Getting a dental filling is one of the most common ways to treat tooth decay and restore your oral health. But what happens when your filled tooth starts to hurt? If you’re searching for ways to ease tooth pain after a filling, you’re in good company; many people feel the same after dental work. Many people experience tooth pain after a dental procedure, especially when the numbness wears off. The good news is that there are effective ways to relieve pain and help your tooth heal comfortably.
Let’s examine why you might feel pain after a filling, what you can do to alleviate discomfort, and when to see your dentist immediately.
Why Does a Tooth Hurt After a Filling?
It might feel frustrating to experience pain after a treatment meant to fix the problem. However, minor sensitivity or discomfort after a tooth filling is quite common and can be perfectly normal. Here’s why it happens.
1. Nerve Irritation After a Dental Procedure
Your teeth are more complex than they seem. Beneath the hard enamel is a layer called dentin, and beneath that lies the tooth pulp, which houses the nerves and blood vessels. Your dentist may come close to the pulp during a filling procedure, especially if the decay is deep. Even if the pulp remains healthy, nerve endings can get irritated by the dental drill or the extra pressure applied during treatment.
This can result in sensitivity or sharp pain, particularly when eating hot or cold foods.
2. Tooth Sensitivity to Hot, Cold or Sweet Stimuli
After a new filling, sensitive teeth are a common side effect. You may feel a bit of sensitivity when enjoying cold treats like ice cream or drinking something warm, such as a cup of tea. Some people also feel pain when eating sugary foods or acidic foods. This kind of sensitivity is usually temporary and should ease within two to four weeks.
3. Incorrect Bite Alignment
Sometimes, your bite may feel slightly “off after a filling.” If the filling material is too high or doesn’t quite match your natural bite, it can cause extra pressure on one tooth. This can lead to persistent pain or soreness in the filled tooth and surrounding teeth. Left uncorrected, this pressure can even crack or damage the affected tooth.
4. Deep Fillings or Multiple Fillings
People who have undergone multiple fillings, especially deep fillings, are more likely to experience pain. This is because more of the tooth structure is affected, and the nerve endings can become more sensitive to stimulation.
5. Allergic Reaction to Filling Material
Though rare, an allergic reaction to the material used in dental fillings can occur. You might feel pain, swelling, or itchiness in your mouth. This is more common with certain metals, but can also happen with some composite materials.
How to Relieve Tooth Pain After a Filling: Simple Tips That Really Help
If you’re dealing with a filling pain, the goal is to reduce pain, support healing, and protect your filled tooth from further damage. Let’s explore several simple, effective strategies.
1. Over-the-counter medications for Pain Relief
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help manage mild to moderate pain. These medications reduce inflammation and relieve pain without the need for a prescription. Be sure to stick to dosage instructions or consult an appropriately qualified health practitioner if you’re unsure what’s safe for you.
2. Avoid Hot or Cold Foods Temporarily
Because nerve endings may be more sensitive after a filling, avoiding hot or cold foods for the first few days can help alleviate discomfort. Stick with lukewarm or room-temperature meals and drinks until your sensitivity settles.
3. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods
Sugary and acidic foods can irritate a newly filled tooth. These substances can penetrate small crevices and trigger nerve irritation. Until your tooth settles, reduce your intake of these items to prevent further pain.
4. Use Desensitising or Fluoride Toothpaste
Desensitising toothpaste can block pain signals from the tooth surface to the nerve. Look for products specifically manufactured for sensitive teeth. Fluoride toothpaste is also recommended as it strengthens the enamel, supports oral health, and can reduce sensitivity over time.
5. Apply a Cold Compress
If you experience swelling or inflammation, applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help relieve pain. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, a few times throughout the day.
6. Avoid Chewing on the Affected Tooth
While your tooth is healing, avoiding chewing on the side where the new filling is placed is a good idea. This prevents putting extra pressure on the tooth and surrounding teeth, especially if your bite still feels off.
7. Stick to Soft Foods
For a few days after a filling procedure, try eating softer foods that require less chewing. Think scrambled eggs, soups, mashed vegetables, or smoothies. This can help prevent discomfort in your filled tooth.
