Why is my Tooth So Sensitive Still After 3 Weeks of Filling?

Question

My dentist said the filling is deep. But every time eat or drink something cold my lower jaw seems to hurt really bad. Is it always going to be like this?

Steven Davidowitz, DDS · Answer

The deeper and more extensive the filling the less natural protection there is for the nerve of the tooth.  This could lead to both reversible nerve sensitivity as well as irreversible nerve sensitivity.  Many times it can take quite a while for the nerve to repair itself.  I would suggest seeing your dentist to rule out any high bite issues with the recent filling along with a new xray.    If the symptoms get worse or happen more frequently the tooth may need a root canal procedure.  If it stays the same or gets better over time I would hold off on having a root canal procedure.
Good luck.

Andy Shieh, DMD · Answer

Sensitivity to cold after 3 weeks can be concerning.  Go back to your dentist to have him take a look at it.  If the filling is large, then it may be deep near or even in the nerve/pulp.  Hopefully it's just a minor bite issue where the filling is too high.  Please let us know what the result is.

Michael Ayzin, DDS · Answer

Brajesh, thanks for you question. There are several reasons why your tooth can be sensitive to cold after a filling was done.
One, cavity was located very close to the nerve inside the tooth. Another reason, when you are numb at the time of filling placement, bite might seem to be fine, but in reality it might be just a smutch high or ,third, it might be interfering ,when you move your teeth all the way left or right. Also you might be a grinder. If so, additional pressure from that can create sensetivity. 
My advise is to see a dentist, who placed that filling asap and let him diagnose the problem.

Yasser A. Elseweifi, DDS · Answer

Sometimes teeth stay sensitive after getting a new filling. This happen often after treating teeth with deep cavities. A previously infected tooth pulp many not recover with treatment. Another common reason is a high bite on the new filling. Consult with your dentist about the sensitivity. Good luck.

Peter Boulden, DMD, FAGD · Answer

The closer proximity you get to the nerve when doing a procedure...the less insulation there is for the nerve (bite and temperature).   Sometimes, it just takes a little while for the reparative functions of the tooth to kick in.  I always tell patients that as long as they think it's getting slightly, slightly better each day to hold off.  In the absence of your bite being off, typically this reversible pulpitis will calm down.

Christine Fialka-Eshenko, DDS · Answer

Sensitivity after a filling is placed can occur for a number of reasons. The most common is a high bite. When you are numb, the bite may feel okay but be a little high.  When the anaesthetic comes out, the tooth may become sensitive.  Most restorations placed are now bonded, so this step helps to protect the nerve.

	To see if the issue is due to a high bite, check if it "feels like something is in the way when your teeth come together?"  Also, does the opposite side feel normal?  Call your Dentist & have him/her check your bite. A very important thing to do as well is to check the chewing cycle. Put some gum or wax on the opposite side to where the filling was done, chew & mark with a ribbon any interferences on the filling while chewing.

	When a filling is deep & the bite is not high, you may feel cold initially, but this shouldn't last long & the tooth will heal. If the bite has been adjusted & you still feel the sensitivity with temperature change, a root canal will be needed.

Leonard Tau, DMD · Answer

From what you are describing it sounds like you have may have either a high bite which needs adjustment or your tooth may need a root canal due to how deep the restoration was. Either way I would call your dentist and let them know what your problem is and they will advise you what is needed to be done

Carlo Biasucci, DDS · Answer

Two possibilities:

	- The bite needs adjustment - see your dentist. 

	- The filling was very deep - the sensitivity will either get better or it won't.  If the tooth doesn't heal on its own, you may need root canal treatment.  Don't worry about that - root canal treatment in 2012 doesn't hurt, just a long and boring appointment.

	Either way, your dentist will advise you on what to do, but if the bite is ok, it's just a matter of time to see how the tooth responds.  This does happen, especially with deep fillings.

Frank Orlando, DDS · Answer

So there are a couple things you should do - first go back and see your dentist and have him or her check your bite - sometimes if a new filling is just a little bit "high" it may cause your tooth to have trauma when you chew/bite and in time that tooth becomes very sensitive. After that, have the dentist check the vitality status of the nerve - sometimes when you have a large cavity or filling, the tooth (nerve) may die over time and you will have a lot of discomfort when you chew - if this is the case, you need a root canal. Finally, sometimes when a filling is very deep, it irritates the nerve of the tooth and if this does not go away over 2 weeks to a month it is probably time for a root canal. Next step is to go back to your dentist ASAP. Good Luck

Jay Neuhaus, DDS · Answer

Please return to your dentist and have him check your bite. If you are hitting the filling incorrectly, it will prolong the sensitivity. Also, your nerve may have been affected by the depth of the restoration.

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