If you’ve recently had a tooth filling and are experiencing toothache after the filling gets worse, you’re not alone. Many people report pain following dental work, but when the pain intensifies or lingers, it can be concerning. This blog explores the potential causes of tooth pain after a filling, why toothache after a filling gets worse, and the steps you can take to manage and treat the pain.

Understanding the different reasons for persistent toothache after a filling is essential for identifying what might be going wrong. Several factors must be considered, whether it’s a simple case of tooth sensitivity or something more serious, like an abscessed tooth or a damaged tooth.

Why Tooth Pain Occurs After a Filling

When you get a dental filling, the dentist removes the tooth decay and then fills the cavity with a material that hardens and seals the tooth. This helps restore the tooth’s shape and function. However, it’s not unusual to feel discomfort after the procedure, especially if the filled tooth is deep or involves nerves close to the surface.

Typically, mild tooth sensitivity or minor pain is expected after a filling and usually subsides within a few days. However, if tooth pain worsens, several factors may contribute to the issue. Understanding these causes is the first step in resolving the pain.

1. Tooth Sensitivity and Nerve Exposure

One common reason for tooth sensitivity after a filling is that the filling material is in close contact with the tooth pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerve endings and blood vessels. If the filling is placed too close to the pulp, it can irritate the nerves, causing pain when exposed to certain stimuli, such as hot or cold foods. Over time, this pain should subside as the tooth heals and adjusts to the filling.

2. Incorrect Bite Alignment

An incorrect bite alignment is another reason for severe tooth pain after a filling. If the filling material is too high or not shaped properly, it can affect how your teeth come together when you bite. This misalignment can lead to sharp pain or throbbing tooth pain when chewing. If your patient’s bite feels off after the filling, you may need to see your dentist for an adjustment.

3. Tooth Decay Underneath the Filling

In some cases, further tooth decay can develop beneath the filling, especially if the cavity wasn’t fully cleaned before the filling was placed. Tooth decay that wasn’t completely removed may continue to damage the tooth and cause persistent toothache. If the decay spreads too far, it could lead to more serious issues like a root canal or tooth extraction.

4. Infected Tooth or Abscessed Tooth

An infected or abscessed tooth can also cause tooth pain after a filling. If bacteria enter the tooth during or after the filling process, an infection can form in the tooth pulp. This can cause severe pain and swelling, often accompanied by other symptoms like a bad taste in your mouth or fever. A root canal may be necessary to remove the infection in such cases.

5. Filling Material Issues

Sometimes, the issue can be with the filling material itself. While dental fillings are designed to be durable, some materials may irritate or react with the surrounding tooth enamel. For example, silver (amalgam) fillings can sometimes cause sensitivity if the material is not bonded properly. Additionally, allergic reactions to certain types of filling materials can cause lingering pain or swelling.

6. Throbbing Pain or Lingering Sensitivity

After the filling procedure, it’s normal to experience minor sensitivity, particularly to cold or hot foods. However, if the pain is severe or persists beyond a few weeks, it could indicate deeper issues. This throbbing tooth pain might indicate nerve irritation, dental work complications, or even an underlying condition like gum disease or nerve damage.

What to Do if the Pain Gets Worse

If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain after a filling, it’s essential to address it promptly. Ignoring the pain or letting it go untreated could lead to more severe complications, such as an abscessed tooth or worsening tooth decay.

Here are the steps you can take to manage and resolve your pain:

1. Contact Your Dentist Immediately

If your toothache after a filling gets worse or if you’re experiencing sharp pain that won’t go away, it’s important to visit your dentist immediately. They can perform an assessment and determine the cause of the pain. If the tooth pulp is inflamed or infected, they may recommend root canal therapy to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.

2. Pain Relief and Home Remedies

While waiting for your dental appointment, there are a few home remedies that may help alleviate discomfort:

• Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the painful area to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
• Painkillers: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the instructions on the label.
• Saltwater Rinse: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria.

3. Avoid Trigger Foods

If hot or cold foods trigger your tooth pain, you should avoid them until you can see your Greensborough dentist. Sugary foods can also exacerbate pain and sensitivity by feeding bacteria in your mouth. Stick to softer, cooler foods that won’t irritate the filled tooth or surrounding teeth.

4. Check for Any Signs of Infection

If you notice any swelling around your tooth or gums, or if the pain is accompanied by a bad taste, fever, or a foul odor, this could be a sign of an infected tooth. An infection can spread if left untreated, leading to serious complications like an abscess.

5. Maintain Good Oral Health

Even after a dental filling, it’s important to continue practising good oral hygiene to prevent further damage to your tooth enamel and surrounding teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently around the filled tooth to avoid irritating the filling. Also, floss carefully around the area to remove any food particles or plaque.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While mild tooth sensitivity after a filling is common, severe pain or swelling should not be ignored. If you experience extreme pain, swelling that doesn’t go down, or a fever, you should seek emergency dental care. An infected tooth can lead to abscesses, which require urgent care to prevent the infection from spreading.

If the tooth pulp remains healthy and no infection is present, the pain should subside within a few days or weeks. However, if the pain persists or worsens, it may indicate a more serious underlying issue that requires immediate attention from a dental professional.

Conclusion

Experiencing toothache after getting worse can be frustrating and concerning. While some discomfort is normal after dental fillings, severe tooth pain or lingering pain could signal an issue with the filling, underlying tooth decay, or nerve irritation. Early intervention prevents complications such as root canal treatment or tooth extraction. By contacting your dentist immediately, you can ensure that your tooth filling is properly addressed and that your oral health remains in optimal condition.

References

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324267

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/fillings/tooth-pain-after-a-filling-is-it-normal