It is common to experience some jaw discomfort after a dental filling. Many individuals find their jaw feels sore or stiff, a sensation that often resolves on its own.
Common Reasons for Jaw Discomfort
Maintaining an open mouth for an extended period during a dental procedure can lead to muscle strain and fatigue in the jaw. Jaw muscles work continuously to keep the jaw positioned, resulting in soreness similar to muscle fatigue after exercise.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jawbone to your skull, can become irritated during dental work. Pressure on the jaw or joint may cause temporary soreness or inflammation, manifesting as discomfort around the ear or along the jawline.
Localized pain can stem from the anesthetic injection site. The needle stick or solution can cause temporary soreness or bruising in the soft tissues, typically subsiding within a day or two.
A new filling can subtly alter your bite. Your jaw muscles may need to work differently to accommodate this minor change, leading to temporary stress and soreness as they adapt to the new alignment.
What to Expect and How to Find Relief
Jaw discomfort following a dental filling is generally temporary, often lasting from a few hours to a few days. The intensity of the pain usually lessens over this period as the jaw muscles recover and any minor tissue irritation subsides. Most individuals notice significant improvement within 48 to 72 hours.
For managing discomfort at home, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the jaw for 15-20 minutes at a time can also provide relief, especially in the first 24 hours, by reducing swelling. After 24 hours, some individuals find warm compresses beneficial for muscle relaxation.
Eating a soft diet can significantly reduce strain on your jaw muscles during the recovery period. Avoiding hard, chewy, or sticky foods allows the jaw to rest and heal without excessive movement. Gentle jaw exercises, such as slowly opening and closing your mouth or performing small circular motions, can sometimes help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness, but these should be done cautiously and only if they do not increase pain. It is also advisable to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth where the filling was placed for the initial period to prevent undue stress on the treated tooth and surrounding jaw structures.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some jaw discomfort is common after a filling, certain symptoms indicate a need to contact your dentist. If your jaw pain persists or worsens after a few days, rather than improving, it warrants professional evaluation. This could signal an underlying issue that requires attention.
Significant difficulty opening or closing your mouth, or a noticeable limitation in jaw movement, is another concerning symptom. New or worsening clicking, popping, or locking sensations in your jaw joint should also prompt a call to your dental professional. These symptoms could suggest a more involved temporomandibular joint issue.
Signs of infection, such as swelling in the jaw area, fever, or pain that begins to spread to other parts of your face, ear, or neck, require immediate dental attention. Additionally, if you experience extreme sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure on the filled tooth that does not subside, it might indicate a problem with the filling or the nerve within the tooth.