Jaw pain after a filling happens often, so you’re not alone! Luckily, it can be prevented and treated.
A filling is supposed to stop a toothache. After all, that’s the reason you get a cavity treated in the first place! So why do you still have jaw pain after a filling?
It’s normal for the filled tooth and surrounding gums to feel a bit sore for a day or two after the procedure. But if the pain radiates from your jaw and persists for weeks, your dentist can re-examine your mouth to determine what may be causing the discomfort. With some help from your dental team, you can get relief.
Why You May Have Jaw Pain After a Filling
While tooth and gum sensitivity is expected after treatment, jaw pain can happen for several reasons:
Muscle Fatigue
Holding your mouth open during the procedure can strain the muscles, especially during longer treatments. This muscle fatigue may lead to spasms and lingering soreness.
If you suffer from temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ), dental work may trigger additional pain. A bite block can help hold your mouth open comfortably to avoid overstraining muscles. This pain usually fades within a few days.
Trismus (“Lockjaw”)
If your jaw tightens after the procedure, you might be experiencing trismus, which causes pain, spasms, and limited jaw movement. It may be caused by the anesthetic injection or prolonged jaw strain.
Trismus typically appears a few days after treatment and resolves in about two weeks. Soft foods, pain relievers, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and gentle stretching exercises can all help with recovery.
Referred Myofascial Pain
Sometimes dental work can irritate nerves in tissues outside your mouth, leading to referred myofascial pain — a condition that may feel like an earache, eye pain, or muscle knots. This type of pain isn't preventable but can be treated with physical therapy or trigger point injections.
Uneven Filling
A jagged or misaligned filling can affect your bite and place extra strain on your jaw. If this happens, your dentist can smooth or replace the filling to realign your bite and ease the discomfort.
How to Prevent Jaw Pain During Dental Procedures
While some causes of jaw pain are unavoidable, there are steps you can take before and during your dental visit to minimize discomfort:
- Take breaks. If your jaw starts to ache during the procedure, ask your dentist to pause briefly and let your muscles rest.
- Use a bite block. A soft rubber block gently props your mouth open, reducing strain on your jaw muscles.
- Treat bruxism. If you grind your teeth at night, you're more likely to experience jaw pain. Your dentist can help manage bruxism with a custom mouthguard or other treatment options.
- Stay relaxed. Tension can worsen muscle pain. Rest well beforehand, try mindfulness techniques, or listen to calming music during your appointment to help stay at ease.
Make Your Dental Appointment With Espire Dental
If you're experiencing jaw pain after a filling, the compassionate and skilled team at Espire Dental is here to help. Our dentists are dedicated to making your appointments as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Reach out today to schedule your visit and take the first step toward relief.
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