Is jaw pain expected immediately after a tooth filling? Of course, this question is a situation that those who have dental fillings or those who want to have dental fillings are curious about.
However, why do you have jaw pain after the filling, even though you do not feel any pain while having a tooth filling? How much should we care about this pain, and what can we do to stop or alleviate the pain? Let us answer these and similar questions.
Is pain in the jaw after a dental filling normal?
Generally, mild pain in the jaw caused by the interventions made during the dental filling and crowns procedure is normal. There is no need to worry; this pain is temporary and will completely disappear within two weeks. The important thing is to manage the possible pain.
However, if the jaw pain or soreness worsens and lasts for a long time, you should take it seriously and see your dentist to have an underlying problem checked.
What kind of pain does the jaw feel like after a tooth filling?
Pain in the jaw after a tooth filling can usually be felt as follows.
Pressure pain:
It is felt as a discomfort or mild pain felt during chewing or when pressure is applied to the tooth because the filling is high, and the filling causes problems with the jaw bite.
Sensitivity pain:
A sharp, short-term pain triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks due to the sensitization of nerve endings caused by the interventions made on the tooth enamel during tooth filling.
Constant aching:
Due to decay under the filling, irritation or infection of the internal tissues of the tooth; it is felt as a constant and uncomfortable tingling in the jaw or in the area of the filled tooth.
Radiating Pain:
Due to pressure on the nerve endings or overstretching of the jaw muscles, it is felt as a pain that spreads from the filled tooth to the jawbone, ear, or temples.
Muscle pain:
It is felt as fatigue pain caused by the strain on the jaw joint and surrounding muscles during the placement of the dental filling and the mouth being kept open for a long period of time.
Temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ)
If patients who have dental fillings have TMJ dysfunction, this can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty in moving the jaw after the procedure. It may cause TMJ pain to increase.
What is the pain process after a tooth filling?
Normal expected pain:
The duration of pain after a dental filling usually depends on the healing process of the tooth and surrounding tissues after the procedure.
After the dental filling, a slight tingling or tenderness may begin as the anesthesia wears off.
In the first week after the procedure, there may be slight throbbing, tenderness when chewing, or hot-cold sensitivity. Sometimes, sharp pains may be felt, but these are usually short-lived. A slight fatigue or pressure in the jaw muscles may also persist.
One week after the tooth filling, most people do not feel pain at this stage. A slight sensitivity may remain, but it does not affect daily life.
Unexpected abnormal pain:
It is abnormal if more than two weeks have passed since you had a dental filling and you experience persistent and increasing throbbing, pain, swelling, or fever that radiates into your jaw. If you are experiencing this type of pain, there may be problems such as decay under the filling, infected pulp, strain on the jaw joint and muscles due to the high filling, or infection in the tooth root. In this case, you should be examined by your dentist without wasting time.
What are the causes of pain in the jaw after a tooth filling?
Pain in the jaw due to procedures performed during the tooth filling procedure:
Keeping the mouth open for a long time:
Since the mouth has to be kept open for a long time during a dental filling, this may cause jaw pain that may last for a few days after the procedure, as it will strain the jaw muscles and joint. This pain may be more pronounced in people with sensitivity in the jaw joint.
Jaw pain caused by trismus:
If the jaw becomes tense after a dental filling, you may be experiencing a condition known as trismus or “jaw locking.” Pain can be experienced as muscle spasms and difficulty opening the mouth. The pain can be caused by muscle fatigue from the anesthetic needle or from holding your mouth open for long periods of time. Trismus usually occurs about two to three days after the procedure and is concentrated on the side of the face where the tooth filling was done. It goes away in about two weeks.
Pain caused by tooth filling:
Uneven filling and misaligned bite:
A new tooth filling can disrupt the bite. A new tooth filling puts extra pressure on the jaw and can even lead to some muscle tension. Often muscle pain occurs when chewing, talking, or drinking. In this case, your dentist will adjust the filling and restore proper tooth alignment.
An abnormal bite can occur due to an irregular, uneven, or high filling surface. This situation causes jaw pain. The jaw joint and muscles can also cause slight discomfort as they try to adjust to the new situation.
Tooth or filling fracture:
A cracked tooth or a cracked filling can also cause jaw pain. In this case, your dentist can repair your broken tooth or filling.
