In some cases, the discomfort is simply a reaction to the process of repairing the tooth. In other instances, you might feel some discomfort because the filling itself needs to be adjusted. Alternatively, the tooth pulp could be inflamed due to the depth of the initial cavity and some infection of the pulp.
The tooth's outer layers, which are the enamel and cementum, usually protect the nerve from exposure. However, fillings — especially deep ones — can get close to the nerve endings and cause irritation and uncomfortable sensations. As the nerve heals, the sensitivity will go away. This may take a few days or weeks.
A tooth should not hurt, ache, or cause you discomfort from a new filling for an extended period of time. Any sensitivity from a tooth filling should be expected to go away quickly, at least within two to four weeks. But just because it should not hurt or be sensitive, doesn't mean that it can't sometimes occur.
It's normal for a tooth to feel sore or sensitive after a cavity filling. This is because the dental drill has penetrated through the layers of the tooth, closer to the tooth's nerve – which is usually protected by the outer layers of the tooth.
Once a tooth is extracted, you may need stitches and will experience a dull ache for a few days. You will also need to avoid certain foods which may irritate the extraction site. With a filling, there should be no discomfort and you will be able to eat your regular diet as soon as the numbing agent wears off.
Here's the short answer: No. Most fillings cause little to no discomfort during any part of the procedure. This is a result of using highly effective numbing agents.
Since patients are given anesthesia, a root canal isn't more painful than a regular dental procedure, such as a filling or getting a wisdom tooth removed. However, a root canal is generally a bit sore or numb after the procedure, and can even cause mild discomfort for a few days.
The maximum time required for filling a moderate cavity doesn't exceed 40 minutes per tooth. Therefore if you have three intermediate holes, expect to spend about a couple of hours at the dentist's office to restore your tooth to full functionality with dental fillings.
But fillings, especially deep ones, can get close to the nerve endings and cause irritation and uncomfortable sensations. As the nerve heals, the sensitivity will go away. This may take a few days or weeks. Once the nerve has healed fully, a person should feel no difference between the filled tooth and the other teeth.
Some people elect to not have numbing gels or anaesthetics when having a cavity filled, but does I hurt when you get a cavity filled without numbing? Well, the answer should be no. When having a filling, your dentist won't reach the dental pulp inside the tooth where nerve endings are, so no pain should be experienced.
There can be several different reasons why a filling can fail. A failed filling procedure could happen because the treatment wasn't carried out well in the first place, or perhaps the filling was used when another form of treatment, such as a crown, would have been a better option.
This is because the movement caused by flossing between teeth might dislodge or damage the filling.
In general, adults develop an average of three cavities during their lifetimes. This means that the average adult has three or four fillings in their mouth. Some patients end up with ten or more fillings depending on how well they care for their teeth.
If one area of your tooth is consistently uncomfortable or the source of pain, you may have a damaged or loose filling. Eating can place pressure on the filling, which may aggravate the tissue below. If food particles or liquids creep under a loose filling, that can also cause discomfort.
You may also notice some soreness and/or sensitivity. Sometimes, the sensitivity will go on for several days or even a few weeks. This occurs because the nerves of the filled tooth will send pain signals to the surrounding teeth and gums. If you feel sensitivity or a sick feeling, don't worry.
You may also discover that once the anaesthetic has worn off, the tooth feels a little rough. Often this will smooth down after a couple of days of normal eating and chewing.
The majority of deep fillings can be treated successfully without resulting in sensitivity and do not require root canal treatments.
Pain when biting down isn't a typical side-effect from having a cavity filled. However, it can be caused by the cavity filling. This happens when the filling is too high, giving you an abnormal bite. It can be difficult to determine if the bite is abnormal in the office, because the mouth has been numbed.
People who require multiple fillings often ask how many tooth fillings can be done at once. Technically, there is no limit to the number of filling you can get in one session.
Dental Filling FAQs
Dentists may fill as many cavities as the patient is comfortable with having filled. With this being said, in most cases, dentists do not recommend having more than 3 cavities filled in one sitting. Your mouth needs time to heal.
If the decay reaches your tooth's main structure, called dentin, then a filling can replace the lost tooth structure after your dentist has cleaned the cavity of bacteria and infection. However, if it reaches the tooth's center chamber, called the pulp, a filling may no longer suffice to address it.
Root canals are considered to be the most painful because they require removing the nerve tissue on a tooth's root. The removal of the nerve tissue is not only excruciatingly painful but also commonly leads to infection.
The most commonly prescribed dental related drugs that treat anxiety belong to the “benzodiazepine” family. Drugs such as Valium, Halcion, Xanax, or Ativan. These drugs decrease anxiety by binding and toning down activity within “fear” receptors in the brain.
Pain. Molar root canal treatments are usually more painful than incisor procedures. This is because molars have more roots and are harder to access, making the procedure more complex and uncomfortable for the patient.