Why Does Your Jaw Hurt After a Dental Filling?
Getting a dental filling is a usual and simple process, but some patients may experience discomfort that lasts longer than anticipated. One confusing symptom is jaw pain following the filling. In technical terms, this pain is called jaw trismus and can range from a dull throb to a sharp feeling. It can affect your daily life and cause worries about your dental health.
In this article, we will look into the possible causes of jaw pain after filling and discuss helpful remedies to relieve your discomfort quickly.
The Causes of Jaw Pain After Filling
Many patients face jaw trismus – jaw pain after filling, and knowing the reasons behind it can help lead you to relief. Let’s look at the main causes of jaw pain more closely:
- Bite Misalignment: After getting a filling, the treated tooth might feel higher than the others because of the extra material. This unevenness can put additional pressure on your jaw muscles, causing soreness and discomfort while chewing or even when resting.
- Prolonged Mouth Opening: During filling, you probably had to keep your mouth open for a long time, which can strain your jaw muscles and joints, especially the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to soreness, especially if your jaw is already sensitive.
- Nerve or Tissue Irritation: The drilling and filling can irritate nearby tissues or nerves around the treated tooth. This irritation is usually temporary but can cause localized pain that may spread to the jaw.
- Stress or Teeth Clenching During the Procedure: Some people may unknowingly clench their teeth or jaw during dental work due to anxiety or discomfort. This clenching can cause muscle fatigue and contribute to jaw pain after the filling.
- Underlying TMJ Disorder: If you have a mild TMJ disorder, the dental work might make your symptoms worse. The extra pressure or extended jaw movement could lead to pain or stiffness in the joint.
Healing Timeline: What to Expect
The level and length of jaw trismus can differ from person to person. Most people find that mild jaw pain disappears within a few days as the muscles and joints heal from the procedure. You might feel tenderness when chewing or opening your mouth wide, but this usually gets better with rest and care at home.
If your jaw pain after filling lasts longer than a week, it could mean a problem, like a filling that is too high, causing your bite to be off, or ongoing muscle strain. In such cases, it’s essential to see your dentist, who can adjust the filling or suggest ways to ease the pain.
For more serious or ongoing issues, especially if you have swelling, fever, or trouble moving your jaw, you may need further assessment to check for complications like infection or TMJ problems. While jaw pain after filling is usually temporary, knowing the healing process and when to get help can make your recovery more manageable and comfortable.
When to Worry: Signs of a Bigger Problem
Mild jaw pain after filling is often temporary and goes away by itself. However, some symptoms suggest a more serious problem that needs a dentist’s help. If your pain worsens or comes with other worrying signs, seeking help is essential. Here are some vital warning signs to look for and what they might indicate.
Persistent or Worsening Pain
If you still have jaw pain a week after getting a filling, or if it’s getting worse, there might be an issue with the filling. Sometimes, if a filling is too high, it can put extra pressure on your tooth and cause your jaw muscles to tense up. The pain could also indicate that the nerve inside the tooth is irritated or inflamed. If this happens, visiting your dentist for an adjustment can usually fix it.
Swelling or Signs of Infection
If you see swelling in your jaw or around the area where you had work done, especially with fever, pus, or redness, it might indicate an infection. Although infections after dental work are uncommon, they can lead to serious issues if not treated. If these signs accompany your jaw pain, it’s crucial to get help from your dentist or doctor right away. Quick treatment with antibiotics or other measures can prevent the infection from worsening.
Difficulty Chewing or Opening Your Mouth
If chewing, speaking, or opening your mouth is painful, it could suggest a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Jaw stiffness or clicking sounds might mean the dental work has worsened an existing TMJ issue or put new stress on the joint. Not treated could result in long-term jaw pain and movement problems. Talking to your dentist about these symptoms can help identify the issue and find a suitable treatment plan.
Complications and Related Symptoms of Jaw Pain After Filling
Most jaw pain after filling is mild and goes away quickly, but sometimes, complications can occur. Knowing these possible problems and their signs can help you avoid more pain or damage.
Infection
Infections after a dental filling are uncommon but can happen if bacteria enter the area during or after the procedure. Signs of an infection include ongoing swelling, redness, warmth, and pus near the tooth or jaw. You might also feel feverish or tired. If you have jaw pain after a filling along with these symptoms, you must get medical help immediately. Quick treatment, usually with antibiotics, can stop the infection from spreading and causing more issues.
TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) links your jaw to your skull and allows it to move. Keeping your jaw open for a long time during the filling or having a misaligned bite can stress this joint, which may lead to TMJ disorder. Symptoms can include clicking or popping sounds, trouble fully opening your mouth, and persistent jaw pain. If you think TMJ problems are causing pain, talk to your dentist about possible adjustments or treatments to relieve the pressure.
Pulpitis
Pulpitis is when the dental pulp, the inner part of the tooth with nerves and blood vessels, becomes inflamed. Pulpitis can happen if the filling process irritates the pulp or if some decay is left behind. Symptoms include sharp or throbbing pain, increased sensitivity to hot and cold, and trouble chewing. If not treated, pulpitis can develop into an infection or abscess, so it’s essential to see your dentist if you experience these symptoms, along with jaw pain after filling.
How to Relax and Alleviate Jaw Pain After Filling
Here are some simple and effective solutions to help you feel better:
1. Give Your Jaw a Break
Try to avoid chewing on the side where you had the filling, especially hard or sticky foods. Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soups are easier on your jaw while it heals.
2. Use a Warm or Cold Compress
Applying a warm compress (like a warm towel) can relax your jaw muscles, while a cold pack (wrapped in a cloth) can help reduce swelling. Hold it against your jaw for about 10-15 minutes a few times a day.
3. Gently Massage Your Jaw
Massaging the area around your jaw and temples can relieve tension. Use gentle circular motions to help relax tight muscles.
4. Take Pain Relievers
If the pain is bothering you, medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort and swelling. Always follow the dosage instructions on the label.
5. Do Jaw Stretches
Simple jaw exercises, like slowly opening and closing your mouth or moving your jaw from side to side, can help ease stiffness. Be gentle and stop if you feel pain.
6. Check Your Bite
If your bite feels off or your teeth don’t come together comfortably, the filling might be too high. If you notice this, call your dentist—they can easily adjust the filling to make your bite feel natural again.
7. Reduce Stress on Your Jaw
Try to avoid habits like chewing gum, clenching your teeth, or resting your chin on your hand. If you grind your teeth at night, a mouthguard might help.
8. See Your Dentist if the Pain Persists
Most jaw pain after a filling should improve in a few days. But if it lasts more than a week, gets worse, or comes with symptoms like clicking sounds, swelling, or trouble opening your mouth, it’s best to visit your dentist. They can check for issues like TMJ problems, an infection, or nerve irritation and recommend the right treatment.
Caring for Your Jaw: The Final Steps to Recovery
Jaw pain after filling is common but can be managed easily. It usually goes away with the right care. Knowing what might cause the pain, spotting signs of problems, and using helpful remedies can reduce discomfort and speed up healing.
If your jaw pain lasts more than a few weeks, don’t wait—book an appointment with Dr. Nazanin Noorbakhsh in Tehran for a professional evaluation and the right treatment. Taking care of your bite, relaxing your jaw, and addressing any underlying issues can make a big difference in your comfort.
Your dental health affects your overall health; With the right care, you’ll be smiling pain-free again in no time!
