A sharp, uncomfortable pressure when biting down on a newly filled tooth is a frequent concern. This pain is distinct from generalized sensitivity and is directly triggered by the mechanical force of chewing. While alarming, this discomfort is often a temporary reaction as the tooth adjusts to its new restoration. Understanding the cause, whether it is a simple adjustment issue or a sign of a deeper structural problem, is the first step toward effective relief.
Common Causes of Pain When Chewing
One common and easily corrected reason for pain when chewing is occlusal trauma, which occurs when the filling is slightly “high.” Even an imperceptible excess of material causes the restored tooth to contact the opposing tooth before the others, creating a premature bite point. This concentrates the biting force onto a single tooth, stressing the periodontal ligament that anchors the tooth to the jawbone. The resulting pain is typically a dull ache or sensitivity that worsens under pressure, but a dentist can quickly resolve it by adjusting the filling’s height.
Another frequent cause is post-operative sensitivity, a temporary inflammation of the dental pulp (the nerve tissue inside the tooth). Removing decay and placing the filling, especially in deep cavities, can irritate the nerve, leading to reversible pulpitis. This irritation makes the nerve endings overly responsive to pressure changes during chewing or to temperature extremes. This sensitivity should gradually diminish as the pulp calms down and the tooth heals, typically resolving within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Warning Signs of Deeper Nerve Damage
A more concerning cause of chewing pain is secondary decay (recurrent decay), which forms underneath or around an existing filling. Over time, the seal between the tooth structure and the filling material can degrade or crack, creating microscopic gaps. These openings allow bacteria and food debris to seep in, leading to new decay that presses directly on the nerve tissue. The pain may feel similar to the original cavity and indicates that the restoration has failed and requires replacement.
A sharp, sporadic pain when biting and especially when releasing the bite is a classic symptom of Cracked Tooth Syndrome. This occurs when a fracture line extends from the chewing surface into the body of the tooth, often near an older filling. When pressure is applied during chewing, the two segments of the tooth flex apart, irritating the pulp and causing a momentary, intense jolt of pain.
Lingering pain that persists for minutes after chewing pressure or thermal stimulus is removed signals irreversible pulpitis, indicating severe inflammation or infection of the dental pulp. Unlike reversible pulpitis, this prolonged discomfort suggests the nerve tissue is too damaged to heal on its own. This throbbing, constant ache often means the infection has progressed, requiring more extensive treatment to save the tooth. Pain that is difficult to locate or radiates to other areas of the jaw also suggests heavy nerve involvement.
Immediate Relief Measures Before a Dental Visit
While waiting for a dental appointment, managing inflammation with over-the-counter medication is the first step for temporary relief. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are often recommended as they reduce the swelling of the inflamed pulp and surrounding tissues. These medications interrupt the production of pain-signaling chemicals, providing effective management of the ache.
Adjusting your diet can minimize mechanical stress on the tooth and prevent pain flares. Avoid chewing on the affected side of the mouth and stick to soft, non-chewy foods like soups, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Also, avoid extreme temperatures, as cold or hot stimuli can trigger nerve sensitivity; opt for lukewarm or room-temperature beverages and food instead.
For targeted, temporary numbing, you can use a topical agent containing the natural compound eugenol, such as clove oil. Eugenol acts as a local anesthetic, numbing the nerve endings in the affected area. To use clove oil safely, dilute a few drops with a neutral carrier oil like olive oil and apply it gently with a cotton swab to the affected tooth or gum area.
Professional Diagnosis and Treatment Options
A precise diagnosis begins with a thorough examination, including objective testing and diagnostic tools. To check for a high filling, the dentist uses thin, ink-coated articulation paper. This paper leaves colored marks on the tooth’s surface where it makes premature contact with the opposing arch. The location and intensity of these marks guide the dentist in precisely identifying and adjusting the high spot, often resolving occlusal trauma immediately.
To assess the health of the dental pulp, a cold test is performed by briefly applying a cotton pellet sprayed with a freezing agent to the tooth. A sharp, quickly disappearing sensation indicates a healthy, viable nerve (reversible pulpitis). If the pain lingers for more than ten seconds after the stimulus is removed, it suggests irreversible pulpitis, signaling a severely compromised nerve that requires further intervention.
X-rays are a crucial diagnostic step, revealing decay forming under an existing filling, which appears as a dark area beneath the restoration. They also help detect signs of infection at the tip of the tooth’s root. If the pain is due to a simple high filling, treatment is a quick adjustment to shave down the excess material. For more complex issues like secondary decay or minor fractures, the filling may be replaced, or a crown may be placed to hold the tooth together. When irreversible pulpitis is diagnosed, the definitive treatment is often root canal therapy to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth structure.