Composite fillings are necessary when teeth are damaged by decay. Fillings restore the shape and strengthen teeth while protecting against further damage. You can get reliable composite fillings with your family dentist in NYC.

The best way to learn if you need fillings is to book a dental check up in NYC today.

It’s possible to experience some sensitivity after treatment with your family dentist in NYC, although this is minimized with treatment planning and a careful approach. Here’s everything you need to know about sensitive teeth after having composite fillings.

Signs That You’re Experiencing Sensitivity After Composite Fillings

Sensitivity from composite fillings can feel like any other type of tooth sensitivity. It’s typically a temporary uncomfortable sensation in and around the tooth, brought on by cold or hot food and drinks. In some cases, you may experience general sensitivity and an uncomfortable sensation around the area of treatment.

Triggers for sensitivity after a filling can include…

• Hot and cold food or drinks.
• Air passing over the treated tooth.
• Foods and drinks that are particularly acidic or sugary.
• Biting down with the treated tooth.

Some sensitivity is expected, although prolonged sensitivity and pain aren’t normal. If you experience extreme sensitivity or pain, you must book a follow-up consultation with your family dentist in NYC.

Why do Teeth become Sensitive After Composite Fillings with Your Family Dentist in NYC?

Temporary sensitivity is normal and expected. In most cases, it will subside within a few days after treatment.

During the procedure, you’ll be treated with a local anesthetic so that there’s no pain while you’re on the dental chair. The numbness will wear off in a couple of hours, which is when sensitivity can begin.

To place composite fillings, your family dentist in NYC will remove the decayed and damaged part of your tooth and shape the area so that it is ready for treatment. This can cause some minor inflammation, which will subside naturally.

What Complications Can Occur After Fillings?

When you get treatment with the best family dentist in NYC, the risk of complications from dental fillings is low. Detailed treatment planning and a careful approach will ensure that you get the best restoration for your unique needs.

Some rare complications that cause prolonged sensitivity can include…

• A filling that’s too high, causing an irregular bite when the tooth contacts with a tooth in the opposing jaw.
• Pulpitis (inflammation of the tooth pulp) that’s irreversible, requiring a root canal. This can be prevented with careful treatment planning and application of a dental filling. Irreversible pulpitis is exceedingly rare when treated by the best family dentist in NYC.
• The composite material can fail to bond in some cases, which can leave a poor connection to the organic tooth material, leading to sensitivity.

The restoration will be assessed after your treatment to minimize the risk of long-term complications. We’ve provided these examples for your education, although they generally aren’t something to worry about when getting a routine filling in New York.

Are Some Patients More Sensitive Than Others?

Absolutely. If you’re someone who generally experiences some sensitivity and discomfort after dental procedures or even a dental check up in NYC, then you’re more likely to experience sensitivity after a filling. It’s easy to manage sensitivity by sticking to a soft diet and avoiding extremely hot, cold, acidic, or sugary foods and drinks for a few days.

If the sensitivity continues and you think something is wrong, you can schedule an appointment for a follow-up dental check up in NYC.

How to Manage Sensitivity After a Filling

You can return to work and normal activities after having a filling placed, but you should avoid strenuous activity and intensive exercise for at least a couple of days. You should also avoid biting down on the treated tooth as much as possible. Soft foods are best for the first two days after treatment, and some patients like to avoid chewing or biting too much for at least a week.

NSAID medication like Ibuprofen or a painkiller like acetaminophen can help to treat pain and sensitivity after treatment.

The local anesthetic is long-lasting, so it will take a couple of hours before you feel anything around the treated tooth. If sensitivity is extreme and prolonged (i.e., more than a couple of days without getting better), then you can book a dental check up in NYC.

Avoid smoking and alcohol after having a composite filling placed. This can trigger sensitivity. If you want to prevent a range of dental and health issues, you can consider longer-term lifestyle changes to eliminate smoking and limit your alcohol intake.

Book a Dental Check Up in NYC

Minor sensitivity after a composite filling is common and quickly subsides. Long-term pain and sensitivity are rare, especially when you choose the best family dentist in NYC. Book your dental check up in NYC and enjoy detailed care with the compassionate approach of Dr. Spiro Condos. A trusted educator and practitioner, Dr. Condos and his team are fully prepared to treat a range of cosmetic and functional dental issues, ensuring that you have a confident and beautiful smile.