It is not unusual for a patient to experience some pain after dental treatment and in many cases this is normal and will resolve over time. However sometimes the pain may indicate that further treatment is required. The following treatments can often cause some pain:
A general rule of thumb is that if the pain is severe it may be a sign of further issues. However pain after root fillings and extractions can be severe for a time before resolving. If there is swelling, fever then further attention by a dentist or hospital department is DEFINITELY required.
If the post-operative sensitivity is not a sign of further problems then it can be treated quite successfully at home using over the counter products. It is important however to rule out other causes of tooth sensitivity such as high filling, reversible pulpitis, irreversible pulpitis, and cracked tooth syndrome.
Toothpastes for sensitive teeth have been around for some time now and continue to improve. They work by forming a microscopic chemical layer over the dentine to prevent the pain occurring. They can also sometime calm down a very sensitive tooth after a deep filling
They can be used as a regular toothpaste as well as rubbed on the root surface of particularly sensitive teeth. Mouthwashes containing fluoride can also reduce the symptoms.
Products that we would recommend for quick relief include: Sensodyne Rapid Relief, Colgate Pro Relief
Other products which may help are fluoride mouthwashes such as FluoriGard and toothpastes with high fluoride such as Duraphat (available on prescription from your dentist)