Is it normal to have pain after filling a cavity?

Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Mild pain after filling a cavity is normal. This is often seen when glass ionomer materials are used for fillings. Glass ionomer materials expand in volume within 24 hours of mixing, which can stimulate the dental nerves and cause pain. However, the pain should gradually decrease or disappear after 24 hours. If there is severe pain after the filling, it may be due to the filling material being too high or the tooth decay being too deep, reaching the dental nerves and causing nerve pain. This situation is abnormal and requires root canal treatment.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Cavities that do not hurt still require root canal treatment.

Cavities that do not hurt may or may not require root canal treatment, depending on the extent of the decay. If the cavity has not reached the dental nerves, there will not be noticeable pain. In such cases, since the decay is relatively superficial, direct filling, or dental restoration can be performed without the need for root canal treatment. If the cavity is severe and has reached the dental nerves, causing the nerves to become necrotic and purulent, there will be no pain due to the loss of sensory function from nerve death. In these situations, root canal treatment is needed. This involves removing the infected dental nerves, followed by medicinal treatment of the root canal, and after the inflammation is controlled, filling of the root canal is performed. In other words, a painless cavity might actually be caused by necrosis and pus formation in the dental nerves, requiring root canal treatment.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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What are the harms of dental caries in children?

Due to not forming the habit of brushing daily during childhood, and the frequent consumption of sugary foods during this period, the incidence of dental caries in children is relatively high. The onset of the disease is due to the presence of a large amount of dental plaque on the teeth, where bacteria gradually corrode the teeth, leading to the occurrence of caries. Initially, caries damage the tooth enamel on the surface, further progress destroys the dentin, and finally, it penetrates the dental pulp, forming pulpitis, which presents with obvious swelling and pain. Severe cases can also cause periapical periodontitis, leading to tooth loss, and affecting the normal emergence of permanent teeth. Therefore, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and seek timely symptomatic treatment when children develop dental caries.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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Is tooth decay a contagious disease?

Cavities occur due to a large amount of dental plaque and tartar on the teeth, which erodes the teeth over time, causing damage to the enamel and dentin. This results in the appearance of black spots, black patches, and cavities. However, cavities are not contagious because there are always a large number of bacteria in the mouth due to eating and other reasons, so it is important to develop good brushing habits and the correct technique. Although brushing can remove some dental plaque, its effect is limited. It is best to undergo dental and gum cleaning treatments to significantly improve the removal of dental plaque and eliminate the harm of cavities to the human body.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Can cavities be brushed with an electric toothbrush?

Cavities can be cleaned using an electric toothbrush. However, if the cavity is severe, the vibrations from the electric toothbrush may cause pain. It is necessary to fill or treat teeth with cavities as soon as possible. Only after treatment can the progression of the cavity be controlled; merely brushing with an electric toothbrush cannot control the development of the cavity. Cavities are a destructive disease caused by bacterial infection of the hard tissues of the teeth. Control over cavities can only be achieved by removing decay and using a drill to remove the infected cavity tissue; an electric toothbrush cannot control the development of cavities.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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How to treat a tooth that is half decayed?

When a patient has a cavity that has already damaged the dental tissues, causing severe damage to the dental tissues, the general advice for the patient is to go directly to a regular dental hospital for treatment. The best approach is generally to extract the tooth; extraction is the best option, but it should be done when the body is in good condition to remove the damaged tooth. Additionally, patients should pay attention to oral hygiene and can take some anti-inflammatory drugs orally to effectively control inflammation. Furthermore, during tooth extraction, it is crucial to pay attention to local hygiene, be mindful of food residue inside the mouth, eat and drink before the extraction, keep a relaxed mood, and follow the doctor's advice after extraction. Generally, do not eat for two hours after the surgery, do not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth within a day, avoid touching the wound, and manage your diet reasonably.