Is it normal to have a toothache after fillings?

In most cases, it is quite normal to have tooth pain after a filling. This condition will gradually go away after a few days.

Having a filling is a popular and beneficial method for preventing cavities from getting worse. Although dental fillings are a very simple and quick procedure, it can cause tooth sensitivity after that. Therefore, there are still questions about whether tooth pain after filling is normal or not.

If you are still concerned, let's go through the answer with the article below.

When would you need a filling?

Signs and symptoms that you may require a dental filling include:

• Chipped tooth

• Sharp pain in the tooth

• Tiny holes appear in the tooth

• Always having food stuck in your teeth 

• The tooth hurts every time you eat or bite down on it

• When flossing, the dental floss could be cut if it touches the tooth

• Tooth sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet and sour foods.

Why do you have toothache after fillings?

Some reasons for tooth pain after a filling include:

• Sensitivity: New fillings will be more sensitive to the heat or pressure of biting and chewing.

• Cracked fillings: Tooth pain after filling can occur if the filling doesn't fully fit into the tooth or if it cracks.

• Allergy: Some people have an allergic reaction to the dental materials used for fillings, such as amalgam (silver fillings). To help with this kind of pain, talk with your dentist about the material that will be used.

• Bite changes: Sometimes fillings can make the affected teeth a little bit taller than the other teeth. This can be painful every time you close your mouth due to extra pressure on the fillings area.

• Referred pain: Sometimes, you may feel pain in the areas surrounding the affected tooth. This is called referred pain, which describes a pain that occurs in an area other than where the pain originated.

How to manage tooth pain after fillings

To help reduce the pain and discomfort after fillings, you may try:

• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen

• Temporarily avoid hot or cold foods and drinks

• Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth (desensitizing toothpaste)

• Gently flossing and brushing with a soft bristle brush

• Limit the number of acidic foods and beverages that you consume, such as citrus fruits, wine, and yogurt

• Chew food on the opposite side of your mouth, avoid hard or chewy foods since they can affect your fillings.

After-care instructions for fillings

To take care of your dental fillings and increase its durability, keep in mind these following tips:

• Cut down on sugary foods

• Limit drinking carbonated soft drinks

• Do not chew ice cubes or use your teeth as tools to open the packaging.

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Don’t forget to floss as well.

• Stop smoking and curb your intake of drinks that can easily cause tooth enamel discoloration (such as coffee or tea).

When to visit the dentist?

You do not need to panic if your teeth are aching for a few days after fillings. Take home remedies to help reduce discomfort.

However, you should see your dentist right away if you feel the pain gradually worsens each day or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, difficulty chewing, swollen gums or cracked fillings.

Can a cavity come back after fillings?

A filled tooth can still get a cavity if you don't practice good oral hygiene. Therefore, do not be subjective, pay attention to your oral and dental health care, visit a dental clinic for regular check-ups so that any symptoms can be promptly detected before they become a more serious issue later on.