Soreness or discomfort after a dental filling is common. While unsettling, it is often a normal part of the healing process as the tooth adjusts to the new restoration. Understanding the reasons for this temporary discomfort and how to manage it can help you recognize when the soreness might indicate a more significant issue requiring professional dental attention.
Understanding Post-Filling Soreness
Removing decayed or damaged tooth material during a dental filling can irritate the delicate tissues and nerves within the tooth. This often leads to temporary inflammation of the tooth pulp, the innermost layer containing nerves and blood vessels. Sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is a common result, as the tooth’s nerve endings may respond more intensely to stimuli. This discomfort is typically short-lived, usually resolving within a few days to a couple of weeks as the nerve heals.
Nerve irritation is common with deeper fillings, especially when decay was close to the pulp. The drilling and filling process can cause a temporary inflammatory response, known as pulpitis, which usually subsides. Sometimes, the new filling material might be slightly high, causing an uneven bite that puts excessive pressure on the filled tooth. This “high spot” can lead to discomfort until the bite is adjusted by a dentist.
The type of filling material can also influence initial sensitivity. For instance, composite resin fillings may cause sensitivity if the material shrinks slightly during hardening, potentially creating tiny gaps that expose nerve endings. Most discomfort after a filling is a normal part of the tooth’s adjustment and should gradually diminish. If pain or sensitivity persists or worsens, it could signal an underlying issue.
Managing Discomfort After a Filling
Several approaches can help alleviate discomfort after a dental filling. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are often effective in reducing mild pain and inflammation. Always follow dosage instructions. Avoiding chewing on the side of the new filling for the first few days can prevent unnecessary pressure and irritation, allowing the tooth to settle.
Opting for a soft diet immediately after the procedure minimizes stress on the newly filled tooth. Avoid extremely hot, cold, or sugary foods, as these can exacerbate sensitivity in the healing tooth. As the tooth adjusts, you can gradually reintroduce a normal diet.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to prevent further irritation and promote healing. Gentle brushing and flossing around the filled tooth are recommended. Rinsing the mouth with a warm saltwater solution can provide a soothing effect and help reduce inflammation. To prepare, dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and gently swish for 30 seconds before spitting it out, repeating a few times a day.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Certain symptoms indicate you should contact your dentist. These include pain that worsens over time or severe, throbbing pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers. If pain persists for more than a few days to a week, or up to two to four weeks for deeper fillings, it may suggest an underlying problem.
Increased swelling around the tooth or jaw, or a fever accompanying the pain, also indicate immediate dental attention is needed. A persistent “high spot” feeling when biting, where the filling feels too tall and causes discomfort, means the filling might need a simple adjustment by your dentist. This misalignment can cause uneven pressure and discomfort.
Though rare, signs of an allergic reaction to the filling material can include swelling, redness, itching, or a burning sensation around the filled tooth. In such cases, consult your dentist for proper diagnosis and potential replacement of the filling. Contact your dental office if you have any concerns about persistent or unusual symptoms after a filling.