How to relieve tooth pain after filling

How to relieve tooth pain after filling

Read our blog to find out how to relieve tooth pain after filling – there are four easy things that you can do to minimise discomfort after a filling.

Getting a tooth filling is less painful than having a tooth extracted, but that doesn’t mean there’s no pain or discomfort at all. If you have had to go through the process of getting a filling, or you soon will, you might be wondering how to relieve tooth pain after a filling.

Luckily, there are a few different ways to help you manage the pain and tenderness after getting a filling, and they are all very simple. From medications to making small lifestyle changes – whether temporary or permanent, you can relieve tooth pain after filling a cavity much easier than you might expect.

Tooth fillings – an overview

A tooth filling will be used to treat cavities or holes that form in your teeth, and usually isn’t anything you need to worry about. While you will typically get a permanent filling, such as a composite filling, you may need to get a temporary one initially. These temporary tooth fillings only last a few weeks, until there’s enough time for the full procedure.

If you need emergency treatment for a dental issue, you may turn to filling in a cavity at home, but this is not recommended, as it can cause complications. In the situation where you are in need of help, it would be best to call 111 for advice or make an emergency appointment with us.

You can learn about the process of getting a tooth filling and the signs that you should return to your dentist after getting a filling.

What to avoid after getting a filling

Depending on the type of tooth filling you get, you may need to wait a little while before you eat. Some fillings, such as amalgam ones, need time to set properly, and it’s recommended to wait anywhere between 2 and 24 hours. However, for composite fillings, you may be able to eat something as soon as you leave the clinic – provided your mouth isn’t numb, and it is safe for you to do so.

You should speak to your dentist to see what they recommend. They will be the only ones who can give you an informed answer.

Once you get your filling and can eat, there are some things that you should avoid. For example, steer clear of very hot or very cold foods for the first few weeks after you get your filling. You should also avoid very sticky or hard foods while you have the filling, as these foods can damage and even dislodge the filling, resulting in you needing to get another one put in.

How long should pain last after a filling?

Once your filling is in, the pain should only last up to a week, and this pain should not be unbearable. Sensitivity, however, can last a month or more.

The process of getting a filling itself shouldn’t hurt very much, thanks to the use of numbing gel and injections afterwards. You should always let your dentist know if you can still feel the pain after the gel and injections have been used, as their purpose is to make the experience more comfortable for you.

Luckily, there are steps that you can take to keep pain to a minimum once you walk out of the clinic, and they are very easy. While you might need to make some lifestyle adjustments, you will quickly see the benefit of making these small changes.

Is pain normal after getting a filling?

Yes, pain is completely normal after you get a filling put in. Your teeth are sensitive, and when we put a filling in, we need to clear out the decayed parts of the tooth. This can make the area very tender and painful.

However, getting a filling put in is ultimately less painful than allowing the cavity to grow and the decay to spread. It’s also less painful than getting a tooth extracted, which is what would happen if you leave a tooth to decay further. So, while it isn’t a pleasant process, it’s worth the short-term discomfort for long-term health.

How to relieve tooth pain after a filling

Thanks to years of research and experience, there are several ways to eliminate the pain after getting a tooth filling – or at the very least, reduce it. Below, we will go through four popular options for how to relieve tooth pain after a filling.

To relieve pain after getting a filling, you can:

• Use medications.
• Use cold compresses.
• Use the right toothpaste.
• Alter daily habits and lifestyle.

Medications to help with pain

The first way to alleviate pain after getting a tooth filling is by using medications. There are over-the-counter options to choose from, or things like Ibuprofen. In some cases, your dentist or doctor might recommend pairing Ibuprofen with an over-the-counter medication, but always double-check with them.

You could also use an analgesic ointment to help numb the parts of your mouth that are experiencing the most pain. These can be picked up at just about any pharmacy and are relatively inexpensive, so they are a good option.

It’s worth noting here that NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen can cause side effects in some people, primarily those who have liver disorders. If you have a sensitivity to NSAIDs, you should let your dentist know as soon as possible.

Cold compresses

Another way to relieve tooth pain after getting a filling is to use cold compresses on the affected area. To do this, you could simply get a bag of frozen peas to gently press over your jaw or cheek to help the swelling go down and reduce pain.

Use the right toothpaste

The third thing you can do is use a toothpaste that has been designed to reduce tooth and gum sensitivity, like the ones that Colgate and Sensodyne offer. Use your preferred one every time you brush your teeth, and you should see a marked improvement in the pain and discomfort you experience.

Daily habits and lifestyle

Finally, one of the most common causes of tooth pain and sensitivity after getting a filling is what you eat or drink. Namely, very hot or very cold foods.

To relieve tooth pain after you get a filling, avoid very hot or very cold foods for about a week. This can be difficult, especially if you love a steaming cup of coffee in the morning and an icy soft drink in the sun, but the pain isn’t worth it.

If everything goes well, you will only have to avoid these foods and drinks for about a week. If the pain isn’t gone after seven days, you should call your dentist to see what they say. They may want you back in the clinic for a check-up, or they might recommend something else. Either way, get their professional opinion, because they are the ones who know your mouth.

Visit the Eye & Dental Clinic

At the Eye & Dental Clinic, we cater to everyone’s needs. From tooth fillings to Invisalign, we want everyone to get the treatment they need and deserve. If you need to get a filling, it’s best not put it off and see a professional as soon as possible.

Now that you know how to relieve tooth pain after filling a cavity, we can only hope that you feel more prepared if you ever need to get one. Remember – the mild, short-term pain and discomfort of getting a filling is far better than the severe and potentially long-term pain of letting your tooth decay further.

We know it isn’t pleasant, but your oral health matters to us. So, if you think it’s time to make an appointment, or if you are looking for a new dentist, we would love to hear from you and help you.

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