Tooth Pain After Recent Filling

Severe Tooth Pain Following Recent Filling

Tooth pain after a recent filling can leave many people feeling frustrated and unsure about what to do next. While some discomfort is common after dental work, severe or lingering pain may point to an underlying issue that needs attention. Today, our Brisbane dentist aims to explain the reasons behind this pain and talk about practical solutions to help you feel better.

Possible Causes of Severe Tooth Pain After a Filling

Several factors might contribute to experiencing pain and discomfort following a recent filling.

Irreversible Pulpitis

Irreversible pulpitis occurs when the tooth’s inner tissue, known as the pulp, becomes inflamed beyond healing. This condition often results from deep decay or trauma during dental procedures. Symptoms include persistent, throbbing pain that may radiate to the jaw or ear. Unlike reversible pulpitis, where the pulp can recover, irreversible pulpitis requires prompt treatment, such as root canal therapy, to remove the damaged pulp and alleviate pain.

Periapical Abscess

A periapical abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the tip of a tooth’s root due to bacterial infection. Early signs can include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, and discomfort when chewing. Notably, swelling may not be present initially. If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to more serious health issues. Treatment typically involves draining the abscess and performing a root canal to remove the infection.

Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Cracked tooth syndrome refers to tiny fractures in a tooth that are often difficult to detect. These micro-fractures can cause sharp pain, especially when chewing or when the tooth is exposed to temperature changes. The pain may come and go, making it challenging to diagnose. Treatment depends on the crack’s location and severity, ranging from bonding to protect the tooth to a crown or, in severe cases, root canal therapy.

Polymerisation Shrinkage

Polymerisation shrinkage occurs when composite resin fillings contract slightly as they harden. This shrinkage can create small gaps between the filling and the tooth, leading to sensitivity and discomfort. Proper application techniques and using high-quality materials can minimise this issue. If sensitivity persists, your dentist may need to adjust or replace the filling.

Chemical Irritation

Some dental materials can cause adverse reactions in certain individuals. Chemical irritation from these materials may lead to pulp inflammation, resulting in pain and sensitivity. If you experience unusual discomfort after a filling, inform your dentist, as they may need to use alternative materials or treatments to alleviate the irritation.

Incomplete Caries Removal

If all decay isn’t entirely removed before placing a new filling, residual bacteria can continue to irritate the pulp, causing ongoing pain. This situation may necessitate further treatment to remove the remaining decay and restore the tooth properly. Regular dental check-ups can help detect and address such issues early.

Referred Pain from Adjacent Teeth

Sometimes, pain felt in a recently filled tooth may actually originate from a neighbouring tooth with its own issues, such as decay or infection. This phenomenon, known as referred pain, can make diagnosis challenging. A thorough dental examination is essential to identify the true source of the discomfort and provide appropriate treatment.

A Real-Life Case: Severe Pain After a Filling

A patient recently visited us with the following symptoms; they had a filling done after a part of their original filling came out, and the pain started soon after:

Severe pain affecting one side of the head, extending to the eye, neck, and glands.

Sensitivity to cold but no pain on direct tooth contact.

Pain in the gum and cheek area without facial swelling.

No relief despite taking Panadeine Forte and antibiotics.

Analysis of Symptoms

Severe Radiating Pain

Experiencing intense pain that spreads from the tooth to areas like the jaw, ear, or neck can indicate deep pulp involvement or the presence of an abscess. This type of pain often suggests that the tooth’s inner tissue is significantly affected, requiring prompt dental attention.

Temperature Sensitivity to Cold

If your tooth reacts sharply to cold foods or drinks, it might be due to irreversible pulpitis or a cracked tooth. Both conditions expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, leading to discomfort when exposed to temperature changes.

No Pain on Direct Tooth Contact

Not feeling pain when biting or touching the tooth may rule out issues like a high filling. However, it doesn’t eliminate other potential causes of discomfort, such as nerve inflammation or underlying infection.

No Facial Swelling

The absence of visible swelling doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no infection. Early-stage abscesses can exist without causing noticeable swelling, so it’s essential to monitor other symptoms and consult your dentist if the pain persists.

Signs You Need Immediate Dental Care

Experiencing discomfort after a recent filling is not uncommon, but certain symptoms require prompt attention.

Severe, Radiating Pain That Doesn’t Improve

If you have intense pain spreading from the filled tooth to areas like your jaw, ear, or neck, and it doesn’t get better, this could indicate a serious issue such as deep pulp inflammation or an abscess. It’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible to address this.

