Discomfort or sensitivity after a cavity filling is common. This sensation often arises as the tooth adjusts to the new restoration. Understanding and managing this discomfort can provide peace of mind during recovery.
At-Home Pain Relief Strategies
Over-the-counter pain relievers effectively manage discomfort after a dental filling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) are common. Follow dosage instructions on the packaging or your dentist’s recommendations.
Saltwater rinses soothe irritated gums and reduce inflammation around the filled tooth. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. Swish gently for 30 seconds, then spit, repeating two to three times daily. This promotes healing.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area to minimize swelling and numb pain. Wrap an ice pack or frozen peas in a cloth and apply for 10-15 minute intervals. This constricts blood vessels, reducing inflammation and discomfort.
Adjusting your diet temporarily alleviates post-filling discomfort. Avoid very hot, cold, sugary, sticky, or hard foods and beverages for the first few days. These foods trigger sensitivity or undue pressure on the newly filled tooth. Opt for soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or soups, and chew on the opposite side of your mouth, allowing the tooth to settle.
Common Causes of Discomfort
Tooth sensitivity after a filling is common, resulting from the tooth’s adjustment to the new material. The drilling process generates heat, irritating the nerve inside the tooth and causing sensitivity. This irritation, known as pulpitis, usually resolves within a few days or weeks as the nerve heals.
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or air is noticeable, especially with deeper fillings where material is closer to the nerve. This occurs because the dentin layer, containing microscopic tubules leading to the nerve, may become more exposed or reactive. The type of filling material also plays a role, as some conduct temperature more readily.
Sometimes, a filling causes a slightly high bite, meaning the filled tooth contacts the opposing tooth sooner than others. This uneven pressure causes discomfort when biting down or chewing. A high filling can strain jaw muscles and lead to headaches if unadjusted.
Referred pain is where discomfort is felt in a tooth adjacent to the filled one, or even in another part of the jaw. This occurs due to the mouth’s complex nerve network, where pain signals travel along shared pathways. While less common, an allergic reaction to the filling material can cause sensitivity, sometimes with a rash or itching.
When to Seek Dental Advice
While some post-filling discomfort is normal, certain signs indicate a need for dental evaluation. If pain is severe, worsening, or persists beyond a few days to a couple of weeks, contact your dentist. Lingering sensitivity that does not gradually improve could signal an underlying issue.
Swelling in the gum or face around the filled tooth is concerning. This, along with persistent throbbing pain or a pocket of pus near the tooth, indicates infection. Infections arise if bacteria seep into the tooth or if decay was not entirely removed during the filling process.
A fractured filling or tooth requires immediate attention. Symptoms include sudden pain when chewing, sensitivity to temperature, or a feeling of a hole or crack. A compromised filling allows bacteria to enter, potentially leading to new decay or further damage. Report any significant bite changes causing persistent discomfort, jaw pain, or headaches after the initial adjustment.