If you are experiencing toothache after filling, don’t worry – you’re not alone! Many people experience some pain and discomfort after getting a dental filling. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of toothache after filling and what you can do to relieve the pain. We will also offer some tips for preventing toothache after filling in the future.
- Dental Cavity Filling
- Discomfort around Fillings
- Why do we experience tooth pain after filling?
- Treatment for Tooth Sensitivity
- Tooth Sensitivity Prevention
Dental Cavity Filling
Cavities, which are decayed regions of a tooth that create tiny holes, are commonly treated with dental fillings. Your dentist uses material like amalgam or composite to fill these holes during a filling. Even though this is a basic and normal process, many people experience tooth sensitivity due to it.
Discomfort around Fillings
Before filling, dentists frequently numb the region around the damaged tooth using a local anesthetic. Consequently, you will most likely feel nothing for the first hour or two following your session. You may have some normal pain or discomfort in your mouth once the numbness goes off. These include:
- tenderness in your gums and other teeth
- pain in the teeth surrounding the filling
- jaw pain when clenching teeth
- pain in the affected tooth when eating, brushing, or flossing
Why do we experience toothache-like pain after filling?
After having a cavity filled, Some temporary sensitivity after a tooth filling is common. However, persistent or severe sensitivity after a filling is likely due to other causes that need treating.
Nerve Irritation
If you are experiencing toothache after filling, it is possible that you may have irritated a nerve. This can often be caused by a misplaced dental filling, putting too much pressure on the nerve. In addition, if the dentist does not use a topical anesthetic before doing the filling, this can also lead to nerve irritation.
Incorrect bite
People will often experience some minor sensitivity when biting down days following the procedure. This sensitivity will typically go away on its own. If your teeth are not properly aligned, it can stress certain areas of your mouth and jaw, which can lead to toothache. In addition, an incorrect bite alignment can also lead to gum problems and TMJ disorder. If a person experiences severe sensitivity or has difficulty eating or putting their teeth together, they should ask their dentist to check the bite. The dentist may decide to smooth down the high point of the filling to fit the bite and eliminate discomfort properly.
Pulpitis
If you are experiencing toothache after filling, and it does not go away after a few days, you may have pulpitis. Pulpitis is an inflammation of the tooth pulp and is often caused by a dental infection. Other causes of pulpitis include:
- Fractured teeth
- Tooth grinding (bruxism)
- Trauma to the tooth
Pulpitis does not regularly occur with minor fillings, but it might happen if:
- the tooth has had trauma, such as from an accident that resulted in a cracked or broken tooth
- the cavity was very deep, reaching the inner pulp layer
- the tooth has undergone multiple fillings or procedures
Allergic Reaction to Filling Material
If you are experiencing toothache after filling, you may have an allergic reaction to the filling material. Composite fillings, made of plastic and glass, are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than other fillings. Some patients also complained of experiencing allergic reactions to amalgam fillings. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to a filling material include:
- Toothache
- Swelling
- Itching
- Redness
- Rash
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after having cavity fillings, you should see your dentist right away. The emergency dentist will likely need to remove the filling and replace it with a different material.
Treatment for Tooth Sensitivity
A person may also try the following methods at home to help relieve their sensitive teeth:
- using topical numbing ointment designed for the mouth
- brushing with gentle, circular strokes on the teeth and gums
- avoiding whitening toothpaste and products, which can make sensitivity worse
- rinsing the mouth out with water after consuming acidic foods or drinks
- avoiding brushing the teeth immediately after eating acidic foods, as doing so may remove more of the enamel
If tooth sensitivity does not improve in the days following a filling, it is important to talk with a dentist. The dentist will need to rule out other potential causes of sensitivity that may not be related to the filling. Sometimes, emergency dental care is needed to treat pain in a filled tooth. Your dentist may recommend a dental procedure like root canal treatment, for instance, if the cause is pulpitis from an exposed tooth pulp or a severely irritated nerve.
Tooth Sensitivity Prevention
Regardless of how well a person prepares, a dental filling might induce tooth discomfort. However, the best strategy to avoid tooth sensitivity is maintaining proper dental hygiene. Avoiding meals and liquids that are extremely hot or cold and items that take a long time to chew can help reduce pain after a filling. Know your allergies and inform your dentist before any procedure. Choose your dentist wisely. Their expertise and experience in performing a simple treatment seamlessly may indicate that their skills can be trusted even with complex procedures. For situations that need emergency dental attention, be sure to have our emergency dentist in Perth on your speed dial! We can help keep your gums and teeth in the best shape possible. Our team is dedicated to providing proper diagnosis and treatment according to your dental needs. Please make an appointment by calling us at (07)3132 3803 today!
References:
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/problems-dental-fillings https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324267 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/fillings/tooth-pain-after-a-filling-is-it-normal https://www.healthline.com/health/tooth-sensitivity-after-filling https://crest.com/en-us/oral-care-tips/cavities-and-tooth-decay/tooth-pain-sensitivity-before-after-filling-cavities
Recent Comments