Guidelines & what to expect after the treatment of a deep cavity / filling:

Written by Dr. Madeleine Smit

A deep filling is one where the cavity (hole) is very close to but not yet touching the pulp and root canals (inner living tissue) of the tooth.

Whenever a deep filling is cleaned or a big old filling is replaced, your tooth might be sensitive after the treatment, once the anesthesia has worn off.  This may be the case even when the tooth was not at all sensitive before the treatment. Do not worry as this is a completely normal reaction of the pulp (nerve and blood veins deep inside your tooth).

During the process of cleaning and removing infected tooth material, we use instruments and products that may cause a temporary reaction by your remaining healthy tooth tissues. The intensity of this sensitivity may vary from very little to quite a lot and can last up to 7 days.  If after 7 days, the sensitivity doesn’t go away or if it gets worse, it is possible that the pulp needs to be taken out and filled as well (by means of a root canal).  It does not mean that the treatment did not work, or was not done well, it simply means that the cavity was too deep.

The degree of depth that can be treated successfully with simply a filling instead of a root canal treatment varies from one patient to another.  It is our philosophy to always try and repair teeth with the most conservative method, and avoid root canal treatments whenever possible.  This is why your dentist will suggest a deep filling and aim for a successful outcome, and leave a root canal treatment only if there is an obvious infection or a non-resolving sensitivity (more than 7 days) to a deep cavity filling. Should a root canal treatment be the outcome, please note that the tooth may then also need a ceramic rather than resin protection, to ensure maximum strengthening of the remaining tooth structure (crown) and resist biting forces.

The majority of deep fillings can be treated successfully without resulting in sensitivity and do not require root canal treatments.  Please do not hesitate to contact your dentist for further information regarding the treatment of a deep cavity.