Tooth Sensitivity After Dental Work: Causes and Solutions

Q: Tooth Sensitivity After Dental Work: Causes and Solutions

Hello： If the dental filling is made of light-cured resin, many patients may experience sensitivity issues after the procedure. <br>In some cases, this may improve over time. <br>However, if gum recession leads to exposed tooth roots, patients may experience sensitivity and pain.

Molar teeth

Hello, Doctor.
In late July of this year, the filling between my upper left first and second molars, which had been done a long time ago, fell out.
I went to the dentist and had it refilled.
Since then, those two teeth (and even the adjacent one) have become extremely sensitive; any contact with hot or cold water is very painful, and brushing my teeth has become a difficult task.
Biting into things feels both sore and soft.
I have a history of dental issues and have extensive experience with dental visits, so getting fillings is not new to me.
However, I have never experienced such severe and prolonged sensitivity after a filling.
Since my condition has not improved significantly, I am concerned that the filling may not have been done properly.
In September, I visited another dentist, who took X-rays and said there were no visible problems.
She only performed scaling on those teeth, which did not have a noticeable effect.
After returning home, I started using Sensodyne toothpaste, and after two months, my sensitivity to hot and cold has improved considerably.
I used to rely on chewing harder foods on the right side, but now I am gradually using both sides more evenly.
Although the left side still feels sore at the root, I have recently started to feel soreness in the gaps between teeth that previously did not bother me.
Biting into things has become difficult again, and today, when it was severe, even the roots of my lower molars started to ache, making the entire left side painful to the point that I needed to take painkillers.
Why is this happening? My gums are not swollen, and there is no bleeding; I also have a habit of using dental floss and get my teeth cleaned twice a year.
I previously asked another dentist about this, and he suggested it might be a periodontal issue, but can periodontal problems suddenly arise after a filling?

Mimi, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/12/09

Dr. Yang Zhiren reply Dentistry

Hello: If the dental filling is made of light-cured resin, many patients may experience sensitivity issues after the procedure.
In some cases, this may improve over time.
However, if gum recession leads to exposed tooth roots, patients may experience sensitivity and pain.
Sensodyne can help alleviate this discomfort.
Periodontal issues do not suddenly arise after a filling; it is advisable to consult a periodontist for further examination.
Dr.
Yang Zhiren, Director of Dentistry at Hsinchu Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2009/12/09

More Info

Tooth sensitivity after dental work is a common issue that many patients experience, and it can be attributed to several factors. In your case, the sensitivity you are experiencing in your upper left molars after having them filled could be due to a combination of factors related to the dental procedure itself, the condition of your teeth prior to treatment, and possibly your oral hygiene practices.

When a tooth is filled, especially if it was previously decayed, the dental material used can sometimes lead to increased sensitivity. This is particularly true if the filling material is a composite resin, which can cause a reaction in some patients. The sensitivity can manifest as pain when exposed to hot or cold stimuli, as you described. This is often due to the nerve endings in the tooth being more exposed or irritated after the procedure.
Additionally, if the filling was placed close to the pulp of the tooth, it can lead to heightened sensitivity. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, and any irritation can cause discomfort. If the decay was deep, it might have affected the pulp, leading to inflammation, which can cause pain and sensitivity even after the filling is completed.

You mentioned that you have been using Sensodyne toothpaste, which is specifically designed for sensitive teeth. This is a good approach, as it contains potassium nitrate, which helps to block the nerve pathways that cause sensitivity. However, if you are still experiencing significant discomfort, it may indicate that there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Regarding your concern about periodontal disease, it is unlikely that this condition would suddenly appear after a dental filling. Periodontal disease typically develops over time due to factors such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, and genetic predisposition. However, if your gums are receding or if there is any inflammation, it could contribute to sensitivity, especially if the roots of your teeth are exposed.

Given that you have been experiencing this sensitivity for an extended period and that it has not significantly improved, it would be wise to return to your dentist for a follow-up examination. They may want to take additional X-rays to check for any underlying issues that were not visible during your last visit. It is also possible that you may need a different type of treatment, such as a root canal if the pulp is indeed inflamed or infected.

In conclusion, tooth sensitivity after dental work can arise from various factors, including the type of filling used, the depth of the decay, and the condition of the surrounding gums and teeth. It is essential to communicate your ongoing symptoms to your dentist, who can provide a thorough examination and determine the best course of action to alleviate your discomfort. Regular dental check-ups and maintaining good oral hygiene practices will also help in managing and preventing sensitivity issues in the future.

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