity Toothpaste: The tight feeling you experience after brushing with sensitivity toothpaste could be due to a few factors. Sensitivity toothpastes often contain compounds like potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, which work by blocking the tubules in the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) and reducing the transmission of pain signals to the nerve. This can lead to a sensation of tightness or pressure in the tooth, especially if the tooth is already sensitive or if there is some inflammation present.

Additionally, if the filling is not perfectly sealed or if there is still some irritation in the tooth, the application of toothpaste could exacerbate the sensation of tightness. It’s also possible that the tight feeling is a normal response to the toothpaste’s active ingredients, particularly if you are not accustomed to using it.

In summary, while your symptoms may not immediately indicate the need for a root canal, they do warrant careful observation and possibly further evaluation by your dentist. If the pain continues or worsens, or if you experience any new symptoms, it would be advisable to seek a follow-up appointment.
In the meantime, continue using the sensitivity toothpaste as directed, and consider discussing with your dentist the possibility of adjusting the filling if it is contributing to your discomfort. Regular dental check-ups and open communication with your dentist are key to managing these types of issues effectively.

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