Tooth Sensitivity After Fillings and Wisdom Teeth Eruption

Q: Tooth Sensitivity After Fillings and Wisdom Teeth Eruption

Hello： The discomfort associated with dental sensitivity after filling can last up to six months according to the longest documented literature. <br>The growth of wisdom teeth requires an assessment of the height and width of the alveolar bone to estimate whether they can grow no

Dental filling, tooth eruption

Hello, Doctor: At the beginning of March, my dentist discovered a small cavity in one of my lower right canine teeth, so they filled it.
After the filling, it was still somewhat painful, but it gradually improved over the course of a week and returned to a pain-free state.
However, after two or three days, I suddenly started experiencing tooth pain again.
Upon examination, it was determined that the filling had become loose, and my dentist re-filled it at the end of March.
After this second filling, the pain was even worse than before, to the point where I couldn't eat.
Fortunately, after about a week, the pain subsided again.

At that time, I noticed that I was developing a wisdom tooth on the lower right side! The wisdom tooth had just started to emerge with a little white tip.
Initially, the filling was no longer painful, but then it became sensitive again, and even rinsing my mouth caused discomfort.
It has now been a week since I discovered the wisdom tooth, and the sensitivity of the filling has been increasing over time.
My mother also experienced discomfort in her recently filled teeth due to her wisdom teeth coming in.

Could it be that once the wisdom tooth fully erupts, the sensitivity of the filling will gradually improve? If so, how long should I expect to wait for this to happen? Thank you!

QQ Ruǎn Táng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/11

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: The discomfort associated with dental sensitivity after filling can last up to six months according to the longest documented literature.
The growth of wisdom teeth requires an assessment of the height and width of the alveolar bone to estimate whether they can grow normally and completely, as well as the time required for their full development.

Reply Date: 2024/04/11

More Info

Tooth sensitivity after dental fillings and the eruption of wisdom teeth can be a complex issue, often involving multiple factors. Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems you are experiencing a combination of post-filling sensitivity and discomfort related to the emergence of your wisdom teeth.
First, let's address the sensitivity following your dental fillings. It's not uncommon for teeth to feel sensitive after a filling, especially if the cavity was deep. When a dentist removes decay and fills a cavity, the tooth may react to changes in temperature, pressure, or even the materials used in the filling. This sensitivity can persist for a few days to weeks as the tooth adjusts to the new filling. If the filling was placed close to the nerve, it might cause prolonged sensitivity or pain.
In your case, you mentioned that after the initial filling, you experienced pain that seemed to improve but then returned, leading to a re-filling. If the second filling was also painful, it could indicate that the cavity was deeper than initially assessed, or that the filling material is not compatible with your tooth structure. It’s crucial to communicate these symptoms to your dentist, as they may need to evaluate the filling's placement or consider alternative materials that might reduce sensitivity.

Now, regarding the eruption of your wisdom teeth, this can also contribute to sensitivity and discomfort in the surrounding teeth. As wisdom teeth emerge, they can exert pressure on adjacent teeth, potentially causing pain or sensitivity in those areas. This pressure can exacerbate any existing sensitivity from your fillings. Additionally, if the wisdom teeth are impacted or not coming in properly, they can lead to inflammation and discomfort in the gums, which can further complicate the situation.

In terms of your question about whether the sensitivity will improve after the wisdom teeth fully erupt, it varies from person to person. Some individuals find that once their wisdom teeth have fully emerged, the pressure on adjacent teeth decreases, and any associated sensitivity subsides. However, if the wisdom teeth are impacted or if they cause misalignment of other teeth, they may continue to cause discomfort.
As for the timeline, it can take several weeks to months for wisdom teeth to fully erupt. During this time, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent any potential infections or complications. If the sensitivity persists or worsens, or if you experience swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, or fever, it’s crucial to seek dental care promptly.
In conclusion, the sensitivity you are experiencing is likely due to a combination of factors related to your fillings and the eruption of your wisdom teeth. It’s essential to keep your dentist informed about your symptoms so they can provide the appropriate care and recommendations. If the sensitivity does not improve after the wisdom teeth have fully erupted, further evaluation may be necessary to determine if additional treatment is needed, such as the possibility of extracting the wisdom teeth if they are causing ongoing issues.

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