Jaw Pain After Filling: What To Expect And How To Manage Discomfort?

Tooth problems like decay and cavities will require you to get a filling. A tooth filling is something the dentist uses to repair a cavity or decay. If you experience toothache and sensitivity to certain temperatures or sweet foods, this indicates that you need a filling. A tooth filling can last up to 10 to 20 years.

A filling helps treat a small hole or cavity in a tooth, and for this, the dentist removes the decayed tooth tissue and fills the space with filling material. Most people have doubts regarding whether you eat right after getting a filling. Well, you can eat after a filling but wait at least 3 to 4 hours after the procedure before eating anything. While fillings help us treat a decay or cavity they can also cause the risk of sensitivity.

Some might experience sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures right after getting a dental filling. Also, it is common to have slight pain and discomfort in the treated tooth after getting a filling. The doctor may recommend medications, ointments, toothpaste, and dietary changes to ease jaw pain after filling. 

What To Expect After A Filling?

Dental fillings are not often painful and are used to treat cavities and decay. Most fillings heal quickly and when the anesthetic wears off, one may feel mild tooth sensitivity, but it usually goes away within a day or so. Dental fillings made of metal or gold material can last up to 20 years but modern materials like porcelain last only up to 10 years.

Fillings are common dental treatments for cavities and decay and mostly take one sitting to get it done. Pain and sensitivity are normal and can be expected after getting a filling. However, if you notice that the pain or sensitivity lasts more than three days, seek medical help.

You may also feel sensitivity on the other teeth as the pain from a filling or drilling can transfer to other surrounding areas of the mouth. Know that this is a common problem and does not indicate a problem. You may experience peak pain from a dental filling 24 hours after the procedure. If you experience peak pain, it may be because the decay has penetrated deep into the tooth’s pulp.

After getting a dental feeling, you may have sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks. This is normal and some may also experience pain when biting down on the new filling. This discomfort shall go away within two weeks after the gum tissue heals. Eat solid foods after 24 hours of getting a filling so that it hardens properly and the anesthetic wears off. 

What Causes Jaw Pain After Filling?

You may experience jaw pain after a filling due to the following reasons:

• Uneven filling

Uneven filling or jagged filling can cause jaw pain. The surface of uneven filling can lead to abnormal bite, which results in jaw pain. Also, you may experience jaw pain if the tooth or filling is cracked. To ease this pain, go to the dentist to smooth the filling’s surface or replace it. 

• Muscle fatigue

Since getting a filling requires your mouth to be open throughout the procedure, it can exhaust the muscles and you may experience pain. Keeping the mouth open for a long time can cause pain, so using a bite block can help keep the mouth open without straining the muscles.

• Myofascial pain

Dental treatments can sometimes irritate the nerves in the tissues outside the mouth and can result in earaches and pain around the eyes. This condition can be treated with physical therapy or trigger point injections. 

• Trimus

Trimus or lockjaw is a condition where your jaws tighten up after the treatment. You may experience pain and find it hard to open your mouth. This pain could be caused by either the anesthetic needle or muscle fatigue from holding the mouth open for a prolonged time.

How To Manage The Discomforts Of Jaw Pain After Filling?

Remember that jaw pain after a filling cavity in a tooth is normal and goes away on its own quickly. Try applying heat therapy to the affected area. Try gentle stretching exercises after talking with your dentist about how to perform them.

Some medications help ease pain and discomfort but only take painkillers after talking to your dentist. The most common way to treat jaw pain after a filling is by pressing a warm compress against the affected area at regular intervals. 

How To Prevent Jaw Pain After Filling?

There are various preventative ways to prevent jaw pain after getting a filling, such as;

• Taking a break

Taking a break during the procedure can help relax the muscles and prevent getting tired and achy. Frequent breaks will help give the muscles time to relax.

• Relaxing more

Try and relax to make the procedure easy and pain-free. Practice mindfulness and relaxation if you feel tense. The muscles will lose and are less likely to tighten up when you are relaxed. 

• Using a bite block

A bite block is a rubber block that helps keep the mouth open. This block works to gently stretch the muscles to open the mouth easily without experiencing pain. 

• Treating bruxism

If you have a habit of grinding your teeth during the night, you may experience jaw pain after a filling. Treat bruxism after talking to the dentist to prevent jaw pain. 

When To Consult A Doctor?

There is nothing to worry about if you experience jaw pain after getting a filling because it is very normal. However, if the pain and sensitivity lasts longer than two weeks, you should medical help. Severe jaw pain or discomfort should get immediate medical attention.

Also, consult the dentist before taking any painkillers or other medications to treat jaw pain after a filling. Visiting a dentist is advised if you feel any discomfort as they will be able to identify the underlying cause of jaw pain. 

Conclusion

A tooth filling is something the dentist uses to repair a cavity or decay. A filling helps treat a small hole or cavity in a tooth, and it can last up to 10 to 20 years. Getting a filling causes the risk of sensitivity, and some might experience sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures right after getting it done.

However, it is common to have slight pain and discomfort in the treated tooth after getting a filling. This is normal and does not indicate a problem but if you notice that the pain or sensitivity lasts more than three days, seek medical help.

You may experience peak pain from a dental filling 24 hours after the procedure. Jaw pain after filling can be caused by uneven filling, muscle fatigue after keeping the mouth open for a long time for the procedure, myofascial pain that irritates the nerves around the mouth, or trismus. 

Jaw pain after a filling can be treated through medication. However, consult the dentist before taking any medications for your safety. You can also prevent jaw pain by taking a break during the procedure. This can help relax your mouth and eliminate the risk of jaw pain.

Try relaxing more during the procedure, as it makes the muscles loose and prevents jaw tightening. Ask your dentist to use a bite block to gently stretch the mouth open to make the procedure easy and pain-free. Also, eat solid foods after 24 hours of getting a filling and practice good oral health to prolong the life of a filling. 

Frequently Asked Questions or FAQS