Fillings are one of the most common treatments provided to address cavities and restore the functioning of broken teeth. However, more than many people fear sharp jaw pain after receiving their filling treatment. Therefore, it is essential that causes of jaw pain after a filling and effective methods for its management be well known in order to have a smooth recovery. We shall discuss the causes, treatments, and prevention methods of jaw pain after a dental filling in this article.
Is jaw pain after a filling normal?
There is going to be some degree of pain after a dental treatment has been carried out. However, when it does persist or even grows worse over time, then possibly something is not in order. Among the determinants for pain is the kind of filling material to be used, the difficulty of procedure, and just how much one can endure of pain. A little sharper, longer pains as compared to usual, mild soreness and sensitivity will require examination from a dentist.
Causes of Jaw Pain After Filling
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Bad Biting Line (High Filling):
One of the most common causes of jaw pain after filling is a readjustment to the filling which shifts the bite. Every time a filling is put in a very high place, the jaw could get leveled down hence resulting in this condition. The patients hence get the feeling of strain to their jaw. They also feel that they will be having jaw pains at times. They might not have proper chewing sensations and can increase the sensitivity around that region; besides, a person always experiences that their jaws are not closed appropriately .
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Prolonged Jaw Strain During Procedure:
Patients are usually open during the filling process for pretty long. This results in stretching of jaw muscles. The patient is often left with a sore or stiff jaw that might be felt after some days of treatment.
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Inflammation of the Tooth Nerve (Pulpitis):
Irritation of Tooth Nerve Commonly Known as Pulpitis
Deep fillings, close to the nerve of the tooth causes pulpitis. Pulpitis is characterised by pulsating pain, sensitivity to both hot and cold, and ache referred to the jaw.
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TMJ Stress:
Dental treatments stress the temporomandibular joint hence causing jaw pains and the strain in opening or closing one’s mouth. The protracted dental procedures and general stress caused by the procedure can magnify TMJ disorders.
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Nerve Irritation or Damage:
Sometimes the drilling action or placement of the filling irritates or even damages some of the nerves around the area under treatment, causing the patient to feel persistent jaw pain. Pain can be shooting, sharp, or even tingling.
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Allergic reaction to the material of the filling:
Some people are allergic to the particular filling material, which is either amalgam or composite resins. Due to this reason also, an allergic reaction causes jaw pain or swelling of the face or jaw pain due to swelling, pain, and uneasiness of the facial area.
Home Remedies for Jaw Pain After Filling
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Over-the-Counter Medications:
1. Pain Killers:
Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen pain medications to ease the pain and provide comfort from jaw pain
2. Cold and Warm Compresses:
Use ice packs during the initial 24 hours. Apply warm compresses to gradually reduce swelling and pain.
3. Physiotherapeutic exercises of jaw:
Stretching and smooth movement would help in resolving stiffness in muscles.
4. Soft diet:
Eating soft food for a time period minimizes friction on the jaw
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Dental Adjustments:
If the jaw pain is from a bad bite, then sometimes an adjustment by the dentist could be all it takes to get rid of it. The dentist may hone in on the filling to ensure that everything is in proper biting position and she or he feels no more discomfort.
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Stress Reduction Techniques:
Stress causes jaw pain and muscle tension. Amongst the various methods of curbing stress and thus promoting relaxation, these include deep breathing, meditation, and massaging the jaw.
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Natural Remedies and Supplements:
Natural remedies include oil made from clove, a pain killer supplement with turmeric an anti-inflammatory which eases the pain.
When to see a Dentist
It is crucial to visit a dentist if the jaw pain persists for more than a few days or worsens gradually, together with swelling, fever, or extremely sensitive teeth. Dental assessment immediately can help avoid further complications of the disease and allow another remedy to problems.
How to Avoid More Fillings
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The Right Material to Use:
Discuss fill material with your dentist so you can choose the one best for your oral health and minimize possibilities for adverse reactions.
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Share Pain During Procedure:
Let your dentist know if you experience pain while undergoing the filling procedure to help him better adapt the procedure so as not to perpetuate post-procedure pain.
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Observe Post-Filling Instructions:
For instance, care after visiting the dentist, not to take hard food and oral hygiene, prevents the complications.
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Good oral hygiene:
Proper oral hygiene goes a long way into reducing the occurrences of cavities and filling eventually.
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Regular dental check up:
Follow-up appointments make it easy to identify the problems in good time, making sure that the filled teeth are clean and in form.
Conclusion
Pain in the jaw is due to fillings, and this is quite common. However, most cases still tolerate such conditions well under proper handling. Knowing possible causes, curative, and preventive measures on recovery ensures even dental wellness for the long run. However, when the pain sticks even after putting a filling, then professional dental guidance needs to be solicited so that the complication may also be dealt.
FAQ about jaw pain with a filling
How long does one suffer jaw aches after receiving his /her filling?
Mild jaw aching subsides in some days, although chronic ache requires a trip to the dentist.
Am I going to suffer permanent jaw damage from this filling?
Usually, this is a temporary condition except for problems like a misaligned bite, in which case ongoing discomfort can ensue.
What to avoid after this filling?
Chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Avoid drinking hot or cold liquids and stop grinding your teeth.
Is everybody equally likely to experience post-filling pain?
No, only the patients with TMJ disorder or sensitive teeth can develop more post-filling pain.