If your dental filling hurts after treatment, don’t panic. It happens more often than people think. Sometimes it’s just your tooth adjusting, especially if the filling was deep or near the nerve. Other times, it might be your bite or even a tiny infection hiding under the filling.
Rarely, some people react to the material itself. Paying attention to the kind of pain and when it happens can tell you a lot. Clinics offering the best dental care usually see this all the time and know exactly what to check first.
Common Causes of Filling Pain
Pain after a filling can have a few explanations. The size of the filling matters; bigger ones press on the tooth differently. If the nerve inside was irritated during the procedure, you might feel lingering soreness.
Sometimes your bite isn’t perfectly aligned after the filling, and you end up chewing a little wrong. That can make the tooth ache even if the filling is fine. Gums might also get a little irritated, which adds to the discomfort. The main thing is to tell your dentist what you’re feeling; they can usually sort it out quickly.
Sensitivity to Temperature Changes
Hot drinks, ice cream, and even cold air hitting your tooth might sting a bit after a filling. That’s normal and usually goes away in a few days. Your tooth might be dehydrated from the procedure, or the nerve is just waking up after being worked on.
Some people feel a twinge when biting too. If the sharp feelings don’t fade after a couple of weeks, it’s worth getting it checked, but for most people, it eases on its own.
Bite Misalignment Issues
If your tooth feels “off” when you bite down, it could be a little high from the filling. Your teeth might not meet perfectly, which puts pressure on that spot. That pressure can travel to the jaw and even make chewing uncomfortable.
A quick adjustment from your dentist usually fixes it. Leaving it alone isn’t the best idea because it can make the soreness last longer or cause jaw tension.
Infection or Decay Under the Filling
Sometimes pain is a warning. If bacteria got under the filling or if decay wasn’t fully removed, your tooth might hurt even when you’re not chewing.
You might notice swelling, a bad taste, or even just a dull ache that won’t go away. If that happens, see your dentist right away. Early treatment prevents bigger problems like a root canal or replacing the filling entirely.
Allergic Reaction to Filling Material
It’s rare, but some people react to the filling itself. Redness, swelling, or itchiness could appear. Severe reactions are very uncommon, but if you notice hives, trouble breathing, or a rash, call your dentist immediately. Letting your dentist know about allergies before the procedure helps prevent this.
Post-Treatment Inflammation and Sensitivity
Some tenderness is normal after getting a filling. Your gums might be a little sore, or the tooth itself could feel irritated. Deep fillings or slightly high spots can make this worse.
Chewing carefully and avoiding very hard foods can help. Most of the time, it fades within a few days. If it lingers, a quick checkup usually solves it with minor adjustments.
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