Are you experiencing jaw pain after filling? While they address cavities and associated pain, fillings can sometimes cause discomfort. This can be because of factors like excessive material used or bite misalignment. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons and what can be done about it.
Jaw Pain after Dental Filling – Causes
Jaw pain post-dental filling may be due to the following reasons:
Muscle Strain
Strained muscles are one of the most common reasons for jaw pain after filling. Stretching your mouth open beyond its usual capability during the procedure leads to soreness or stiffness. This strain can sometimes linger and cause temporary discomfort. This phenomenon is referred to as lockjaw.
Filling Complications
Although rare, the fillings themselves can cause jaw pain, too, sometimes. If the material is improperly shaped or has sharp edges, it may irritate the surrounding tissues, leading to discomfort.
Misaligned Bite
If your dentist happens to accidentally overfill the cavity, it may lead to a misaligned bite. A dental filling too high or uneven disrupts the normal closure of teeth, resulting in jaw pain after filling. The misalignment adds to the pressure on your jaw, especially during activities like chewing or speaking.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues
If you are suffering from persistent jaw pain, get your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) checked. It is the connector that links the skull with the jaw and can become dysfunctional due to various reasons, including stress or injury.
Infection or Inflammation
In another case scenario, infection or inflammation in the tooth or surrounding tissues after a filling may be the source of your pain. The entrance of bacteria during the procedure leads to increased aches and swelling.
How Can Dentists Help?
Professional oral care specialists have the know-how regarding jaw pain management after a filling. This can be done through various approaches, depending on the cause. Here are some ways dentists can help:
Filling Adjustment
Since overloading of the cavity is one of the most common causes of jaw pain after a filling, adjusting the level can help. Dentists easily lessen or increase the filling to restore proper alignment, help get rid of extra pressure on the jaw, and reduce discomfort.
Addressing Muscle Strain
If your jaw pain stems from constant muscle strain because of keeping the mouth open, several strategies can help. Your dentist can hook you up with prescription painkillers if over-the-counter options are not working out for you.
Other than that, applying a warm compress to your jaw can relax the muscles for ease. Additionally, performing gentle stretching exercises can relieve tension.
Closing Note
Although mild jaw pain after a dental filling is a given and quite understandable, prolonged pain must be checked out. Applying warm compresses, gentle stretching exercises, and over-the-counter pain relief medications have proven to be beneficial in this regard. If you have more questions, contact our dental care expert immediately at Smile Designs Dentistry Of Manteca to learn more about the services we offer in our facility. You can trust Dr. Sanjay Kumar Vanjarapu, DDS, extensively trained by the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), for all your dental needs.
Contact us at any of the following locations:
- Manteca Contact Number: (209) 780-4777
- Pleasanton Contact Number: (925) 234-4421