Should I be in this much pain AFTER a filling??

Question

I went to the dentist on Friday & had a couple of fillings.

I have been experiencing really bad toothache since the injection wore off. I called the dentist to ask if it was normal - they said to leave it a couple more days and if the pain persists to call back.

I've taken lots of painkillers (probably too many!) and nothing seems to help. I know the dentist said it may be fine - but I've never experienced anything like this before after a filling - and I'm not sure I can wait a few days!!

Does anyone know of a way to get rid of the pain - and does anyone know if it is normal for it to hurt after a filling??!!

Answer 1

You're not supposed to be in such pain.  Go back and insist on them checking - they could have exposed a nerve in an adjoining tooth.  This happened to me once - absolute agony for weeks before they would listen.

Answer 2

It would normally imply that it was a deep filling, which is still settling. It is not normal, but not impossible either- it could take up to a week or two to settle fully.

If it doesn't go, it might be that there is decay or infection in the root, but most dentists would spot this from the xray, and when clearing the cavity prior to filling, and treat you with antibiotics first.

Alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen pain killer meds every two hours is the best advice for pain relief- these are the best over-the-counter solutions.

You don't have a great deal of choice other than to wait as they suggested, but the more noise you make, the more they will consider seeing you sooner.

I hope it heals up soon. If it is infected or decaying, you might need the root removing before an even deeper filling is applied, also known as Root Canal Therapy.

Take care, and avoid chewing on that side.