Pain After Tooth Filling

Getting a tooth filling is a common dental procedure, but it’s not unusual to experience some discomfort afterwards. Understanding why this happens and how to manage it can help you feel more at ease. Here’s a rundown on what to expect, how to handle the pain after a tooth filling and when to seek emergency dental care.
Why Do Fillings Cause Pain?
Sensitivity:
After a filling, your tooth might be more sensitive to pressure, air, sweet foods or temperature changes. This is because the filling process can irritate the nerves inside the tooth, especially if the decay is deep.
Inflammation:
Removing decay and placing a filling can cause inflammation in the tooth’s pulp, leading to pain and sensitivity. This can be due to the numbing injections administered before a filling is placed, coupled with the drilling to remove the infected decayed tissue.
High Filling:
At times, a filled tooth can be taller than the unaffected teeth. Due to extra pressure on the affected tooth, closing your mouth can be painful and the bite might seem unnatural. A filling that is too high is an interference that will make even simple functions like chewing rather painful.
Referred Pain:
Sometimes, the pain you feel in the filled tooth is coming from another area. This is known as referred pain.
Allergic Reaction:
An individual might be allergic to the materials used in a filling sometimes. This too can lead to pain, causing redness and itching.
Types of Pain and What They Mean
A sharp, shooting pain can occur when biting down or when the tooth is exposed to cold or hot stimuli. It usually goes away on its own, but if it persists, it might indicate an issue with the filling or an underlying problem like a cracked tooth.
If the pain is constant and throbbing, it might suggest inflammation or infection in the tooth. This requires immediate attention from your dentist.
A dull ache can be due to the irritation caused by the filling process. This should improve over time, but if it doesn’t, it could indicate a need for further dental evaluation.
Managing Pain After a Filling
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Medications like ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Avoiding Triggers
Stay away from extremely hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks that can trigger sensitivity.
- Chewing Carefully
Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth to avoid putting pressure on the filled tooth.
- Desensitising Toothpaste
Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help reduce discomfort.
- Saltwater Rinses
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can soothe the gums and reduce inflammation.
When to See Your Dentist
If the pain persists or lasts more than a week or gets worse instead of better, it could indicate an issue with the filling or another dental problem. Any severe pain or signs of infection, such as swelling, fever, or discharge require immediate dental attention. If your bite feels uneven or if you experience discomfort while chewing, the filling might need to be adjusted by your dentist.
Experiencing some pain after a tooth filling is normal, but it’s usually manageable and temporary. Understanding the causes and knowing how to manage the discomfort can make the healing process smoother. Always keep in touch with your dentist if you have concerns or if the pain doesn’t improve.
At PMD Dental we make sure you know the necessary aftercare after every procedure, ensuring your dental health stays in top shape. Contact us for your next appointment for the best treatments!