Dental fillings are the best solution to erase tooth pain caused by cavities. But what happens when your toothache after filling keeps getting worse instead of going away? Typically, dental fillings are supposed to be painless. There may be slight discomfort after the procedure, but it shouldn’t be painful in any type of way. An aching tooth may be a sign of an improper filling or a damaged pulp underneath. To find out why your toothache isn’t getting better and how to treat it, carry on reading this blog.
Why is My Toothache After Filling Getting Worse?
It’s common to experience some type of pain after a dental filling. However, this is at a very minimal scale, as the effects tend to fade away on their own. In case your toothache continues to deepen, look for the main cause behind it. Here are just some of the reasons that might lead to post-filling toothache.
- High Filling
If the dental filling is too close to the nerve, it may cause pain every time you eat or chew food. Redoing the filling might lessen the pain. - Loose Filling
When a filling is loose or not properly packed in, it can give way to intense tooth sensitivity. - Damaged Pulp
In case of throbbing tooth pain, the discomfort might stem from the cavity reaching the tooth’s innermost layer. Only a root canal can help extract the bacteria. A filling might not be suitable to hold the tooth’s shape. - Referred Pain
Sometimes, the pain you’re feeling isn’t even because of the filling itself but rather referred pain that transfers to the tooth beside the affected one. - Allergic Reaction
Silver amalgam fillings are the most likely fillings to cause an allergic reaction. You might develop a rash or swelling. Getting the filling replaced is the only way to minimize damage. - Dental Abscess
A dental abscess can manifest itself in the form of a swollen pocket on your gums, filled with pus. This can make eating food extremely difficult. Professionally draining the abscess can help soothe the pain. - Cracked Filling
If the filling’s seal is not properly cured or it gets cracked, it could cause a lot of pain which could gradually worsen over time.
Tips to Relieve Extreme Tooth Pain After Filling
Normally toothache after filling doesn’t last for more than a week at most. However, if you’re experiencing the painful effects for longer than a week and it keeps getting worse, you might need to visit your dentist and get the filling redone. In the meantime, try following the tips mentioned below:
- Apply an OTC topical ointment to numb the aching tooth if the pain is intolerable.
- Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution.
- Keep away from sugary and carbonated drinks.
- Schedule a root canal treatment.
- Do not smoke, vape, or drink immediately after getting a dental filling.
- Avoid eating anything with a hard or crunchy texture.
- Get prescribed antibiotics to help with the discomfort.
When to Worry
If it has been two weeks or more, and your toothache after filling keeps getting worse, do not hesitate to visit a dentist. If necessary, you might need to get the filling redone or repaired. Contact Waller Dental at (936) 372-2673 for more information on the matter. You can also visit us at 31315 Farm to Market 2920 #16 A, Waller, TX 77484. We are located at the heart of Waller Village.