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Toothache after caries treatment

Have you ever experienced toothache after caries treatment? In this blog post you will learn all about the possible causes and solutions for this common problem. At ALPINE WHITE, we focus on healthy, white teeth and want to help you take optimum care of your dental health.

Andrea Seraina Author
Andrea Seraina
Dental Content Specialist
15.01.20248 min. reading time
toothache, caries treatment, toothache relief, expert advice, painkillers, cold applications, professional dental treatments, preventive measures, fast recovery, dental health, patient help, alpine white, caries repair

What causes toothache after caries treatment?

Sensitive reaction of the dental nerve

One of the main reasons for pain after caries treatment is the reaction of the dental nerve, also known as the pulp. This part of the tooth is particularly sensitive and can react to the treatment, especially if the decay was very deep and close to the nerve. The proximity of the treatment to the dental nerve can lead to persistent pain, which is sometimes difficult to bear.

Problems caused by a filling that is too high

Another reason for pain after caries treatment can be a filling that is too high. If the filling - whether made of amalgam, composite or another material - protrudes too high above the natural tooth contour, this can lead to an unpleasant and painful sensation when biting down. A high filling exerts uneven pressure on the tooth and the surrounding tissue, which can lead to pain and discomfort.

In some cases, an adjustment of the new filling or the use of anaesthetics and local anaesthetic may be required to relieve the discomfort. The use of home remedies can also help to alleviate pain in consultation.

Reaction to filling materials

A common cause of pain after caries treatment is the reaction of the dentin and tooth nerve, also known as the pulp, to the filling material. Different materials, such as amalgam, composite or plastic fillings, can cause different reactions in the tooth. In some cases, this can lead to pulpitis, an inflammation of the tooth nerve that causes severe, throbbing pain.

Inflammation of the gums

Inflammation of the gums is a common cause of pain after caries treatment. During the procedure, the gums can become irritated or injured, which can lead to inflammation of the gums. This inflammation can cause pain and discomfort, especially if it is not treated adequately.

Exposed tooth necks

Exposed tooth necks can also lead to pain after caries treatment. If the filling is placed too close to the neck of the tooth, the sensitive part of the tooth close to the gum, this can lead to increased sensitivity and pain. This is particularly the case when hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks are consumed.

Cracks in the enamel

Cracks in the tooth enamel that occur during treatment can lead to pain. Fine cracks can appear in the enamel, especially if the tooth has been heavily worked on during treatment. These cracks can lead to increased sensitivity and cause pain if they are not treated adequately.

Influence of food debris and teeth grinding

Food debris left in the interdental spaces can cause inflammation and, in severe cases, even lead to inflammation of the tooth root. In addition, teeth grinding and tension can exert pressure on the newly filled tooth and strain the dentine and filling material, which leads to pain.

Deep caries and periodontitis

Deep caries that reaches the root canal can cause severe toothache and make root canal treatment necessary. Periodontitis, an inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissue, can also contribute to pain after caries treatment and affect the tissue inside the tooth.

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How can you relieve the pain?

Short-term measures to relieve pain

Use of painkillers

In the first few days after a dental filling, painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be effective in relieving severe pain. These medications are usually available at any pharmacy and can be taken as directed by a doctor to reduce inflammation and control pain.

Application of cold

The application of cold, for example using a cold gel pad, can help to reduce swelling and relieve pain. The cold has a decongestant effect and can provide immediate relief when applied locally directly to the affected tooth.

Gentle oral hygiene

Gentle oral hygiene is crucial to avoid further irritating the affected tooth. Avoid brushing the affected area immediately after dental treatment and use gentle rinses instead to maintain oral hygiene and prevent infection.

Long-term solutions

Readjustment of the filling

In some cases, a dental filling that is placed too high can be the cause of persistent pain. Readjustment of the filling in the dental practice may be necessary to correct the bite and reduce the pressure on the affected tooth.

Root canal treatment

In rare cases, if the pain persists and proves to be more profound, root canal treatment may be necessary. This is performed to remove the inner pulp tissue, which may be inflamed or infected, and save the tooth.

Regular tooth cleaning

Having your teeth professionally cleaned at regular intervals can help prevent future problems and improve your overall oral health. It removes plaque and tartar, which can lead to gum disease and other oral problems.

Preventive measures

Regular visits to the dentist

Regular check-ups at the dental practice or at our ALPINE WHITE Studio are crucial for recognising and treating problems at an early stage. They enable the expert to monitor the condition of the fillings and make adjustments if necessary.

Good oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene, such as regular tooth brushing and cleaning between the teeth, is essential to maintain the health of the teeth and gums. This helps to prevent inflammation and infection, which can lead to pain. Use our products for your daily teeth cleaning.

Additional tips

Use of home remedies

In addition to the measures mentioned above, certain home remedies can also help to relieve toothache. For example, warm salt water rinses can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Avoiding hard foods

After dental filling therapy, it is advisable to avoid hard foods in order to avoid stressing the treated tooth. This can help to avoid pain and support the healing process.

Caries repair at ALPINE WHITE

At ALPINE WHITE, we understand that the health of your teeth is of the utmost importance. That's why we offer a revolutionary tooth decay repair treatment that is a gentle alternative to traditional caries treatment. Our caries repair treatment enables the regeneration of tooth structure without drilling, anaesthesia or discomfort.

This innovative method is ideal for the correction of initial caries, white spots and demineralisation. Almost half of the Swiss population will struggle with tooth decay at least once in their lifetime, and ALPINE WHITE offers an effective solution to tackle this problem. Our treatment utilises advanced techniques such as cold light diagnostics to identify and treat tooth decay in its early stages.

Caries repair at ALPINE WHITE is not only a preventative measure, but also a way to gently remineralise your enamel. With a success rate of up to 93%, you can completely regenerate your tooth enamel and restore its hardness up to eight times deeper than with conventional fluorides.

Our goal is to keep your teeth healthy in a sustainable way, without invasive treatments and unnecessarily high future dental costs. Caries repair is painless, without drilling or injections, and helps to prevent further tooth decay. It fights deep caries down to the inner dentine and preserves the natural tooth structure.

If you only have one lesion, we integrate painless caries repair into your regular treatment. If you have several lesions, we will arrange a short follow-up appointment for you. The treatment process includes examining the caries activity, cleaning and preparing the tooth surface and applying the repair material.

With caries repair at ALPINE WHITE, you can preserve your natural tooth structure and leave the unpleasant drilling noises behind. It is an effective method to stop the progression of caries and optimise your dental health.

Conclusion

Toothache after caries treatment is a common problem, but with the right measures you can effectively treat and prevent it. Remember to take good care of your teeth and don't neglect regular visits to the dentist. At ALPINE WHITE, we are always committed to providing you with the best information and products for your dental health.

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