You opted for the filling procedure to fix your dental issue and get rid of pain. But what if you come home and experience jaw pain after filling? It might be a relief for you to know that you are not alone. Many people experience it. Let’s explain why
Causes of Jaw Pain Post-Filling
It is normal to feel teeth and gum sensitivity after dental work. However, jaw pain happens due to:
- Muscle Fatigue
Keeping your mouth open for a long time during the filling procedure can tire out your muscles. This might cause muscle spasms in your jaw. If you have jaw pain from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, dental work can make it worse.
Using a bite block during the procedure can help keep your mouth open without straining your muscles. Muscle fatigue often happens after more extensive dental work, like a root canal, and can last a few days.
- Trismus
After dental work, your jaw can tighten up, causing trismus or “lockjaw.” This condition triggers pain, muscle spasms, and difficulty opening your mouth fully. Trismus usually starts about two to three days after the procedure. It happens mainly at the treatment site.
It should get better within about two weeks. Eating soft foods and taking pain-relieving medications can ease the pain. Physical therapy, gentle exercises, massages, or using a device to stretch your jaw can also help.
- Referred Myofascial Pain
Sometimes, dental work can irritate nerves in tissues outside your mouth, causing referred myofascial pain. This causes earaches, eye pain, or tight, knotted muscles. While you can’t prevent this condition, treatments like trigger point injections and physical therapy can help relieve the pain.
- Uneven Filling
If you have an uneven or jagged filling surface, it can cause an abnormal bite. This is a major reason for jaw pain. It might even cause the tooth or filling to crack. Your dentist can smooth out the filling or replace it to improve your bite and reduce jaw discomfort.
How to Relieve Jaw Pain After Filling?
It is a major relief to know that jaw pain after dental work goes away on its own. However, if you wish to get rid of the pain earlier than a couple of weeks, try the following methods:
- Apply a Warm Compress: Put a warm cloth or towel on the sore area. The warmth helps relax your jaw muscles and lessen discomfort. Do this several times a day for about 10-15 minutes each time.
- Take Over-the-counter Pain Medication: Use medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen that you can buy without a prescription. These can reduce pain and swelling.
- Try Gentle Jaw Stretching Exercises: Open and close your mouth gently to stretch your jaw muscles and improve movement.
- Use a Muscle Relaxant if Recommended: If your dentist gives you a prescription, take a muscle relaxant to ease jaw muscle tension and get more relief from pain.
- Eat Soft & Cold Foods: Choose foods that are soft and easy to chew, and avoid foods that need excessive chewing. This helps prevent more irritation in the sore area.
- Apply a Cold Pack: Wrap ice in a towel and put it on the outside of your jaw. The cold can decrease swelling and numb the pain.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
Wrapping Up
The key is to be patient, as mild jaw pain after filling is common. It usually subsides within a week or two as the site heals. If the pain persists or worsens, be sure to follow up with your dentist.
Visit our experienced dentist, Dr. Ayesha Muzaffar, at iCare4Smiles. Our certified doctor is extensively trained in dental implants, root canal therapy, oral surgery, and orthodontics. Dial (732) 800-9524 to reach out.