What Are the Symptoms of a Filling Getting Air?

A filling is a treatment method used to fill the cavity caused by tooth decay and protect dental health. If this treatment is not applied correctly to the tooth, the filling can get air, leading to sensitivity and pain.
Knowing the symptoms of a filling getting air and taking necessary precautions is important. We have explained all the symptoms in detail!

What Are the Symptoms of a Filling Getting Air?

When teeth are not well cared for, decay starts over time. For decayed teeth, a cleaning procedure and filling treatment are performed. However, in some cases, the filled tooth can get air.
Patients may experience various types of pain after a filling. As a result, they may wonder if the filling is letting in air.

Here are the symptoms of a filling getting air:

• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods (especially in the filled tooth).
• Persistent pain even a few days after the treatment.
• A metallic or bloody taste in the mouth.
• Discoloration or darkening of the filling or filled tooth.
• The filling not staying fixed and moving.
• Sensitivity in the gums.

Being aware of the symptoms of a filling getting air helps you remain conscious in such situations. The symptoms listed here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a diagnosis. For detailed information, consult your dentist!

Causes of a Filling Getting Air

There can be many reasons why a filling gets air. These reasons may stem from the patient, the dentist, or the structure of the tooth itself.

The most common causes are as follows:

• If the filling is not properly placed, small gaps may form between the tooth and the filling, allowing air to get in.
• Biting into hard food can break the filling, causing it to let in air.
• An old filling may wear down over time. Worn fillings dissolve and may lead to air entry.
• If the edges of the filling leak when the procedure is done, food may collect in those areas while eating, and a small gap may grow over time.

Fillings can break or become damaged over time, which can cause air to get in. This can lead to sensitivity and pain in the teeth. If your tooth filling is letting in air, you need to visit your dentist for treatment.

Treatment Process for a Filling Getting Air

We’ve explained the symptoms of a filling getting air. When the filling starts to dissolve or breaks, gaps form, and the filling begins to get air. This leads to pain and sensitivity in the teeth. So, what should you do if your tooth gets air? Let’s answer this question.

Things to pay attention to for a tooth that gets air:

• First and foremost, if your filled tooth is getting air, it’s important to consult your dentist. This way, an accurate diagnosis can be made, and treatment can begin.
• The filling should be redone, and the leaking parts should be repaired and correctly placed on the tooth.
• Air entering the filling causes sensitivity in the teeth. To reduce this, cleaning the tongue and gums should be done to prevent bacteria formation.
• Food particles entering the gaps between the teeth may cause sensitivity. Teeth should be brushed gently and regularly twice a day.
• When the filling is broken or the material erodes, the teeth become more sensitive. To reduce the sensitivity of the filled tooth, toothpaste specifically made for sensitive teeth should be used.
• Problems such as bacteria formation or infection may also arise as a result of the filling letting in air. Gargling with salt water can reduce infection and relieve the pain caused by the teeth.

If filled teeth get air, it leads to toothaches. Those experiencing this situation must consult a dentist. Breakage in the filling or the improper placement of the filling on the tooth can cause it to get air.

For mild to moderate problems, a crown procedure may also be performed. Crown treatments include many different applications. If there is persistent pain in the teeth after these treatments, you should consult a doctor.

When Does Filling Sensitivity Go Away?

Filling sensitivity generally begins to decrease within 1 or 2 days. There are some precautions to take for faster healing of filling sensitivity.

Tips to reduce filling sensitivity:

1. Avoid consuming extremely hot or cold foods during the healing process.
2. Foods consumed should be soft and lukewarm. Hard foods can strain the tooth and delay the healing process.
3. Regular dental check-ups should be done. This way, any problems can be diagnosed quickly.

Another problem encountered after a filling is the filling falling out. To learn what to do in such cases, read our article titled "What Should I Do If My Filling Falls Out?"

What Happens If a Dental Filling Is Done Incorrectly?

If a dental filling is improperly done, it can cause many issues in the teeth. Let’s explain these issues in detail.

The following symptoms may occur due to an improperly done filling:

• Severe pain and discomfort in the teeth.
• Cracks or breakage on the filling.
• Swelling and redness in the gums.
• Decay occurring on the filling.

An incorrectly done dental filling can cause problems for the teeth. If you experience issues such as pain, redness, or cracks in your teeth, consulting your dentist is crucial for your dental health.

My Filling Is Letting Air In and Hurts—What Should I Do?

If a filled tooth hurts and is letting in air, you should definitely consult a dentist. While at home, you can reduce the pain in your teeth by brushing them properly and eating warm foods carefully.

Contact Us!

We’ve detailed the symptoms of a filling getting air and discussed what to pay attention to. If you have questions about the filling process or other dental problems, feel free to contact us.

For issues related to oral and dental health, you can also visit our clinic to benefit from our free initial examination service.

For more detailed information about the filling process, check out our SERVICES!