HomeAnswersDentistrydental fillingsCan deep filling close to nerve cause sensitivity?

Having problem with tooth filling. Would it be close to the nerve?

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Published At October 20, 2016
Reviewed AtAugust 27, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I recently broke a part of my back tooth besides an old filling. A week ago, my dentist removed the old filling and repaired everything with white filling. Since then, I have been getting a sharp pinch to the center of my tooth if I try to chew with it. There is no pain. It is a little sensitive to cold and hot. My bite seems fine and nothing feels off about it. So, I do not think it is a high filling. The filling inside my tooth is deep. There is a lot more depth than my other teeth. So my question is, is this something that requires a crown or root canal to fix the pinching problem when chewing or will it possibly go away? Could it be that the filling is too close to the nerve? Also, when he did the filling, he got some of the filling material on my top teeth and I cannot get it off by cleaning it. Is there any way to get that off of there? Or am I stuck with the rough texture? Thank you for your time.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Thomas

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The sensitivity is indeed due to deep filling very close to the nerve for comfort. Usually, if it is very deep some dentists put a base below the permanent filling to prevent temperature difference inside the mouth to transfer it to the nerve. If it is not possible, then the other option is to do root canal treatment and a ceramic crown over it. If the dentist has filled the cavity using glass ionomer cement that is GIC material, then it does have fluoride release feature, which forms a fluorapatite crystals between the nerves and the filling, thus stopping the sensitivity. Observe for one week whether you get relief from the problem, else you need to go back to your dentist and tell him this problem. Mostly he will suggest root canal treatment or sometimes calcium temporary filling for a few weeks before filling it again permanently. The filling material, which is stuck on the top teeth will abrade away in a few days time, so do not worry about it. Also, when you are going back to the dentist, please ask him to correct it.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I just realized that I forgot a part of the details. My tooth was hurting a few weeks ago and pinching while chewing. The tooth broke before I could get to dentist.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Thomas

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, that is an important detail, which means that the root of that tooth is already infected. The only treatment now possible is root canal treatment and a ceramic crown over it. Else, you will have to extract it. It is always better to go for root canal treatment. You need to start antibiotics and some painkillers while undergoing RCT.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Naveen Thomas
Dr. Naveen Thomas

Dentistry

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