Jaw pain caused by nerve irritation:
Nerve damage in the tissues to which the tooth is attached:
If the filling of the tooth has been worked close to the deep tissues of the tooth, this can cause the surrounding nerves to become sensitive and cause a radiating pain around the jaw.
Myofascial pain:
Dental treatment can sometimes irritate nerves in tissues outside the mouth. This can cause earaches and pain around the eyes.
Jaw pain due to infection or inflammation:
In case of infection, it is very important to contact the dentist immediately and start appropriate treatment. Causes of infection can be the following:
- People with gum disease or weak immune systems are more prone to infection. Such patients may develop infections after dental filling.
- Infection may develop if the sterilization of the inside of the mouth is not fully ensured during the filling process, if the filling material is not placed properly, and if oral hygiene is not paid enough attention after the tooth filling is done.
- The risk of infection increases if all decayed tissues inside the tooth are not completely removed during the filling process. In this case, the remaining bacteria can multiply over time and lead to infection.
- Improper placement of the filling or cracks and leaks also increases the risk of infection.
- When gaps or microscopic cracks form between the filling and the tooth, bacteria can enter these areas and cause infection.
How can jaw pain after a dental filling be alleviated or relieved?
To alleviate or relieve jaw pain that may occur after a dental filling and is normally expected, you can follow the recommendations below:
Apply a warm compress to relax the muscles.
If you apply a warm compress to the painful area, your jaw pain will significantly decrease. Repeat this process a few times throughout the day and provide some relief. Heat helps to relax your muscles and increase blood flow to the area, which can alleviate pain and stiffness.
Apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.
To reduce swelling and pain, wrap an ice pack with a thin cloth and apply it to the area of pain or swelling. You can apply a cold compress for 15-20 minutes several times during the day.
Do jaw stretching exercises:
You can do gentle stretching exercises for the mouth and gentle jaw exercises recommended by your doctor to reduce jaw pain after a dental filling.
Use pain medication prescribed by your doctor.
You can use painkillers or muscle relaxants prescribed by your dentist to relieve your jaw pain. You can also take painkillers and muscle relaxants for trismus.
Use a bite block if you have TMJ pain:
If you have temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ), you can use a small rubber bite block to keep your mouth open without straining your muscles.
You can get physical therapy for your jaw pain:
In addition to painkillers and muscle relaxants for your jaw pain, you can also receive physical therapy treatment on the recommendation of your dentist.
Get bruxism treated:
Your jaw pain after having a tooth filling may not only be caused by the tooth filling. Another cause of jaw pain may be bruxism, which occurs when you grind and clench your teeth at night. If this is the case, you will need to start treatment immediately.
You can use herbal remedies to relieve your pain:
You can apply the following herbal methods to reduce your jaw pain:
- Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little honey to make a paste. You can apply this mixture to the painful area or swallow it. It can be applied 1-2 times a day.
- Add fresh ginger slices to boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, and drink. You can consume 1-2 cups a day.
- Dilute a few drops of lavender oil or peppermint oil with olive oil and apply to the chin area with a light massage. You can massage 1-2 times a day.
F.A.Q:
How much pain is normal after filling?
A tooth will not ache and ache for a long time due to a new filling. Any sensitivity caused by a dental filling should be expected to disappear quickly, within two weeks.
How long can jaw pain last after dental work?
Your TMJ flare-up after dental work may last just a few hours or up to a few weeks.
Can a tooth filling damage the jaw joint?
If the filling is not done correctly, it can put pressure on the jaw joint and cause pain. In this case, the filling may need to be readjusted.
Is jaw stiffness normal after a dental filling?
In short, it is normal to have jaw stiffness and pain after a filling.
Which type of jaw pain should I go to the doctor for after a tooth filling?
- If the pain is severe and does not go away
- If there is a significant swelling in the chin or face area and you notice an increase in temperature or redness along with the swelling,
- You feel intense pain when chewing.
- You have a fever and feel sick.
- You notice a bad taste in your mouth or a pus-like discharge.
- If jaw pain radiates into the ear.
- If you feel a throbbing pain in combination with earache and headache.
- You have difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
- You feel stiffness or locking in your jaw.
- The pain radiates to a specific area of your face.
- You feel a burning, tingling, or sharp pain.
- You have a constant tension or muscle spasm in your jaw.
- You feel discomfort, clicking, or pain in the jaw joint (TMJ) area after filling