Tooth Pain After a Filling: Normal or Not?
Mild tooth pain after filling a cavity is common, especially sensitivity to cold, and it usually settles over a few days to a couple of weeks. Pain that gets worse, lingers after hot or cold, starts on its own, wakes you at night or makes it hard to bite needs to be checked by your dentist. This guide explains what’s normal, what isn’t and when to call. If you have severe pain or swelling, see what counts as a dental emergency. Normal sensitivity after a filling Removing decay and placing a filling can irritate the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains the nerve. The deeper the cavity, the closer the filling sits to the pulp and the more likely the tooth is to be sensitive for a while. Your gum can also feel sore where the injection was given or where equipment rested during treatment. Signs that usually fall within the normal range include: Easing normal sensitivity When tooth pain after filling isn’t normal Your bite feels high While your mouth is numb, it’s hard to tell whether a new filling is slightly too high. If it is, that tooth hits first every time you bite, which can bruise the ligament around the root and make the tooth increasingly sore. Signs include the tooth meeting before the others, pain on biting that isn’t improving, and an ache in the jaw. This is usually easy to fix. Your dentist checks your bite with thin marking paper and smooths the high spot. Leaving it can also put extra stress on the filling. Signs of an irritated or inflamed nerve Dentists call inflammation of the pulp pulpitis. When it’s mild, the pulp can often recover, and pain only comes with a trigger and settles quickly. When the pulp is too inflamed to recover, the signs are different: If the pulp can’t recover, root canal therapy or removing the tooth may be needed. This is more likely when the decay was very deep, and your dentist may have mentioned the possibility before treatment. Referred pain Pain from one tooth can be felt in nearby teeth, or even in the opposite jaw, because the nerves share pathways. An ache that seems to come from a neighbouring tooth may actually be from the one that was filled, or the other way around. Your dentist can test each tooth to find the source. Other possible causes When to go to hospital Pain after a filling is rarely a hospital matter, but call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you have: Outside clinic hours, healthdirect on 1800 022 222 offers 24/7 nurse advice. When to call your dentist We aim to see urgent problems as soon as possible, often on the same day. You can contact our emergency dentist in North Sydney, or read more about our dental fillings. What your dentist may do At our North Sydney clinic, your dentist will explain what they find, your options and any costs before going ahead. Frequently asked questions Need help now? North Sydney Dentistry is at Level 1, Suite 102/71 Walker St, North Sydney, a two-minute walk from North Sydney station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and keep time aside for urgent problems where we can. Call (02) 8090 1108 or book online. This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Related at North Ryde Dentistry: Dental Fillings in North Ryde · our North Ryde dental clinic
Invisalign vs Spark vs Angel Aligner: How Clear Aligners Compare
Invisalign, Spark and Angel Aligner all straighten teeth with clear plastic trays. Here is how they differ, what they have in common and how a system is chosen.
Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction: Signs, Relief and Prevention
Dry socket happens when the blood clot in a tooth extraction site breaks down or comes out too early, leaving the bone underneath exposed. It usually causes pain that gets worse, rather than better, two to four days after an extraction. If you think you have it, call your dentist. Treatment is simple, and many people feel noticeably better once the socket has been cleaned and dressed. Worsening pain after an extraction is one of the problems our dental emergency guide lists as needing prompt care. Here’s how to recognise the problem, what your dentist will do and how to lower your risk. What is dry socket? After a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the empty socket. The clot protects the bone and nerve endings and is the base on which new tissue grows. If the clot doesn’t form properly, dissolves early or is dislodged, the bone is left exposed to air, food and fluids. The medical name is alveolar osteitis. It isn’t usually a serious infection, but it can be very painful and slows healing. It’s more common after lower wisdom tooth removal than after other extractions. Signs of dry socket Normal healing or something more? Some pain, swelling and bruising is normal after an extraction, especially after wisdom tooth removal. It usually peaks within the first two to three days and then gradually improves. The key difference is that with a dry socket, the pain gets worse over time instead of better. A creamy white or yellowish layer in the socket after a few days is often normal healing tissue, not a sign of a problem on its own. Signs of infection Fever, pus, or swelling that increases several days after the extraction may point to an infection instead. Call your dentist promptly. When to go to hospital Call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you have: If something happens outside clinic hours and you’re not sure what to do, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24/7 nurse advice. How dry socket is treated This condition should be managed by your dentist rather than at home. At your appointment, your dentist will usually: Antibiotics aren’t usually needed for the condition itself. With care, the pain often eases within a few days and the socket usually settles over about a week to 10 days. Why you shouldn’t treat it yourself It’s tempting to try home remedies, but putting things into the socket can irritate the bone or introduce bacteria. Don’t poke the socket with fingers or cotton buds, don’t pack it with clove oil, aspirin or other products, and don’t take leftover antibiotics. Until you’re seen, take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, taken as directed on the pack, if it’s safe for you. Your dentist may also suggest gentle warm salty water rinses. How to prevent dry socket Some things raise your risk: To lower your chances: Our tooth extraction page explains what to expect before and after having a tooth removed. Getting help in North Sydney If your extraction site is getting more painful, call us. We aim to see urgent problems as soon as possible, often on the same day. If your extraction was done elsewhere, it’s usually a good idea to contact that dentist first, but our emergency dentist in North Sydney can see you if they aren’t available. Frequently asked questions Need help now? North Sydney Dentistry is at Level 1, Suite 102/71 Walker St, North Sydney, a two-minute walk from North Sydney station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and keep time aside for urgent problems where we can. Call (02) 8090 1108 or book online. This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Related at North Ryde Dentistry: Tooth Extraction in North Ryde · our North Ryde dental clinic
Knocked-Out Tooth: What to Do in the First 60 Minutes
If an adult tooth is knocked out, the first hour matters. Here is how to handle it, how to store it, and what happens when you reach the dentist.
