Dealing With Pain When Flossing After Filling

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Dealing With Pain When Flossing After Filling

Do you feel nerve pain when flossing after filling?

Did you know that tooth pain after a filing is not unusual.

Dental fillings have become such a common treatment protocol to deal with cavities that sometimes you may be a bit shocked that even this simple procedure may leave you experiencing tooth sensitivity afterward.

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Quick Navigation
What is exactly in a filling?
Why do my teeth hurt after a filling?
Causes of tooth pain when flossing after filling
Types of fillings and how to deal with them
Pain relief techniques while tooth filling
Why it hurts to floss weeks after filling

What is exactly in a filling?

A filling is what is described whey decaying areas of the tooth that have transformed into small holes, are filled with a permanent material.

Cavities are painful and having them filled reduces the pain associated with it. The dentist will fill these anomalies with materials like composite or amalgam. Fillings have the reputation of being safe, effective and foolproof. 

nerve pain when flossing after filling

WHY DO MY TEETH HURT AFTER A FILLING?

Firstly, several hours after the filling input, the may still feel numb, it’ll tingle. In some situations, it can itch or even become puffy.

The inadvertent result is difficulty in talking, eating, swallowing or even moving the face. Here are some types of pain you may feel after a filling: 

  • Pain in teeth, especially after breathing in cold air, eating or drinking things that are too hot or too cold.
  • Pain because of friction caused by flossing.
  • Tenderness in the gums.
  • Pain when clenching teeth and jaw during flossing.
  • Pain in teeth surrounding the filling.

Causes of tooth pain when flossing after filling

Certain triggers can cause a temporary, uncomfortable and undesirable sensation within and around the filled tooth. This may be felt in the form of a sudden shock of cold, sudden pain or spontaneous bleeding.

You can experience the following:

  • Floss may shred as the material comes in contact with the adjacent tooth. This could be because the fresh filling may have a close-fitting contact.
  • Furthermore, fillings can have flash i.e. residual bits of restorative material. They can even have an overhang i.e. the filling is not flush with the tooth surface. This can lead to the floss catching the filling. Not only will the floss shred, but it will irritate the tooth and gums. 
  • Delicate teeth are susceptible to the pressure of any kind. Flossing inappropriately, harshly or excessively will stimulate a sting. This kind of pain when flossing after filling a cavity should resolve in the next few weeks. 
  • Fractured or loose dental instruments are the primary victims of severe flossing. This occurs because of improper fitting to the tooth. Every filling must be tailor-made for individual needs.

Types of fillings and how to deal with them

  • Cast Gold: These are highly durable lasting up to 10-15 years without corroding. Their high-quality material makes them strong. Thus, they can withstand the force of chewing, flossing and biting. But they’re highly expensive.
  • Silver Amalgams: These are also resilient, cheaper and strong. But healthy parts of the tooth have to be removed to accommodate them. This means there are more vulnerable zones where flossing that can cause pain. You have to be very careful when flossing around such material.
  • Tooth-Colored Composites: Seeing as these bond to the tooth structure and need less healthy teeth removal, these are compatible with flossing. Regardless, under repeated dental floss pressure they wear out pretty quick. 
  • Ceramics: Highly durable material that will not give in when exposed to vigorous flossing.
  • Glass Ionomer: Composed of acrylic and a specific type of glass material. These are much less likely to cause pain when flossing.
tooth pain after filling when chewing

Pain relief techniques while tooth filling

Whether you suffer from tooth pain after filling when chewing or tender teeth after receiving a filling or long-term issues, it is important to follow a complete oral care routine.

You can lessen the degree of tooth pain after getting a cavity filled quiet easily. All it requires is avoiding some common sensitive teeth triggers and adopting the following strategies:

Choose the right type of floss

  • Choose floss that is shred-resistant and extra soft. This will significantly reduce the burden on your teeth and gums.
  • There are dental floss brands designed for sensitive teeth that can help reduce the sensitivity and tooth pain after filling a cavity.

Be gentle when flossing

  • Combine gentle flossing with gentle brushing.
  • Continuous pressure from flossing or clamping the teeth and jaw isn’t helpful. It can cause dental fillings to wear away, get chipped, or crack. Once this happens the probability of indirect wounds and injuries increases.
  • Depending on the location of the filling, the gums will definitely be sore after the treatment. This soreness can be aggravated and gum inflation may happen if the floss is forcibly applied directly. Try to incorporate angled flossing and gentle swaying movements.
  • If the floss catches the filling and misplaces it, the filling will need to be fixed by a dentist.
  • Over-flossing can force the seal in the middle of the tooth enamel and the dental implant to break down. Due to this breakdown process, the barrier is lifted and food particles or decay-causing bacteria can work their way under the filling. You will then run the possibility of developing more decay in this specific tooth. Unfortunately, decay that is left untreated can worsen to infect the dental pulp. One of the side effects of this is an abscessed tooth.

Treat and medicate for your filling type

  • If you have had silver filling installed you must avoid consuming hard or sticky foods. These will lodge into crevices making flossing after filling a strenuous task.
  • Silver fillings normally take a few hours to harden until its final stage so do not floss immediately after the procedure. 
  • You can resume brushing and flossing regularly as soon as the filling sets.
  • Deeper cavities should be dealt with cautiously for up to three weeks.
  • Over the counter medication is advised but ensure you treat for your specific dental condition. These should not interfere with pre-existing medical conditions. 
  • Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Advil and Motrin.

Why it hurts to floss weeks after filling

You will observe that in most cases, tooth sensitivity should disappear on its own. This healing may take a few days, or several weeks depending on the patient and cause.

Regardless of whether the symptoms are mild or severe, you should call your dentist right away if you experience extreme pain. If the discomfort increases, fever settles in, redness or swelling of the gums occurs, you need to stop flossing immediately. Pain when flossing after filling can be avoided if you follow and adopt the strategies listed above.

Sources:

https://www.yourdentistingreersc.com/2018/06/18/why-do-teeth-hurt-after-a-filling/

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