Pain after tooth filling
If a tooth filling is painful, should we see a dentist immediately?
It's common for a recently filled tooth to ache slightly after the procedure. Fillings are always performed under local anesthesia, but even a simple filling can be perceived as a minor trauma by the body. So, when the anesthesia wears off, if the tooth is sore or sensitive, there's no need to assume the worst right away. There's no need to see a dentist immediately; it’s best to wait and see if the symptoms subside on their own. If the pain gradually lessens and eventually disappears, everything is fine. However, if the pain persists or intensifies beyond 7-10 days, it’s advisable to consult your dentist as a precaution.
How and why does tooth pain occur after a filling?
Proximity of the dental pulp chamber
A tooth filling is one of the most common methods for treating tooth decay. During tooth decay (cavities), the tooth tissues soften. During the filling procedure, your dentist removes this softened tissue through preparation.
As a result, depending on the extent of the decay, a cavity is formed, which will then be filled with the filling material to restore the tooth's original shape and function.
The closer the cavity is to the dental pulp chamber, the more sensitive the tooth may be to the procedure. This sensitivity can lead to pain after the filling.
Height of the dental filling
Tooth ache after a filling can also occur if the composite filling height is not perfect. If you feel that the filling is too high, we definitely recommend visiting your dentist for a small adjustment.
Actions to Take in Case of Pain After a Tooth Filling
After a filling, it is possible for the treated tooth to still hurt. However, there is no need to panic, as this phenomenon can be completely normal. The treated area needs time to settle after the filling. It is important to differentiate between the types of pain and to monitor its progression to know exactly when to consult our dentist about the pain:
If the tooth pain after a filling is increasing and radiating, it may be a warning sign of pulpitis. This phenomenon can fluctuate: it may improve in the morning but worsen again by evening. In this case, schedule a follow-up appointment as soon as possible. Until your visit to the clinic, take pain relievers to reduce sensitivity. In such cases, the solution may involve root canal treatment.
If the dental pulp dies due to extensive decay, this can sometimes be a slow and almost imperceptible process. You may feel a dull pain when biting down, and the area might react sensitively to hot drinks. In this case, it is crucial for your dentist to use X-rays to check for any harmful processes and to initiate the healing process as soon as possible, which may also involve root canal treatment.
If we feel that the filling is too high and do not visit the dental clinic in a timely manner for a height adjustment, bite sensitivity may develop within a few days, as the treated tooth becomes overloaded. The solution is to adjust and reshape the height of the filling, after which the pain will subside within a few days.
Is it normal for my tooth to hurt after a medicated filling?
If the decay extends to a significant portion of the tooth or if the tooth tissue has softened near the pulp chamber, it may be warranted to perform a medicated closure during the filling process. In such cases, the affected area is treated with a base material, and sometimes we wait before placing the final filling. If sensitivity is experienced after a medicated filling, it may indicate that pulp inflammation has developed. In this case, the pain intensifies and often radiates to neighboring teeth. This issue can be resolved through root canal treatment or microscopic root canal treatment to save the tooth.
During root canal treatment, we remove the dental pulp from the root canals. Afterward, we enlarge the root canals and seal them airtight (root filling).
How long can a tooth be sensitive after a filling?
Tooth sensitivity after a filling can persist for up to two weeks. However, this can also be a normal condition. During this time, the filled tooth may become sensitive when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. This sensitivity can be alleviated by regularly using specialized toothpaste and mouthwashes.
However, if tooth sensitivity persists longer than this or if the pain increases, it is essential to consult your dentist.
Why does my jaw hurt after a tooth filling?
If you feel that your bite is not perfect because the completed filling is too high, chewing can become uncomfortable and may even cause pain. Patients often describe this sensation as, "It hurts when I bite down after a filling."
This typically manifests as sharp localized pain that subsides when opening the mouth. This condition imposes extra stress on the tooth and the jaw joints, which can lead to jaw pain in the long term. Due to the uneven pressure, the teeth are also subjected to additional strain, which can cause further discomfort. A filling will be functionally perfect and durable when the chewing forces are balanced.
If you notice that your filling feels too high and your bite does not close properly, be sure to visit your dentist for a follow-up examination.
Can gum inflammation also occur after a tooth filling?
A well-crafted, professionally done filling does not directly cause gum inflammation. However, if the filling is of poor quality, with rough edges that do not smoothly blend with the tooth surface, gum inflammation and gum disease may develop. Inflammation can also arise if the filling does not provide a tight enough seal against adjacent teeth, allowing food particles to become trapped. This can lead to irritation and gum bleeding, which, over time, may result in periodontal changes.
How to Avoid Pain After a Tooth Filling
The simplest way to avoid pain after a filling is to prevent tooth decay from developing in the first place. Visit Helvetic Clinics for a personal consultation and take proactive steps to prevent decay and more serious dental issues.
To schedule a consultation, call 053 930 1323! We look forward to welcoming you at Helvetic Clinics.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Pain After a Tooth Filling
What should I do if the injection site hurts after a filling?
It is common to experience pain at the injection site after a filling or other procedures requiring anesthesia. There is no need to worry, as the discomfort in the mucous membrane typically subsides after a few days, and no action is necessary.
What should I do if it hurts to bite down after a filling?
If you experience pain when biting down but do not feel that the filling is too high, wait a few days to see if the sensitivity decreases. If you feel that the filling is too high or if the pain increases, consult your dentist.
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