Experiencing discomfort after a dental filling is common, but a persistent throbbing sensation can raise concerns. This article explains why a tooth might throb after a filling, helping you understand when to monitor the situation and when to seek professional dental attention.
Expected Post-Filling Sensations
After a dental filling, temporary sensitivity or mild discomfort is normal. This is often due to the tooth adjusting to the new material and irritation from the procedure. You might notice sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or pressure when biting. This sensitivity typically resolves within a few days to a couple of weeks, extending up to two to four weeks for deeper fillings.
The tooth’s nerve endings can become temporarily irritated by the drilling and filling process. Metal fillings, for instance, conduct temperature more readily than composite resin, which can cause a sharp, brief sensation when exposed to hot or cold. As the tooth heals, these normal post-filling sensations should diminish.
Common Reasons for Throbbing Pain
Persistent throbbing pain after a filling indicates a deeper issue. One common reason is an uneven filling, also known as a “high bite” or “occlusion issue.” If the filling is too high, it causes excessive pressure on the filled tooth and opposing teeth when you bite or chew. This uneven pressure can lead to discomfort, soreness, jaw pain, or headaches. A high filling will not correct itself, and continued pressure can strain the tooth’s nerve or result in cracks in the tooth or filling.
A deep filling, especially one placed close to the dental pulp, can lead to throbbing pain. The filling’s proximity to the nerve can cause inflammation of the pulp, a condition known as pulpitis. Pulpitis is categorized as reversible or irreversible. In reversible pulpitis, the inflammation is temporary, and the tooth can heal once the irritation from the filling subsides. Pain typically occurs in response to cold or sweet stimuli and dissipates quickly, within one to two seconds, once the stimulus is removed.
Irreversible pulpitis signifies more severe and permanent damage to the pulp. Pain may occur spontaneously, linger for minutes after exposure to hot or cold stimuli (particularly heat), or make it difficult to identify the exact tooth. This condition indicates that the pulp tissue is dying and may require a root canal or tooth extraction to resolve the pain and prevent infection.
Though rare, an allergic reaction to the filling material can also cause throbbing pain and other symptoms. Common allergens include mercury in amalgam fillings, nickel in some metal-based fillings, and acrylates in composite fillings. Symptoms might include swelling, redness, itching, or oral sores around the filling site.
Another possibility is referred pain, where pain from another tooth or area is felt in the newly filled tooth. This pain usually subsides within one to two weeks.
When to Seek Dental Attention
It is important to seek dental attention if throbbing pain after a filling is persistent, worsening, or does not subside after a few days to a couple of weeks. Also, visit a dentist if pain interferes with daily activities, disrupts sleep, or is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication.
Additional symptoms signaling immediate dental evaluation include swelling around the tooth or gums, a fever, or a bad taste in the mouth, which can suggest an infection. Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers for a prolonged period after the stimulus is removed indicates irreversible pulpitis and requires prompt treatment. Similarly, if pain occurs when biting down and does not improve, it suggests an occlusion issue that needs adjustment. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications and ensure the long-term health of your tooth.
Relieving Discomfort
While waiting for a dental appointment or for normal sensitivity to resolve, several measures can help manage discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Avoiding extreme temperatures in foods and drinks, as well as hard or chewy foods, can also minimize sensitivity and discomfort.
Chewing on the opposite side of your mouth for a day or two can give the filled tooth time to settle. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and continuing to floss is also important to prevent further irritation. Using toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can help soothe nerves over time.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your jaw to reduce swelling and numb the area. These measures offer temporary relief and are not a substitute for professional dental evaluation if severe symptoms persist.