Experiencing some discomfort or sensitivity after a dental filling, especially when chewing, is common. This mild pain typically subsides within a few days or weeks as the tooth heals. Understanding potential causes and knowing when to seek professional advice can provide reassurance.
Common Causes of Post-Filling Pain
A common reason for pain when chewing after a filling is temporary tooth sensitivity. The drilling process and the placement of filling material can irritate the nerve inside the tooth, particularly if the cavity was deep. This irritation can lead to discomfort when the tooth is exposed to pressure, air, or temperature changes. This sensitivity often fades as the nerve heals, which can take days to a few weeks.
A high bite, where the filling is slightly too high, is another common cause. This creates uneven pressure when biting down, causing pain. Even minor misalignment can put significant pressure on the tooth. Your dentist can easily adjust the filling by reshaping it.
Inflammation of the tooth’s pulp can also cause pain. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, and deep cavities or the filling procedure can inflame this tissue. This can manifest as lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, or spontaneous pain. Sometimes, pain felt in the filled tooth may be referred pain, originating from an irritated nerve elsewhere.
Distinguishing Normal Sensitivity from Serious Issues
Normal post-filling sensitivity is a sharp, fleeting pain triggered by hot, cold, sweet foods, or chewing pressure. This discomfort is usually mild, manageable, and gradually improves over a few days to a couple of weeks as the tooth adjusts to the new filling.
However, certain signs indicate a more significant problem needing dental attention. Persistent pain that doesn’t improve after two to four weeks, or pain that worsens, indicates a problem. Sharp, throbbing pain, especially if constant or waking you at night, suggests severe nerve irritation or infection. Swelling, redness around the tooth, or a fever also indicate potential infection and require immediate evaluation. Sharp pain every time you bite down, or a consistently uneven bite, could signal a high filling or other complication needing adjustment.
Managing Discomfort and Knowing When to Contact Your Dentist
For mild, normal post-filling discomfort, several strategies can help manage the symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation. Avoiding extreme temperatures in foods and drinks, and sticking to a soft diet for the first 24-48 hours, can also minimize sensitivity. Using a desensitizing toothpaste can provide relief by helping to block nerve signals in sensitive areas.
It is important to contact your dentist if your pain or sensitivity does not improve or worsens after a week or two. You should also seek professional care if you experience sharp pain when biting down that does not subside, continuous throbbing pain, or any swelling or fever around the filled tooth. These symptoms could indicate underlying issues such as a misaligned filling, persistent nerve irritation, or an infection that requires further treatment. Addressing these concerns promptly can prevent more complex dental problems and ensure the long-term health of your tooth.