Is it normal to have pain after a tooth filling?
The purpose of getting a tooth fill is to remove tooth decay. Dentists perform tooth filling routinely, and the procedure is a safe and effective method to restore function to a tooth. After having a tooth filled, some people may feel no pain after a few days. But some people may feel prolonged pain or sensitivity. It is common to have some pain and sensitivity after a dental filling procedure. Usually, any discomfort after a dental filling should subside after a few days. However, a variety of factors can cause prolonged pain and sensitivity. Let’s take a look at two of the most common reasons.
Filling not positioned properly
If you still have pain and sensitivity after a few days, the cause of the pain and sensitivity can be related to the filling. When a filling is not positioned correctly, it can affect a person’s bite. This can cause significant discomfort because the teeth do not fit properly, causing your bite to become misaligned. If your fillings continue to cause discomfort, you should consider returning to your dentist. Your dentist can re-examine and reshape the filling to properly realign your bite. However, if the pain and sensitivity are not related to the filling, this may indicate further problems and may require additional treatment. Your dentist may recommend a root canal if he or she determines that an irritated root is causing the pain.
Swelling and throbbing pain
Some swelling after a dental filling is normal. Using an ice pack, gently press on the cheek can help reduce swelling after a dental filling procedure. Your dentist could also recommend taking some non-opioid pain medication to reduce pain from the swelling. However, if after a few days, the swelling does not subside, the tooth may be infected. If this is the case, you should contact your dentist immediately. The swelling can also cause throbbing pain; this may also indicate that there may be a small fracture on or nearby the teeth. You should call your dentist to return to the clinic for treatment.
If your dental filling is causing you discomfort, reach out to our dental experts. Be sure to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make your appointment. We will work with you to determine the best way to address the issue. Let us help you and your teeth feel better!
