If you’ve recently received a dental filling, it’s possible that you may experience some soreness in your teeth, gums, or jaw. You may wonder, when is pain a sign that something is wrong? Dental fillings, designed to fix issues caused by tooth decay, are incredibly common dental procedures. However, there times in which you might need additional attention from a dentist. What type of pain is normal, and when should you contact your dentist after a procedure?
Dr. Michael Hsu and his team can quickly diagnose and treat many oral pains. Reach out to us at 410.690.4855 or schedule an appointment online should you experience any problems.
Causes of Tooth Pain After Fillings
Typically, dental fillings will only leave you with numbness for a couple of hours. However, in some cases, your tooth and surrounding area may hurt after this procedure.
The cause of pain after a dental filling will vary from patient to patient. In general, there are some reasons you may experience discomfort after receiving your treatment. For example, it can be painful if the tooth is not completely numb prior to drilling. Let your dentist know right away if you can feel the drilling.
Additionally, if the filling is too large or if there is a small hole, the filling can come out or become loose. This causes a gap where food may become lodged, causing irritation over time. If you have pain after getting a dental filling, it’s important to address this issue with your dentist right away. A quick response will minimize the amount of time you experience pain.
Taking Care of Your Teeth Before and After Dental Fillings
Immediately after receiving a filling, you will be advised to avoid food that you have to chew. This is because once your mouth is numb, you can accidentally bite down on your cheek, tongue or lip.
In terms of how to take care of your teeth before and after receiving a filling, it’s important to brush at least twice per day with fluoride toothpaste. It will also be recommended that you floss to remove stuck food particles from between your teeth. This is especially critical for people who have gum disease or other dental issues, as these conditions increase the risk of tooth decay.
If you have pain in your teeth or if the dental filling is not wearing well, speak with your dentist. Some patients may need a root canal or other procedure to fix an underlying issue that is causing their discomfort. If necessary, your dentist can also provide medication for treating symptoms like swelling or other pain-causing problems after a filling. By reaching out to your dentist as soon as possible, you can get relief from your pain and ensure that the problem is taken care of properly.
Reach Out to Columbia Smiles Today
Contact Columbia Smiles to schedule an appointment for a cleaning, exam, or dental filling. We’re dedicated to keeping our patients’ teeth and gums healthy while also helping them achieve the smiles they want. Some of the services we offer in our Howard County office include:
- Dental veneers
- Teeth whitening
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Emergency treatments
Our team, led by Dr. Michael Hsu, is committed to ensuring that every patient feels comfortable and receives the care they need. Contact us at 410.690.4855 or reach out online today to schedule an appointment.
