Feel A Pulse In Fillings

I've had my fillings for a while and I can feel a pulse in them, it feels like a heartbeat in the tooth that has a filling, why and should I be worried about it?

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Answer: Nerve Sensation In Fillings

By Sarah h
Dental Professional

Fillings are dental restorations used to replace a decayed portion of the tooth. They are not placed in good virgin teeth. Sometimes, even though you had the tooth restored with a filling, the nerve has already been insulted by the decay. An insulted nerve may take weeks, months, or years for symptoms to arise. Most likely your nerve is beginning stages of irreversible pulpitis. Meaning the nerve is inflamed and it cannot be treated. The tooth will need to be treated with a root canal if this is determined the case. It is best to see your dentist immediately and explain your symptoms. A radiograph will help with diagnosis and you may need to be placed on an antibiotic prior to being treated. It is okay to take an anti-inflammatory medication until you can be seen by your dentist, however this will not treat the tooth or heal it. The tooth will continue to get worse with time, so do not delay scheduling your appointment.

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