Recent research suggests that cavities have become highly prevalent among individuals with sweet teeth. The encouraging news is that cavity fillings are not only very accessible but inexpensive and painless as well. However, some cavity-filling patients may experience a sensitive tooth after treatment.
Even though pain after a cavity is generally mild, it can be bothersome, and this is why you might want to know how to manage it. So, let us explain some of the reasons why you might experience jaw and tooth pain after undergoing cavity filling as well as what you should do to help alleviate your pain.
Is it normal to experience pain after cavity filling?
It is worth noting that several factors determine whether you’ll experience pain after your cavity filling. Generally, individuals who are likely to experience pain after a cavity feeling are those who:
- Have sensitive teeth.
- Suffer from an untreated tooth infection.
- Have tooth crowding health issue.
- Are suffering from either periodontal disease or gingivitis.
However, it is imperative to mention that you might not be suffering from any of the above conditions but may still suffer tooth pain after a cavity filling. You’ll shortly know why, so continue your reading.
So, why are you likely to experience pain after a cavity filling?
In simple terms, a cavity refers to a perforation or area of deep decay within a tooth. They usually form over time, and the most common potential causes include reliance on an overly sugary diet and poor dental hygiene.
As cavities worsen, they eventually start to impact the inner parts of your tooth. You are likely to experience pain if the damage extends to the nerve and tooth root. Thankfully, most cavities are never painful.
So, this leads to the question: Why do you experience pain after a cavity filling? The answer to this question isn’t a complicated one.
Mild pain felt after a cavity filling usually occurs due to a change in pressure. After a filling, the part of your tooth that gets stripped out by bacteria is replaced by a hard filling.
And this totally alters the way air and saliva move across your tooth. What’s more, there may be more pressure on your gums and root nerve after a filling. Any achy post-filling jaw should resume normalcy after a week or so.
Getting a cavity filled: What you should expect:
As already briefly explained earlier, getting a cavity filled typically involves the use of a hard filling, which helps to cover and fill the missing enamel as a result of both corrosion and decay.
So, what are fillings made of? And how is the placement procedure conducted?
Generally, tooth fillings can be made from a plethora of substances, including gold, silver, porcelain, glass ionomer, and composite resin.
In this regard, gold, porcelain, and silver amalgam fillings are arguably the most expensive materials, whereas tooth-colored composite resin is one of the most affordable options.
To insert this material appropriately, your dentist will first have to prepare the tooth. This involves applying a numbing gel or special ointment along your gumline, then cleaning the affected tooth. On most occasions, your dentist may be forced to shave away small bits of the affected tooth.
This process allows the filling to snuggly fit in your cavity. The cleaning portion helps curb infections as well as further decay. And once the site is ready, your doctor attaches the filling to the tooth.
Any excess material gets sanded away to live your tooth a smooth and filled one. The whole procedure is virtually pain-free, though you may experience some mild pressure as the filling is inserted and fitted.
Many people usually don’t experience any pain at all during and after a tooth filling. But as earlier mentioned, the filling’s added pressure can potentially irritate your gums as well as teeth, resulting in some mild discomfort.
So, how can you relieve and alleviate pain after a cavity filling?
Pain after a cavity filling is generally mild. However, this pain may still make you unable to perform your daily tasks appropriately. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to minimize the severity of your pain after a cavity filling.
First and foremost, your dentist will highly likely offer you a few heavy-duty painkillers. Post-filling pain rarely requires prescription drugs. Rather, your doctor may recommend one of the numerous homeopathic solutions. Some of the most popular home remedies your dentist might recommend include:
- Avoid cold or hot foods for a number of days.
- Using toothpaste specially designed to minimize tooth and gum sensitivity.
- The use of an analgesic ointment to help numb parts of your mouth.
- Cold compresses put against your jaw or cheek.
- Over-the-counter pain drugs.
The best option for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences. For instance, some individuals may not be able to take over-the-counter painkillers. It is important to mention that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can easily result in undesired side effects, especially in those with liver-related conditions. If you are sensitive to NSAIDs, tell your dentist about this!
Other short-term treatments such as analgesic ointments could be better options for patients with sensitivities. Avoiding hard, hot, or cold foods may also help manage pain. You may also want to consider changing your toothpaste for some time. While whitening toothpaste may help brighten up your pearly whites, it can also irritate your teeth and gums, making your teeth somewhat more sensitive.
If your pain doesn’t subside, becomes more intense, or lasts more than seven days, you will have to contact your doctor immediately. This is because it isn’t common for such symptoms are bot common and may signify a more serious problem.
Preventing future cavity issues is imperative. Today, our diets are fairly more sugary, and this is just one of the factors causing increased cavity issues. And while getting a cavity filling can be a pain-free procedure experience, it is also common for patients to experience some post-filling discomfort and pain. Usually, over-the-counter pain relievers can alleviate post-filling pain. But most importantly, oral hygiene is key to keeping cavity issues at bay!
For more information regarding your dental health, please give Dr. Apsey of Smile Brightly Dental a call today! We are located in Warren, MI and we can be reached at 586-573-7700!