A dental filling may cause your tooth to hurt for several days after the procedure. This dental procedure involves the dentist poking and drilling holes in the tooth to fill it. As such, it’s normal to experience tooth sensitivity for a while after the procedure.
However, if the pain or sensitivity persists for longer than normal, there’s a problem. The best move is to contact your dentist if you notice such pain. You also need to know that certain factors may contribute to such occurrences.
This article explains how long your tooth should hurt after filling and possible reasons your tooth may be hurting. We’ll also explore common remedies for pain after dental filling treatments.
Timeline for Tooth Hurt after Filling
The reason for filling a tooth is to fix cavities or tooth decay and ease any pain they may cause. How long your tooth hurts after a dental filling procedure shouldn’t exceed a week. Anything after that, and you may have a bigger problem that demands your attention.
Certain factors like your overall health and the exact cause of the pain affect how long your tooth may hurt after filling. See more explanation below:
Dental History
Past dental treatments can affect tooth sensitivity after filling and how long it’ll last. People with previous dental history are likely to experience toothache after getting a dental filling. If you’re in this category, always advise the dentist before they administer any treatments.
Oral Infection
There’s a rare possibility that an infection may occur after dental filling. Infections can cause your tooth to hurt for a long period after a dental filling. Plus, ignoring the infection can lead to a plethora of bigger issues.
Health Factor
Your body system and its current condition contribute to how long your tooth hurts after a dental filling. Some people have a faster recovery rate than others.
It’s better to alert your dentist immediately if your tooth hurts for longer than usual. Your dentist may direct you to your doctor for comprehensive medical attention.
Exact Pain Type
There are several reasons for prolonged tooth sensitivity after a dental filling. You may experience a longer period of tooth sensitivity or pain, depending on the reason.
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Why Does Your Tooth Hurt after Dental Filling?
There are several reasons your tooth may hurt after a dental filling, including:
Uneven Bite
Uneven bite is the most common cause of discomfort when the filling placement is high or uneven. It happens when the filling on the surface of your tooth is unequal with the opposing tooth. It may cause the filling to break or fall off, revealing the tooth. If this is the case, your “bite” when chewing may feel a tad off.
On the other hand, it’s nothing alarming. You simply have to visit the dentist to smoothen out the filling and ensure it fits better. Afterwards, you’ll stop experiencing tooth sensitivity in a few hours.
Pulpitis
During dental filling treatment, the intense heat and vibration from the drill may cause the pulpal tissue to swell. It can result in a situation known as pulpitis.
The swelling from the overstimulation mostly fades as the tooth begins to heal. Other times, your tooth may fail to deal with the trauma, which may lead to irreversible pulpitis. Your dentist can fix pulpitis with a new filling or another procedure known as a root canal.
Sometimes, you may also need to use antibiotics to clear bacterial infections. The best bet is to follow your dentist’s instructions to the latter due to the issue’s sensitivity.
Heightened Sensitivity
Some people typically have a sensitive set of teeth. When such people pay a visit to the dentist, it’ll probably make them feel terrible for a while. That’s mostly because before visiting the dentist, a bunch of plaque and tartar has been protecting the teeth. It’s not healthy for your teeth, but that muck can mask tooth sensitivity.
The dentist will take off the muck or barrier covering your tooth during dental filling treatment. You’ll experience more sensitivity after the dentist takes off the muck or protection.
Type of Material
The type of material the dentist uses for filling is another reason your tooth may hurt after the procedure. These days, dentists tend to use more composite materials for filling teeth. Composite materials are flexible, durable and insulate the tooth from temperature extremes.
The preference for composite materials for dental filling is also because they bond efficiently. It means the dentist has to remove less tooth to place the filling. Notwithstanding, composite fillings can cause heightened sensitivity if the filling is deep. Also, the dentist placing a composite filling on a part that experiences greater flex can cause your tooth to hurt after the procedure.
Allergies
Some people may be allergic to filling material such as silver. Tooth sensitivity may kick in after filling if you don’t discuss your allergies with the dentist. Open communication will help your dentist make the right filling choices to avoid allergic reactions.