Emergency Root Canal: What to Expect
An emergency root canal is usually the first stage of root canal therapy, done to relieve severe toothache caused by an inflamed or infected nerve. On the day, your dentist numbs the tooth, removes the damaged pulp, cleans the canals and seals in a medicated dressing. The treatment is then completed over one or more further visits. If you’re not sure whether your pain needs urgent care, our dental emergency guide can help you decide. This article explains what to expect, step by step. Signs you may need urgent root canal treatment Inside each tooth is the pulp, a soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack or an injury can let bacteria reach it. Signs the pulp may be badly inflamed or infected include: Not every toothache needs a root canal. Your dentist will test the tooth and take an X-ray to find the cause. When to go to hospital instead Call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you have: Our clinic is open Monday to Friday. Outside those hours, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24/7 nurse advice. What happens during an emergency root canal This first stage focuses on relieving pain and removing the source of the problem. Many people who visit us in North Sydney find their throbbing pain eases considerably within a day or two, although the tooth is often tender to bite on for a few days. If you feel anxious about dental treatment, ask us about happy gas (nitrous oxide), which can help you feel more relaxed while you stay awake. Completing the treatment The dressing is a temporary step. Root canal therapy is usually completed over one or two further visits, often a week or more apart. At these appointments, your dentist will: Don’t leave a temporary filling in place longer than advised. It can wear or leak, letting bacteria back in and lowering the chance of success. You can read more about root canal therapy and how each stage works. Why a crown is often recommended A root-filled back tooth has usually lost a lot of structure to decay, old fillings and the access opening, which makes it more likely to crack under chewing forces. A crown covers and protects the tooth. Your dentist will advise whether your tooth needs one and when. Aftercare between visits Antibiotics aren’t usually needed for toothache alone. Your dentist will prescribe them only if appropriate, for example if an infection is spreading. How much does an emergency root canal cost? The cost depends on which tooth is involved (back teeth usually have more canals), how complex the canals are, how many visits are needed, X-rays and whether a crown is recommended afterwards. Your dentist will give you a quote before treatment. For more detail, see our article on root canal cost in Sydney. If you have extras cover, you may be able to claim part of the cost, depending on your policy. We’re a preferred provider for Bupa Members First, Medibank Members’ Choice and nib First Choice. See our price guide or ask about payment plans. To book, contact our emergency dentist in North Sydney. We aim to see urgent problems as soon as possible, often on the same day. Frequently asked questions Need help now? North Sydney Dentistry is at Level 1, Suite 102/71 Walker St, North Sydney, a two-minute walk from North Sydney station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and keep time aside for urgent problems where we can. Call (02) 8090 1108 or book online. This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Related at North Ryde Dentistry: our North Ryde dental clinic
Bleeding Gums When Brushing: Causes and What to Do
Bleeding gums are usually an early sign of gum inflammation. Here is what causes it, what you can do at home, and when it is time to see a dentist.
What Happens at a Dental Check-Up and Clean?
A step-by-step guide to a routine dental check-up and clean: what your dentist looks for, what the clean involves, how often to go and what it costs.
