Should I be concerned about pain after some fillings?

Question

Ten days ago I had a small cavity filled on my lower right side. Two days after that I had two more major fillings on the same side.

Now, I am experiencing a bit of pain but, I am unsure whether there is something wrong with one of the teeth or if they are still irritated.

I know what it is like to have a toothache due to tooth decay and pain medicines do nothing for me in that circumstance. But, now if I take some pain killers and throw an icepack on that side of the jaw then the pain does die down for a few hours.

I trust my dentist 100%, he is a good dentist and I've never had problems with him before (in fact, I owe him a lot for how he fixed up my mess of a mouth). I've tried calling his office to see if he could take a look and make sure everything was fine but, unfortunately he is away on vacation and won't be back for a week and a half.

Should I be concerned about pain one week after fillings? Or does it sound like my nerves are still upset and irritated? I don't know if I should try to see another dentist in the meantime or wait a bit longer and see if the pain goes away?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Sometimes people do have a little pain with fillings.  If your filling is a tad bit high (even so slight you can't tell) you can be bruising the ligament under your tooth.  I usually use the analogy of poking you in the arm, it doesn't hurt at first, but if I keep poking you, you will eventually bruise.  The same goes with your tooth.  The more you bite down and hit the high filling, the more irritated the ligament gets.  You can go to your dentist and have them adjust it.  If it starts hurting to hot temperatures then you should be concerned because that usually indicates the nerve is irritated and a root canal is next in line for you.  It doesn't sound like you are feeling that kind of pain.  So, I am thinking your filling is just slightly high.  Sometimes it is difficult for the dentist to check the height of the filling because the patient has to bite down and it is hard because the patient is typically numb.  Even if your dentist is out of town, the dental assistant can check your bite (they will have you bite down on articulating paper (blue paper) and the mark on your tooth indicates the height of the filling).  Please don't think if you give it time the filling will wear down, as that doesn't happen.  Also, it is possible for your gums to have been irritated depending on the location of these fillings and that could cause pain also.  I would definately make an apt for your dentist when he gets back.  Good luck!

Answer 2

Sometimes it can be a bit painful for a couple of weeks. But if it goes longer than this go to another dentist and ask for x-rays. I was given a filling by my old dentist and it still hurt a little for months afterward. I went to a new dentist because I couldn't stand my old one, and when they did an Xray there was a ton of new decay under the filling, meaning he didn't get it all before he filled it.

I almost had to get a root canal but luckily they were able to save my tooth with a filing. Its a good idea to always check up on your filings a few months later.