You had a filling done. The anaesthetic has worn off. But the tooth still aches. Is that normal? How long should it take to settle? And when does pain mean you should go back to the dentist? Here is what you need to know.
Dental fillings restore teeth damaged by decay or fracture. The procedure involves removing the decayed part of the tooth and filling the space with a material like composite resin or amalgam. It is one of the most common dental treatments performed.
Why Your Tooth Might Hurt After a Filling
It is very common for a filled tooth to feel sensitive or slightly painful after the procedure. This is usually down to the nature of the treatment itself — not necessarily a problem.
When your dentist drills the tooth, the nerve inside can become irritated. The filling itself sits close to the nerve. Your tooth may also have been holding tension from being open and worked on for an extended period.
Normal Post-Filling Sensitivity
Mild pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, and aching when biting down are all common in the first few days. This should gradually improve. Most sensitivity resolves within one to two weeks.
Try avoiding very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks for a few days. Chewing on the opposite side of your mouth can also help while the tooth settles.
When Pain Is NOT Normal
Sometimes pain is a sign something has gone wrong. Contact your dentist if you experience any of the following.
Sharp pain when biting down that does not improve may indicate the filling is too high. A persistent ache or throbbing pain that gets worse rather than better could mean the nerve is inflamed or infected. Pain that spreads to your jaw, ear, or sinus area also warrants a call.
What Your Dentist Might Do
If your bite feels off, a simple adjustment can often fix it. Your dentist files the filling slightly so your bite sits evenly again. This can relieve pain surprisingly quickly.
If there is inflammation or infection inside the tooth, you may need root canal treatment. This sounds daunting but it relieves the pain by removing the damaged nerve entirely.
Do Not Wait Too Long
Do not put up with significant pain and assume it will go away on its own. The sooner your dentist sees you, the simpler the solution tends to be. Delaying can turn a minor issue into something more serious.
If you are unsure whether your symptoms are normal, give your dental practice a call. They can advise you over the phone and arrange a review if needed.
If you have had a filling and are experiencing discomfort that concerns you, contact Meads Village Dental Practice.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice