So, you’ve just gotten your teeth cavities sorted out with your dentist—and by sorted out, we mean they were removed and filled with a paste to restore your teeth’ natural form and function. It is, therefore, a bit strange to feel pain radiating from those sites since they’ve been cleaned and filled already, right? Pain after any dental procedure is quite common, but here’s what to do when your mouth hurts.
Plausible Reasons for Pain
- Sensitive teeth
- Gum problems such as gingivitis or periodontal disease.
- Undetected and untreated tooth infection.
- Crowding of teeth.
However, if none of these concerns afflict you, it might be strange to feel sudden pain around the filled teeth. To get to the bottom of this, we need to understand what cavities are and how they impact oral health. Cavities are holes or deep decays on and within a tooth. They occur on teeth, especially when oral hygiene is poor and one’s diet is mostly sugar.
If they are not addressed by proper brushing, flossing, and dental care, these decays burrow from the surface and into teeth. Pain starts when the damage is excessive enough to reach the tooth root and nerve. However, your dentist will tell you that most cavities aren’t that painful or intense.
Post-cavity filling pain is due to a change in pressure. Once filled by germs and bacteria, Portions of your tooth are now replaced with a hard dental paste. This new filling affects the way air and liquids feel in your mouth, as evidenced when you drink water and exhale with your mouth. You may feel a slight tingling sensation during those moments, but those are entirely normal for a few weeks at most. The pain should completely go away by then.
How to Relieve Pain
If you can’t wait a few weeks for that mild discomfort to go away, don’t worry! Your dentist can prescribe some medication, and you can also try out some homeopathic remedies, both of which are listed below:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain meds
- Analgesic ointment to numb the painful areas
- A toothpaste that lessens gum and tooth sensitivity
- Cold compresses on the cheek or jaw
- Avoidance of hot and cold foods for a week at most
For pain meds, always be sure to get a prescription from your dentist. Our dentist may prescribe Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin to help with pain regulation.
One Final Thing
Be sure to brush and floss your teeth daily to remove dirt and bacteria that lead to cavities and ensure your fillings last long. If you’re still feeling a bit of sensitivity in those areas, use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and a brush with soft bristles to minimize discomfort.
If you need to visit a dentist in Raleigh, North Carolina, for cavity-filling or a plain old check-up, set an appointment today with Dr. Mihirgir Bava. He is always ready to help you with your dental issues. Please call 919-872-1700 to schedule.