Sensitivity after fillings?

Question

I had three metal fillings done a couple of days ago, one was quite big, the other two were just little ones. They're quite sensitive to hot and cold at the minute, particularly the bigger one.

This is the first time I've ever had fillings, so I don't know anything about it - how long will the sensitivity last for? And the dentist said that the bigger one was really quite deep and there was a VERY small chance it might actually need a root canal......how will I know whether it does or not?

Answer 1

It is normal to experience some hot/cold sensitivity after having fillings placed. Typically if the hot or cold sensitivity lingers for longer that 15 seconds or so this is a sign of an unhealthy nerve in the tooth, therefore you will probably need root canal therapy. You will need to return to your dentist if this continues for longer than 7-10 days after the filling has been placed. Having fillings placed will cause the tooth to have some sensitivity, but only for a limited time. If the tooth becomes very sensitive to bite, spontaneously aches, or keeps you up at nights you will need to return to you dentist, these are signs that you may need a root canal. Good Luck

Answer 2

Your deep one may be sensitive for a long time, maybe more sensitive than other teeth forever. Every tooth has a nerve in it, right? The nerve comes up a little canal in the middle of the tooth. When you have a "root canal" it means that the cavity is so deep that they have to remove that nerve because the decay is all around it. In any case, the combination of the drilling and the amalgam filling they put in comes much closer to the nerve than the intact tooth would, and the filling material sometimes communicates sensations, like hot and cold, much more effectively than the tooth material would, so you feel them. Most of the time that passes with time, and the nerve adjusts. If it remains really uncomfortable, though, you should talk to your dentist. I had something like that and it turned out that I had a pretty rare condition where the nerve forms branches and grows outward to the surface of the tooth. Good luck1

Answer 3

Because the fillings are metal, they conduct heat and they will cool quickly when exposed to something cold. If you're only sensitive to hot and cold, you should be okay -- but if you notice that these areas are sensitive to sugar, there may be a leak in the filling and you will need it re-done. If not, you'll just have to learn to live with a little increased sensitivity, but it should decrease with time, once your body gets used to the difference. Try brushing with a sensitivity-reducing toothpaste like sensodyne to help ease the pain.

If you continue to experience pain in the absence of food in the one tooth, you may need a root canal. And, if this tooth remains sensitive to sugar, their still may be some decay in the tooth that will cause further damage.
But your dentist should be keeping an eye on it with x-rays and regular visits to be able to determine that officially. The cleaner you keep it, the better chances you have of avoiding a root canal!

Answer 4

The sensitivty will last quite a while. Rinsing with warm water and mouthwash will help though, and take tylenol if the pain gets out of hand.

Answer 5

The sensitivity is now for ever....