Tooth With Filling Hurts Years Later? Here’s What Might Be Happening
A dental filling can give you immense relief from the tooth pain that’s been disturbing your whole routine. Many patients continue to eat their usual diet for years without any discomfort. But when an old filling starts to hurt suddenly, that can be quite puzzling. We’ll share some of the most common reasons why your tooth with a filling hurts years later and what to do about it.
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Why Dental Fillings May Hurt Years Later
Recurrent decay
Dental fillings age with use. Every bite you take puts some stress on the tooth with a filling. As time passes, microscopic wear and gaps may start to appear between the tooth surface and the filling. Food particles and bacteria easily slip through these gaps. Eventually, a cavity may form. This is called recurrent decay.
Many people are surprised to learn that a filled tooth can still get cavities. Yes, it’s possible. And it may happen years after you first got your filling.
Tiny cracks in the filling
Modern dental fillings are quite durable. They can last for a long time. Still, they are not completely resistant to damage. A tiny crack may form in the filling at any time without you being aware of it. Teeth grinding, eating hard foods, or habits like nail biting or chewing on ice are common stressors.
The pain often comes and goes. You may only feel a sharp sting in your teeth when the crack suddenly deepens.
Pulp inflammation
Sometimes, the problem is not with your filling but the pulp inside the tooth. Years of stress on the tooth or a hidden crack may trigger inflammation of the pulp tissue. A warning sign is that your tooth with a filling feels more sensitive to hot and cold.
Uneven bite
Normally, if your bite isn’t perfectly aligned after getting a filling, you may have pain just a few days later. For some, it may happen after years. In both situations, it’s best to seek professional consultation.
Gum or periodontal inflammation around the tooth
Fillings that sit too close to the gum line may irritate the gum tissue, especially if they have a rough or uneven surface. The problem could worsen if you already had gum disease before getting your tooth filled.
What To Do If Your Old Filling Hurts
A dental filling that never gave you any trouble before but is suddenly causing discomfort should not be ignored. If this happens, schedule a visit with your dentist as early as possible.
Your dentist will examine the tooth with the filling and may take an X-ray to tell what’s happening beneath the surface.
If your filling has worn out, has cracks, fractures, or cavities around it, replacing that filling would be necessary. Your dentist may also recommend a root canal if the damage is reaching down to the pulp.
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Final Thoughts
Small issues, like a hidden crack in a filling, can become bigger ones. Don’t overlook the pain. If your old dental filling is hurting, visit our dentist at Ace Dental of Hewitt immediately. Call us today!
Medically Reviewed
Aditi Gupta, D.D.S.
Dr. Aditi Gupta is a renowned family dentist, specializing in general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry at ACE Dental with 9 locations across central Texas. She has been an esteemed practitioner for over 12 years and earned her board certification from the American Board of General Dentistry as well as memberships in both the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association.