When Tooth Pain Isn’t Normal: Signs to Watch Out For
While minor sensitivity is expected, certain symptoms could signal that something more serious is going on. Here’s what to look out for.
1. Persistent Pain That Doesn’t Go Away
If the pain continues for over a few weeks or seems to worsen, it’s important to see your dentist. Ongoing discomfort may indicate a deeper problem, such as irreversible pulpitis, an inflammation of the tooth’s pulp that cannot recover without treatment.
2. Severe Pain or Severe Sensitivity
If you feel extreme pain or severe sensitivity when biting, chewing, or eating hot or cold foods, it may indicate more serious nerve damage or a cracked or broken tooth. This could require further treatment, such as a root canal.
3. Referred Pain in Other Teeth
Sometimes, you might feel pain in one tooth, but the problem lies in another. This is called referred pain, a phenomenon where pain is perceived in a different part of the mouth than its source. If this occurs, it’s important to have a thorough dental examination.
4. Other Symptoms: Swelling, Fever or Bad Taste
Swelling of the gums, a persistent bad taste, or fever can indicate infection. These symptoms should never be ignored and require immediate attention.
Possible Complications That May Need Further Dental Care
In certain situations, complications can develop following a tooth filling that may require further attention.
1. Cracked or Broken Tooth
If the dental drill compromised the structure or if there’s been extra pressure due to an incorrect bite alignment, the tooth might crack. A broken tooth can expose the pulp, causing intense pain and requiring urgent care.
2. Nerve Damage or Irreversible Pulpitis
When the nerve damage is too great, the pulp cannot recover. This results in irreversible pulpitis, which can lead to an abscess if left untreated. A root canal may be the only way to save the tooth.
3. Incorrect Bite or High Filling
Sometimes, a filling is too high and doesn’t align well with your natural bite. Even small misalignments can place stress on one tooth, leading to tooth pain and further dental problems.
When to See a Dentist Immediately
When to See a Dentist ImmediatelyYou should contact your dentist immediately if:
- You feel extreme pain after a filling
- You notice swelling in the gums or face
- You develop a fever
- The pain gets worse over time
- You have other symptoms like foul taste, pus, or bleeding
An appropriately qualified health practitioner can assess the affected tooth, check for complications, and recommend further treatment if necessary.
Preventing Tooth Pain After a Filling
While not all pain can be avoided, there are a few steps you can take to support healing and prevent issues in the future.
1. Attend Regular Dental Check-Ups
Routine dental visits help detect tooth decay early before it reaches the nerve. This reduces the need for deep fillings and the risk of severe tooth pain.
2. Practise Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily protects your teeth from decay. A healthy smile starts with consistent dental care at home.
3. Report Issues Right Away
If your bite feels off after a filling or if you feel pain in one tooth or multiple teeth, don’t wait. Let your dentist know so adjustments can be made before complications develop.
4. Choose the Right Dentist
Always work with a qualified dental professional who uses high-quality filling materials, and checks bite alignment carefully. The skill of your dentist plays a major role in minimising pain after a filling.
Final Thoughts: Tooth Pain After a Filling Isn’t Always a Cause for Concern
Tooth pain after a filling can be unsettling, but it’s not always a sign that something’s gone wrong. Often, it’s just your tooth adjusting to the recent dental procedure. However, pain that lingers, worsens, or comes with other symptoms should be taken seriously.
Knowing how to relieve tooth pain after filling can make a big difference in your recovery. From over-the-counter medications to desensitising toothpaste and avoiding cold foods, small steps can help alleviate discomfort and support healing.
Always follow your dentist’s advice and never hesitate to contact Advanced Dental Care at (02) 9969 3982 if the pain persists. With the right dental care, your discomfort will likely fade, leaving you with a healthy smile.
References
- Health. (n.d.). Best toothpaste for sensitive teeth, according to dentists. https://www.health.com/condition/oral-health/best-toothpaste-for-sensitive-teeth
- Colgate. (n.d.). Chewing tips after a filling. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/fillings/chewing-tips-after-a-filling
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Oral hygiene. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16914-oral-hygiene
- WebMD. (n.d.). Pain relievers: Understanding your OTC options. https://www.webmd.com/drug-medication/ss/slideshow-pain-relievers
