"Why does a filled tooth hurt when touched?"
Tooth Pain Upon Touch: Causes and Treatments
Tooth pain upon touch can be caused by various factors such as filling material falling off, tooth sensitivity, malocclusion, periodontitis, and pulpitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for appropriate treatment measures. Details are as follows:
1. Filling Material Falling Off
During tooth filling, if the restoration is too high, resulting in incomplete bonding with the tooth, the filling material may fall off, causing pain upon touch. A refilling can be performed. When refilling, it's crucial to adjust the occlusion to ensure a tight fit between the restoration and the tooth.
2. Tooth Sensitivity
If the enamel is not fully covered during filling or if there is inherent enamel defect, it can lead to tooth sensitivity, causing pain upon touch. Refilling with material and shaping the restoration can help reduce sensitivity. Medications such as Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Tablets, Loratadine Tablets, and Salbutamol Sulfate Tablets can be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
3. Malocclusion
The tooth may not have been properly fixed during the filling process, causing its position to shift, leading to pain upon touch. Orthodontic treatment, orthodontic surgery, or periodontal surgery can be performed under a doctor's guidance.
4. Periodontitis
Filling treatment only addresses tooth decay, whereas periodontitis results from long-term irritation of the gums by dental plaque and tartar. If periodontitis exists, symptoms like gum redness, gum pain, and periodontal pocket formation may occur even after filling. Medications such as Ampicillin Capsules, Levofloxacin Tablets, and Azithromycin Capsules can be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
5. Pulpitis
Improper handling during filling or the use of irritating filling materials can stimulate the pulp tissue, causing an inflammatory response and pain upon touching the filled tooth. Aspirin Tablets, Ibuprofen Tablets, and Indomethacin Tablets can be prescribed to relieve pain.
In addition to the above reasons, tooth decay can also cause this issue. Maintaining oral hygiene, avoiding excessively cold, hot, sour, or sweet foods to prevent tooth irritation, and refraining from biting hard objects to prevent damaging the filling material or the tooth itself are recommended.