Summary
Pain in teeth after a filling is one of the common experiences; however, it is not always a sign that something is wrong. This article discusses some of the reasons for pain after dental fillings and tells what to do if the pain hangs around or worsens. Knowing the causes will help patients decide when to seek professional help.
Introduction
Dental fillings are a common treatment for restoring a decayed or damaged tooth. Some discomfort after the procedure is not unusual. Mostly, very slight sensitivity can be expected while the tooth heals. But if the pain continues or becomes worse, then possibly something is wrong. Knowing the reasons behind the pain would help in making sense of the situation and deciding whether to call the dentist.
This article elaborates on some common causes of post-filling pain while also suggesting when you should really go and see a dentist for professional help. Meanwhile, we offer a few tips on how to ease the pain.
Why Did You Experience a Painful Tooth After a Filling?
Many feel a painful tooth after a filling, and for more than one reason. Below are some of the most common reasons for painful teeth after a filling.
1. High Filling or Misalignment of Bite
The highest filling(s) could be one of the most frequent causes of post-filling pain, with the filling just a little bit higher than the natural surface of the tooth. Unequal pressure may result when the patient bites down, thus producing pain.
How It Happens:
The dentist usually checks the bite after the placement of the filling to ensure that all is well aligned. However, sometimes the filling may set or move a little bit, thus altering the bite. This misalignment can produce pain during the act of chewing or, worse, pain when the tooth is even touched.
Solution:
A simple trip to the dentist is all that is required. The dentist will smooth out the filling so it is level with the rest of your teeth. The pain will end after the adjustment is made.
2. Tooth Sensitivity After Filling
Tooth sensitivity is a common phenomenon after all forms of dental work, and fillings are no exception. Post procedure, sensitivity to temperature changes or sweet foods may occur.
Why It Happens:
When a cavity is drilled out, it may expose the underlying tooth structure, which can cause sensitivity of the nerves. The filling material could irritate the tooth for a while, as well.
What You Can Do:
This usually ends after 48-72 hours. During this time, use a desensitizing toothpaste and avoid the consumption of very hot or cold foods. If sensitivity persists, seek advice from your dentist.
Serious Causes of Pain After a Filling
Sometimes this pain can indicate more complex situations. Here are a few conditions that could be processed:
3. Damage to the Tooth’s Pulp (Pulpitis)
If the cavity was close to or actually involved the nerve of the tooth, the filling procedure may cause irritation of the pulp, resulting in inflammation: pulpitis.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
Pain persists, throbbing, or sharp, especially under hot, cold, or sweet foods may indicate pulpitis, which may also worsen pain at night.
Treatment:
If pulpitis is considered, a root canal treatment may be necessary to remove the affected pulp and stop further damage. Delay in treatment may risk further infection or even loss of the tooth.
4. Referred Pain
Sometimes, the Painful Tooth After a Filling is never actually caused by the filling itself. Referred pain might be felt from another tooth or some other area in the mouth.
Why This Happens:
The nerves in your teeth are connected one way or another, so whenever some tooth is affected, neighboring teeth may feel discomfort even though they’re not directly involved.
What to Do:
It is best to consult the dentist if the pain does not subside or jolts from one part of the mouth to the other. They will assess whether it is referred pain or something peculiar to the tooth with the filling.
Other Causes of Post-Filling Pain
There are even other reasons that might explain your severe pain after a filling.
5. Allergic Reaction to Filling Materials
Though rare, patients are sometimes allergic to the material in the filling, whether it be amalgam (silver filling) or composite resin.
Symptoms:
Reactional allergies tend to make the relatively treated area swell or redden with itching or pain.
What You Can Do:
In case an allergic reaction is suspected, your dentist should be contacted. Also, he may assess your symptoms and suggest an alternative material for the filling.
6. Filling Deterioration or Wear Over Time
Fillings wear out, crack, or dislodge over time, mainly if you grind your teeth or bite hard foods.
How It Affects the Tooth:
Being in a compromised state, a filling may not properly protect the tooth anymore and thus begin to cause pain. Food may also get stuck in these uncomfortable spots, irritating the sensitive tooth.
What to Do:
If you notice that your filling feels loose or if it causes pain while chewing, you’ll have to visit your dentist for a proper assessment of the condition of the filling is in. It will have to be replaced if the need arises.
When to Seek Help from Your Dentist
It is normal to experience some discomfort immediately following a filling procedure. It is necessary to understand the situations when this sharp pain is a sign of something wrong that needs a dentist.
7. Severe or Persistent Pain
Pain from the filling will last for more than a week, or pain from time to time will get worse, presenting an indicator of a problem to be treated.
Key Signs to Watch For:
- Throbbing or sharp pain that doesn’t improve
- Pain that radiates to other areas of the mouth
- Swelling or a visible abscess near the filled tooth
What to Do:
Make a call now to arrange for a visit to your dental professional, as timely assistance will help resolve the matter and prevent it from developing into additional complications.
8. Pain During Normal Activities
During everyday activities such as chewing and brushing, pain may arise, and there are even occurrences when the pain ensues without any activity. This indicates that something is amiss.
What This Could Mean:
Such could signify that the filling is too high and interfering with your bite; however, this may also indicate that your tooth pulp is experiencing infection or severe irritation.
Next Steps:
Give your dentist a call to make an appointment. Most likely, an X-ray will be done to view the tooth and ascertain what is causing the tooth pain.
Conclusion
Painful Tooth After a Filling might range from slight sensitivity to something far worse and persistent. Usually, the discomfort comes and goes without any treatment, but one should always be aware of worsening symptoms and when to seek professional intervention. Pain that grows worse and is accompanied by alarming symptoms needs an immediate appointment with the dentist for a complete appraisal.
Learning about common causes of post-filling pain means that you’ll be able to do everything needed to keep your mouth healthy. Both routine dental visits and basic oral hygiene go a long way in ensuring that an early complaint will not put at risk the proper condition of your filling and tooth.