Sensitivity to Hot or Cold That Worsens Over Time

Feeling sharp discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks is normal initially. However, if this sensitivity increases or doesn’t go away after a few days, it might suggest problems like irreversible pulpitis or a cracked tooth. Consult your dentist to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Swelling or Signs of Infection

Noticeable swelling in your face, gums, or neck, along with symptoms like fever or a bad taste in your mouth, can be signs of an infection or abscess. Even if swelling isn’t present, persistent pain and other symptoms may still indicate an underlying issue. It’s crucial to seek dental care promptly to prevent complications.

If you experience any of these symptoms after a dental filling, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. Early intervention can help alleviate discomfort and prevent further dental problems.

How Your Dentist Diagnoses the Problem

If you experience pain after a recent filling, your dentist will perform several assessments to identify the cause.

Pulp Vitality Tests: Checking the Tooth’s Nerve Health

To determine if the tooth’s nerve remains healthy, your dentist may conduct pulp vitality tests. These tests involve applying cold or heat to the tooth to observe your response. A healthy nerve typically reacts promptly to these stimuli. If there’s no response or an unusual reaction, it could indicate nerve damage or inflammation. In some cases, an electric pulp tester might be used to send a small electrical current through the tooth, further assessing nerve function.

Percussion Tests: Identifying Pain When Tapping the Tooth

Percussion tests help detect inflammation or infection in the tissues surrounding the tooth. During this test, the dentist gently taps on the tooth with a dental instrument. If you feel pain or discomfort, it may suggest issues like an abscess or periodontal ligament inflammation. This test also assists in distinguishing between tooth-related pain and discomfort originating from surrounding structures.

X-rays: Detecting Infections, Cracks, or Abscesses

Dental X-rays provide a detailed view of the tooth’s internal structure and surrounding bone. They are essential for identifying hidden problems such as deep decay, cracks, or abscesses that aren’t visible during a regular examination. By reviewing X-ray images, your dentist can pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort and plan appropriate treatment. Regular X-rays also help monitor the health of your teeth over time.

Treatment Options for Severe Tooth Pain After a Filling

Experiencing significant tooth pain following a filling can be distressing. Several treatment options are available to address the underlying causes and alleviate discomfort.

Root Canal Therapy: Removing Inflamed or Infected Pulp Tissue

If the tooth’s pulp—the innermost part containing nerves and blood vessels—becomes inflamed or infected, a root canal may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the affected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further infection. Root canal treatment can save the tooth and relieve pain.

Adjusting the Filling: Correcting Bite Alignment if the Filling Is Too High

Sometimes, a new filling may sit slightly higher than the surrounding teeth, leading to an uneven bite. This misalignment can cause discomfort or pain when chewing. Your dentist can adjust the filling’s height to ensure your teeth come together properly, relieving the pressure and associated pain.

Replacing the Filling: Fixing Defects or Using Alternative Materials if Irritation Occurs

If the filling material causes irritation or if the filling is defective, replacing it might be the best solution. Your dentist can remove the problematic filling and replace it with a different material that suits your needs better, reducing sensitivity and discomfort.

Can You Manage the Pain at Home?

If you’re dealing with tooth pain after a recent filling, there are a few steps you can take at home to ease your discomfort. Please remember that while these tips can help, severe or persistent pain should be checked by your dentist as soon as possible.

Safe Ways to Reduce Discomfort

Over-the-counter pain relief, like ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help reduce pain and inflammation. Desensitising toothpaste is another option that can lessen sensitivity over time—apply it gently to the painful tooth and avoid rinsing immediately after use. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can soothe irritated gums and help reduce bacteria around the tooth. If cold triggers sharp pain, avoid direct exposure by sipping drinks through a straw or keeping cold foods away from the affected side. Remember, these measures are temporary solutions, and a dentist’s evaluation is crucial if symptoms persist.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid During Recovery

Certain foods and drinks can worsen tooth pain and sensitivity, especially after a filling. Avoid very cold items like ice cream or icy drinks, as well as hot beverages, as these can aggravate sensitive teeth. Sugary or sticky foods can irritate the area further and might lead to plaque build-up around the filling. Hard foods, like nuts or crusty bread, could put pressure on the filled tooth and cause additional discomfort. Instead, stick to soft, lukewarm foods like soups, mashed vegetables, or smoothies, which are gentler on your teeth.

Say Goodbye to Tooth Pain Today

If you’re experiencing discomfort after a recent filling, don’t wait for it to worsen. Our expert dentists are here to provide prompt, effective care to address the issue and restore your comfort.

To make your visit stress-free, our clinic offers sleep dentistry, IV sedation, and laughing gas for optimal comfort during procedures. Brisbane Dental Sleep Clinic believes that sleep dentistry Brisbane makes dental visits comfortable and stress-free for anxious patients.

To ensure your child’s dental health in a caring atmosphere, contact our Brisbane paediatric dentist, where we turn dental visits into positive, happy moments.

Flexible payment options are also available through Humm and Supercare. Call us today at 07 3343 4869 to book your appointment.