Getting a tooth filling is a common dental procedure to treat tooth decay and prevent further damage to the tooth. While dental fillings can effectively restore a tooth’s function and structure, it’s not uncommon to experience some tooth pain after the procedure. This is especially true if the tooth filling was placed in a deep cavity or if the tooth was already sensitive before the filling.
If you’re wondering how to relieve tooth pain after filling, this blog will guide you through the steps to minimize discomfort, understand the causes of tooth pain after a filling, and know when to seek professional help.
Why Does Tooth Pain Happen After a Filling?
Experiencing tooth pain after a dental filling can happen for several reasons. Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common causes. When your tooth filling is placed, the sensitive layers of your tooth may become temporarily exposed or irritated. Here are a few reasons why you may experience pain after a filling:
- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Foods: After the procedure, the filled tooth may become sensitive to hot or cold foods, especially if the filling is new. The tooth-filling material could cause the nerve inside the tooth to react to hot and cold temperatures, leading to sharp pain or discomfort.
- Post-Filling Pain: Sometimes, mild discomfort is expected after a cavity filling. This may be due to irritation from the filling material, the pressure of the filling being placed, or the tooth sensitivity that arises. It’s normal for this type of pain to fade away after a few days.
- Incorrect Bite Alignment: If the tooth filling is not placed correctly, it may affect how your teeth come together when you bite. This can result in pain or dull pain from an improper bite alignment. If you feel pain when biting down, it could be due to the filling being too high or uneven.
- Infection or Abscess: In rare cases, tooth pain after a filling could indicate an infection or abscess. If the filling does not seal the cavity properly or if tooth decay is not completely removed, bacteria may cause an infection in the tooth.
- Referred Pain: Sometimes, pain from an adjacent tooth or surrounding gums can feel like it’s coming from the filled tooth. This referred pain can result from gum irritation or tooth sensitivity in nearby teeth.
- Pain Due to the Filling Material: Some dental filling materials, such as amalgam fillings, may cause a slight reaction in the affected tooth for a short time. Though rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to the filling material, which can cause persistent pain.
How to Relieve Tooth Pain After Filling
If you’re experiencing pain after a filling, there are several methods you can use to relieve tooth pain and speed up recovery. Here’s what you can do:
1. Avoid Hot and Cold Foods
One of the first things you can do to relieve tooth sensitivity and pain after a filling is to avoid hot or cold foods. Since sensitive teeth are more reactive to extreme temperatures, consuming cold foods like ice cream or hot foods like coffee can aggravate the tooth pain. If you must consume hot or cold foods, try to do so in moderation and use the other side of your mouth to chew.
2. Eat Soft Foods
For a few days after getting a tooth filling, it’s best to stick to soft foods that are easy to chew and won’t irritate the newly filled tooth. Avoiding hard, sticky, or crunchy foods will reduce the strain on your affected tooth and prevent unnecessary pressure or discomfort. Examples of softer foods include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked vegetables
- Hot cereals
- Yogurt
- Smooth soups
Additionally, if you have a new filling, avoid foods like chips, candy, and nuts that could dislodge or damage the filling.
3. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If you are experiencing tooth pain after a dental filling, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort. Ibuprofen is especially effective for reducing inflammation and can help with both pain relief and any swelling you might experience around the affected tooth. Follow the dosage instructions on the label, and consult with your dentist before taking any new medication, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
4. Salt Water Rinse
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water is a simple and effective way to alleviate tooth pain and reduce gum irritation after a filling. Salt water helps to cleanse the mouth, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. To make a saltwater rinse, dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds. This can help soothe the sensitive gums around the filled tooth and reduce the chances of infection.
5. Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help reduce inflammation and numb the area if the tooth pain is accompanied by swelling or throbbing. Wrap ice or a cold pack in a clean cloth and apply it to your cheek for 15–20 minutes. This can provide temporary relief from severe or persistent pain and help reduce any swelling you may have near the affected tooth.
6. Avoid Using the Affected Tooth for Chewing
Until the pain subsides, try to avoid using the filled tooth for chewing, especially if you’re experiencing sharp pain. Biting down on the affected tooth can irritate the filling and cause discomfort. Instead, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth or with the other teeth to avoid applying pressure to the sensitive area. Ask your dentist for advice if you’re unsure whether to chew with your filled tooth.
7. Use Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity after a filling, using toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help. These special toothpastes contain compounds that help block the pain signals sent from the nerve inside your tooth. Brushing gently with this toothpaste can help soothe discomfort, especially if you’re sensitive to hot and cold foods.
8. Avoid Sticky Foods
Sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and sticky candy can cause your dental filling to loosen or dislodge. They may also get stuck in the filled tooth, irritating it and increasing pain. It’s best to avoid these foods until your filling material has fully settled and your tooth has healed.
9. Monitor for Infection Symptoms
Rarely, tooth pain after a filling can indicate an infection or abscess. If you notice the pain worsening, especially after a few days, or if you experience symptoms like fever, swelling, or pus from the tooth, contact your dentist immediately. These could be signs of an infection that needs professional attention.
10. Contact Your Dentist
If your tooth pain persists for more than a few days or is severe, it’s important to contact your dentist. While some discomfort after a filling is normal, persistent or sharp pain could indicate an issue with the filling material, an incorrect bite alignment, or an underlying infection. Your dentist can examine the affected tooth and determine the cause of the pain. Sometimes, your dentist may need to adjust the filling to improve the fit or make other adjustments to relieve discomfort.
When to See Your Dentist
If your tooth pain doesn’t subside after a few days, or if you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your dentist:
- Severe or persistent pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
- Swelling or pus around the affected tooth
- Fever or other signs of infection
- Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth
Your dentist can assess whether the filling is damaged or if there is a more serious problem, such as an underlying infection or a problem with the tooth filling material.
Conclusion
While it’s common to experience tooth pain after filling, most discomfort will subside within a few days. To relieve tooth pain after filling, try avoiding hot or cold foods, using over-the-counter pain relievers, rinsing with salt water, and applying a cold compress to reduce inflammation. Be gentle with your newly filled tooth, avoid sticky foods, and take good oral hygiene to ensure your tooth filling lasts for a long time.
If your pain after a filling is severe or doesn’t improve, don’t hesitate to contact your ADC Campbelltown Dental Care dentist for further evaluation. By following these tips and seeking professional care when needed, you can ensure a smooth recovery and get back to enjoying your favorite foods without discomfort.
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324267
https://www.healthline.com/health/tooth-sensitivity-after-filling
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/fillings/tooth-pain-after-a-filling-is-it-normal
