Cavities are unfortunately common, especially among those who love sweets. The good news is cavity fillings are often affordable and painless. That said, some patients might feel a little sensitive after a tooth filling.
Even though the pain after getting a cavity filled is usually not severe, it can still be annoying.
Here, your reliable dentist in Chelmsford, MA, shares why you might feel tooth and jaw pain after a cavity filling and what you can do to put an end to those aches:
What You Can Expect When Getting a Cavity Filled
First, your dentist will perform a cavity exam and check to see if a filling is needed.
If there is a cavity, he or she will clean the affected area, remove decayed and infected tissue and fill the hole with a tooth-colored filling material.
This tooth-colored filling material will then harden along with your tooth enamel, strengthening the tooth.
While the procedure is usually quite quick, you might feel a little discomfort with each procedure, especially if you have an anxious or sensitive gag reflex.
For instance, if your dentist is removing decayed and infected tissue, he or she might need to scrape or drill the tooth to remove the infected or decayed parts.
Once the tooth is cleaned and the cavity is filled, be sure to take painkillers within the first few hours to ensure you can cope with any post-procedure pain.
Is It Normal to Experience Pain after a Cavity Filling?
Even though a cavity filling is often painless, some patients experience tooth and jaw pain after a filling.
That’s because when you get a cavity filled, and the tooth is not numb, general anesthesia is not used, or it wears off too early, the tooth, jaw, and surrounding area will ache.
The ache is more of a product of general body pain, in which the tooth is sore because the surrounding tissues, nerves, and muscles are feeling the effect of the anesthetic.
How to Relieve Pain after Your Cavity Filling
It is vital to have patience and wait for the pain to go away. While there are many ways to alleviate discomfort, it is best to wait for the pain to diminish before taking any painkillers.
The best way to manage pain after a cavity filling is simply to wait for it to go away.
To help relieve your pain, try the following:
- Suck on hard candy or mints
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
- Replace the tooth filling with a new rubber dam
- Take pain-relieving medications
- Avoid chewing any foods that cause you discomfort
Preventing Cavities in the Future Is Crucial
Getting your teeth filled may be easy to do now, but this should not mean you can take a break from taking good care of your teeth.
Regular dental visits, proper dental care, and good oral hygiene practices are the best way to prevent cavities.
Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly to avoid tooth decay.
Conclusion
Getting a cavity filled is usually quick, easy, and painless. That said, aches and pains can occur after a filling and it is important to be prepared for them.
It is best to wait for the discomfort to go away on its own and use the tips above to soothe your pain.
For more information on cavity fillings and other dental procedures, contact a dentist in Chelmsford, MA, today.
Chelmsford Dental Specialists Group offers you the services of a family dentist in Chelmsford that can take care of all your dental needs, whether it’s a cavity filling or something else. Schedule a dental appointment today!
