What should I do if my tooth hurts after a filling?

Generally, tooth pain after dental filling may be caused by factors such as irritation from filling materials, excessive filling height, tooth sensitivity, secondary caries, or apical periodontitis. Treatment options include crown restoration, re-filling, root canal treatment, and medication, under the guidance of a dentist. The specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Irritation from Filling Materials

Dental filling materials, such as resin, may cause some irritation, especially when the cavity is deep and close to the dental nerve. If base lining treatment was not performed before direct filling, it may lead to irritative pain and subsequent toothache after filling. Regular observation and monitoring of changes are recommended. Crown restoration can also be performed under the guidance of a professional dentist. This involves placing a dental crown that matches the tooth's natural color on the tooth surface, offering protection and aesthetic improvement. Crown restoration is effective in relieving pain caused by tooth damage or pulp injury. The general reference price for a dental crown ranges from 1000 to 8000 yuan per tooth. Improvement is usually noticeable within 1 to 3 hours, although it may cause unnatural appearance or tooth sensitivity.

2. Excessive Filling Height

If the filling is shaped too high during the procedure, it can create extra pressure when biting, resulting in post-filling tooth pain. Regular observation is advised, and if the situation is severe, re-filling should be considered under the guidance of a professional dentist. Materials such as resin, ceramic, or metal alloys can be used to fill dental defects or cavities. For pain following dental fillings, changing the material or identifying and addressing the source of discomfort can help relieve the pain. The general reference price for dental fillings ranges from 100 to 500 yuan per tooth. Improvement is typically noticeable within 1 to 3 hours, though symptoms such as sensitivity or material dislodgement may occur.

3. Tooth Sensitivity

After dental filling, teeth may require time to adjust to the new environment and may become more sensitive to external stimuli such as cold, heat, acidity, or sweetness. Avoiding irritants in daily life is recommended. Root canal treatment may be advised under the guidance of a professional dentist. This involves removing infected material from the pulp and filling the root canal to eliminate inflammation and pain. Root canal treatment is an effective method for relieving pain caused by pulpitis or apical periodontitis. The general reference price for root canal treatment ranges from 300 to 1500 yuan per tooth. Improvement is usually noticeable within 3 to 5 hours, although complications such as infection or root canal perforation may occur.

4. Secondary Caries

Secondary caries may develop after dental filling due to poor oral hygiene maintenance, leading to microleakage between the filling material and the tooth. Bacteria may enter and cause new decay, resulting in post-filling tooth pain. Symptoms may include pain and food impaction. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as ampicillin capsules, cefixime dispersible tablets, or levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules for treatment.

5. Apical Periodontitis

If pulpitis is not treated promptly, the inflammation may spread to the tissues surrounding the root apex, causing apical periodontitis. During filling, if the material extends beyond the root apex, it can directly irritate the surrounding tissue, causing inflammation and post-filling tooth pain. Symptoms may include tooth mobility and reduced biting force. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as ornidazole dispersible tablets, cefradine capsules, or prednisone acetate tablets for treatment.

It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo procedures under the guidance of a professional dentist to ensure effectiveness and safety. Maintaining good oral hygiene, brushing teeth regularly, using dental floss to clean interdental spaces, and avoiding excessive intake of irritating or high-sugar foods are important for reducing dental problems and maintaining dental health.