Why does it hurt for a week after I get a filling done?

Every time I get a filling, my dentist has to give me 5 shots to numb the area and then it usually hurts for a week or more after. What could be the problem?

Answers from doctors (1)


Oak Park Dental Associates

Published on Aug 02, 2011

The tooth "nerve" itself may be "hurting" due to the trauma from the procedure. This may take up to a couple of weeks to settle down or it may not settle down. Otherwise, it may be from bite trauma due to changes in bite when new fillings are placed. This sometimes go away. Other times, it may get worse. Another possibility would be that the hurting may actually come from the injection site where five shots were administered. This may be the most likely possibility because you seem to be consistently getting the same issue. Muscles unhappy due to multiple injections. I hope this helps.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/7938_1459983185.jpg
Answered by Oak Park Dental Associates

The tooth "nerve" itself may be "hurting" due to the trauma from the procedure. This may take up to a couple of weeks to settle down or it may not settle down. Otherwise, it may be from bite trauma due to changes in bite when new fillings are placed. This sometimes go away. Other times, it may get worse. Another possibility would be that the hurting may actually come from the injection site where five shots were administered. This may be the most likely possibility because you seem to be consistently getting the same issue. Muscles unhappy due to multiple injections. I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Dental Fillings

Dental Fillings -1 answer
Three weeks after a deep filling i am in EXTREME pain. Instead of getting better, it's getting worse and worse. One thing I noticed after the filling was a sensitivity to heat. Is this normal? What about the procedure could be causing this much pain? How can I reduce the discomfort?
See More
Dental Fillings -1 answer
How long do fillings usually last?
See More
Dental Fillings -1 answer
I my wisdom tooth filled a little over a week ago. My dentist used a numbing tool that beeped (i don't know what it's called). Since the treatment my gum hurts. Is this normal?
See More
Dental Fillings -1 answer
Are fillings permanent, or do they eventually always fall out?
See More

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR