Dental filling treatment is typically administered where a patient has a dental cavity. A dental cavity is a damaged area of the tooth surface that develops a tiny opening (or a hole). Many factors cause a dental cavity, typically due to harmful bacteria, snacking on sugars and acidic drinks, and poor oral hygiene.
This constitutes a build-up of bacteria-filled dental plaque, which eventually hardens itself into tartar. As the decay progresses, sugars and bacteria combine to cause an acid attack, exposing and eroding your enamel.
When this happens, you’ll be recommended for filling treatment, but are you continuing to experience toothache after a deep filling? Toothache is a natural symptom after deep filling but is typically expected to subside after a few days.
However, if toothaches after deep filling persist, you’ll be required to see the dentist immediately.
Let’s walk through an understanding of what happens after deep filling treatment and the reasons why you may be experiencing toothache after deep filling more than usual.
What Happens After Deep Filling Treatment?
The dentist will cleanse the affected tooth during deep filling treatment, so any bacteria and decay are removed. The dentist will then apply the filling material. The affected area will be numbed beforehand.
You’re likely to experience some numbness in the face, making it difficult for your mouth to move normally. Eventually, the anaesthetic to numb the affected area will wear away in the coming days. You should then expect your sensations to return, and moving your mouth will become gradually easier.
You may experience a certain degree of sensitivity, which is natural with the anesthetic wears off.
What Factors Cause Tooth Ache After Deep Filling?
A toothache is a form of sensitivity, and there may be several factors why you’re experiencing toothache after filling:
- The tooth has become sensitive when eating hot and cold foods
- Breathing through the mouth leads to air impacting your teeth, causing some pain
- Sugary foods make your teeth hurt
- Your teeth aren’t friendly to acidic drinks
- Pressure when biting down on foods
I Still Have Tooth Ache After Deep Filling – Why Is This?
If you’re continuing to experience toothache after deep filling even a few days on from your appointment, there may be other reasons for this:
- Problems With Your Bite – When the dentist adds the filling material, it needs to be at a direct level with your teeth. When biting down, the filling material is likely irritated and impacts your biting pressure. This can lead to severe pain and require a visit to the dentist to examine your bite or the filling.
- Inflamed Pulp – When the pulp becomes inflamed (also known as pulpitis), the pressure begins to build in the pulp cavity. This impacts the surrounding tissues and underlying nerves of the tooth. The discomfort you experience can be minor to severe.
- Nerve Irritation – A deep cavity will likely impact the underlying tooth nerve. Whilst the nerve will get better, the sensitivity will subside, but this may take time to get better.
How Long Should I Expect Tooth Ache To Last?
Toothache after deep filling could last for up to four weeks. If you anticipate the toothache continues, you’ll need to consult your dentist for further examination.
