Dental fillings are a routine solution for repairing cavities and damaged teeth. While most fillings restore comfort and function immediately, some patients may experience sharp pain after a new filling, particularly when biting, chewing, or consuming hot or cold foods. This type of discomfort is common and often temporary, but knowing how to handle it is essential for your comfort.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, were committed to ensuring your fillings feel and function perfectly. This guide covers why sharp pain can occur after a filling, how to manage it, and when to seek help.
Is Sharp Pain Normal After a New Filling?
?? Mild sensitivity is common.
Typically lasts a few days up to a week.
Occurs with hot, cold, or sweet foods.
?? Sharp, sudden pain can signal:
A bite thats too high.
Nerve irritation from deep fillings.
Material sensitivity (especially metal vs. composite fillings).
Common Causes of Sharp Pain After a Filling
1. High Bite (Occlusal Discrepancy)
If the filling is slightly taller than your natural bite, it causes sharp pain when chewing or clenching.
2. Tooth Nerve Irritation
Deeper fillings close to the tooths nerve may cause temporary nerve inflammation.
This may present as sharp zaps of pain, especially with pressure or temperature changes.
3. Material Sensitivity
Some people are sensitive to the components in silver amalgam or composite fillings, leading to discomfort.
4. Galvanic Shock
Occurs when a metal filling touches another metal (like a gold crown), causing an electric-like sharp pain.
5. Crack Propagation
If the tooth had an undetected crack, the filling may stress it further, triggering sharp pain.
How to Manage Sharp Pain After a Filling
?? Test Your Bite Promptly
If pain occurs when biting, contact McLevin Dental. A quick adjustment can resolve the issue.
?? Use Desensitizing Toothpaste
Brands like Sensodyne can reduce nerve sensitivity.
Use twice daily for 12 weeks to see improvement.
?? Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Stick to lukewarm foods and drinks until sensitivity improves.
Avoid ice, hot beverages, and very cold or hot foods.
?? Manage Pain with Medication
Use ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
?? Avoid Hard Chewing
Chew on the opposite side for a few days.
Avoid nuts, hard candies, and crusty bread temporarily.
When to Contact McLevin Dental
Reach out if:
Sharp pain persists beyond 710 days.
You feel discomfort when biting or chewing.
Pain worsens rather than improves.
You notice a visible crack, roughness, or a loose filling.
McLevin Dental can adjust the bite, check for deeper nerve involvement, or evaluate if further treatment (such as a root canal) is necessary.
Preventing Sharp Pain in the Future
Communicate any discomfort during your filling appointment, especially when testing your bite.
Keep up with regular dental checkups to catch cavities before they become deep enough to affect the nerve.
Use a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth to prevent stress on fillings.
Long-Term Filling Care
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss gently but consistently to protect the edges of your fillings.
Avoid chewing on very hard items like ice or pens to prolong the life of your fillings.
Schedule routine checkups at McLevin Dental to monitor your fillings for wear or damage.
Trust McLevin Dental for Comfortable, Lasting Restorations
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, your comfort is our top priority. Whether youre dealing with mild sensitivity or sharp pain after a filling, our team is ready to help diagnose the issue and resolve it quickly. Dont hesitate to reach out for adjustments, advice, or reassurancewere here to keep your smile healthy and pain-free.