Cracked Tooth Fillings
Your tooth may hurt after filling if the dentist doesn’t fit it properly. Improper filling may loosen or crack, resulting in more pain after the treatment. Once you suspect your tooth hurts due to an ill-fitting filling, you need to contact your dentist.
Forceful brushing
After getting a filling, your tooth may hurt if you brush it intensely with a hard-bristled toothbrush. It can affect the enamel adversely, causing you to experience tooth sensitivity.
The enamel is the outer layer of your tooth that protects the inner layer. When the enamel begins to wear, it exposes the inner layer of your tooth where the nerve endings are.
Foods with High Acid
Toothache is possible if you eat acidic foods after getting a dental filling. Such food or fruits can wear down the tooth enamel. Examples include:
- Grapefruit
- Lemons
- Kiwi
- Oranges
Toothpaste and Mouthwash Type
Toothpaste with whitening agents may cause your tooth to hurt after a dental filling. The whitening agents contain chemicals that may cause your tooth to hurt after dental filling. They indeed give you a brighter smile, but your gums may be sensitive to the whitening agents.
Also, mouthwashes contain alcohol which may cause your tooth to hurt after a while. You may have to check in with your dentist for proper suggestions on which mouth care products to use.
Remedies for Toothache after Dental Filling
Toothache after getting a dental filling can be hurtful. But you can get rid of the pain with the right treatment method and by following certain tips. Here’s what we mean:
Healthier Brushing Habits
You need to look into how you brush your teeth after a dental filling. Practicing healthy brushing habits helps eliminate tooth sensitivity. Firstly, always use a soft-bristled brush.
Then, you don’t need to be vigorous while brushing your teeth. You need to be gentle and reduce the intensity of your brushing motion. Light bleeding while brushing means you’re doing it too hard.
Dietary Adjustments
Eliminating acidic foods from your diet after getting a dental filling can reduce the way your tooth hurts.
Dental Procedures
Some dental procedures can curb tooth sensitivity. A surgical gum graft can protect the root if your gum is the culprit. Sometimes, your dentist may suggest a special resin to cover exposed, sensitive dentin and reduce your pain.
Mouth Guard
Most people grind their teeth after getting a dental filling. Such habits can cause your tooth to hurt after dental filling. A mouthguard can stop you from clenching or grinding your teeth.
Fluoride Treatment
Experiencing pain after dental filling can be a result of weak enamel. Consequently, your dentist may propose a fluoride treatment to build your enamel. A prescription-strength fluoride paste and a fluoride rinse will do the job in many cases.
Pain Relievers
Sometimes, the pain that comes after dental filling may be excessive, leaving you no choice but to get pain relief medication. Examples of over-the-counter pain relief options for toothache after a dental filling include ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Your dentist can prescribe medications for you, or you can visit a licensed pharmacist.
Numbing Ointment
Oral numbing agents or ointments like Anbesol or Orajel can help reduce the hurt on your tooth after a dental filling. You can apply these numbing ointments on the surface of the mouth and gums to help relieve pain and tooth sensitivity.
Flossing
Most people only concern themselves with brushing and neglect the need to floss. Flossing isn’t just about getting little food pieces off your teeth. It’s a great way to reduce muck, stimulate your gums, and curb inflammation in that area.
Consume More Water
Taking water after consuming certain food can reduce the hurt you may feel after filling your tooth. Learn to rinse your mouth with water if you consume acidic beverages, fruits or coffee. Consuming water after meals will dilute the adverse effects of acidic and sticky food.
Eat Crunchy Veggies and Fruits
Consuming crunchy, fresh produce is beneficial to your health in every way. It’s also one of the best choices you can make for your dental. You automatically cut down on sugary food when you eat more healthy veggies and fruits.
You don’t have to avoid sugary foods totally, but you can be very mindful of them. Sugary food turns to acid in your mouth and contributes to tooth sensitivity. These acids are the actual cause of cavities.
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Final Thoughts
Typically, your tooth may hurt after a dental filling. But if it continues for longer than a week, then there’s a problem. The best move in such a situation is to contact a dentist for swift medical attention before it becomes a bigger problem.
Here at Osmine Denture, we deliver dental treatments that come with minimal side effects. You can also check out our dental office for fillings and related procedures. Contact us today to book an appointment!