Children’s Dental Emergencies: A Guide for Parents
A children’s dental emergency usually means a knocked-out, broken or pushed-in tooth, a bad toothache, facial swelling or a cut to the lip or tongue. Stay calm, check for serious injuries first, then call a dentist as soon as possible. Call 000 straight away if your child is choking, struggling to breathe or has had a hard knock to the head. Kids are active, and falls at the playground, on scooters and at weekend sport around North Sydney are common causes of tooth injuries. This guide covers what parents most often face. For general advice, see what counts as a dental emergency. When to call 000 or go to hospital Call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department if your child: If you think your child has swallowed a button battery or magnet, call 000 immediately, even if they seem well. If they’ve swallowed a baby tooth or another small object and are breathing, talking and swallowing normally, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or see your GP for advice. Knocked-out tooth: baby tooth or adult tooth? First work out which kind of tooth it is. Baby front teeth usually start to loosen around age 6, and adult front teeth usually come through between about 6 and 8. If you’re not sure, don’t put it back in. Keep it in milk and see a dentist straight away. Knocked-out baby tooth Never put a baby tooth back in. Doing so can damage the adult tooth developing underneath. Instead, press clean gauze on the gap to stop the bleeding, keep the tooth if you find it and bring your child in to be checked. If you can’t find the tooth, a dentist should check that it hasn’t been pushed up into the gum. Knocked-out adult tooth Chipped teeth, pushed-in teeth and mouth cuts Chipped or broken teeth Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water and hold a cold pack wrapped in a cloth against the outside of the lip or cheek to reduce swelling. Keep any broken pieces in milk or saline and bring them with you. Book in the same day if the tooth is painful, has a sharp edge or shows pink or red in the centre, which can mean the nerve is exposed. Pushed-in or loose teeth A tooth that has been pushed up into the gum, moved out of position or become loose should also be seen the same day, even if it’s a baby tooth. Don’t try to move it back yourself. After a knock, a baby tooth can turn grey weeks later. Let your dentist know if you notice this, or if a lump appears on the gum above it. Cuts to the lips, tongue and gums The mouth bleeds a lot, but most small cuts heal well. Rinse gently, then press a clean cloth or gauze firmly on the cut for 15–20 minutes. A wrapped cold pack on the outside of the lip can help with swelling. See a doctor or go to hospital if the cut is deep or gaping, goes right through the lip, crosses the edge of the lip or won’t stop bleeding, as it may need stitches. If a tooth was chipped at the same time, a dentist may check that no fragment is caught in the lip. Toothache in kids Toothache in children is often caused by decay, but it can also come from food trapped between teeth, a loose baby tooth or new adult molars coming through, usually around age 6 and again around age 12. Toothache with facial swelling or a fever needs to be seen the same day. If the swelling is spreading, go to hospital. Preventing a children’s dental emergency What happens at the appointment? We aim to see urgent problems as soon as possible, often on the same day. When you bring your child to our emergency dentist in North Sydney, we’ll ask what happened, check your child gently and take X-rays if needed. We’ll explain what we find and your options, including any costs, before starting treatment, and go at a pace that helps your child feel settled. Frequently asked questions Need help now? North Sydney Dentistry is at Level 1, Suite 102/71 Walker St, North Sydney, a two-minute walk from North Sydney station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and keep time aside for urgent problems where we can. Call (02) 8090 1108 or book online. This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Related at North Ryde Dentistry: our North Ryde dental clinic
Wisdom Tooth Pain? When to See a Dentist in Macquarie Park
Wisdom teeth usually come through between the late teens and mid-twenties, and for many people they arrive without trouble. For others there isn’t enough room, and the tooth comes through partly, at an angle, or not at all. Here’s how to tell when wisdom tooth pain needs a dentist, what you can do in the meantime, and what treatment involves at North Ryde Dentistry. Common signs of a problem wisdom tooth pain or tenderness at the back of the mouth swollen, red gum over a partly erupted tooth a bad taste or smell from that area pain when opening wide or chewing food getting trapped behind the back teeth A partly erupted wisdom tooth can trap food and bacteria under the gum, causing an infection called pericoronitis. It often flares up, settles, and flares up again. When to be seen urgently Call us the same day if you have swelling in your face or jaw, pain that keeps you awake, or difficulty opening your mouth. Go to a hospital emergency department or call 000 if swelling is spreading, you have a fever with swelling, or you have difficulty breathing or swallowing. What you can do until you’re seen Rinse gently with warm salty water after meals. Keep the area clean with a soft toothbrush. Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the packet. Use a cold compress on your cheek for swelling. What happens at your appointment Your dentist will examine the area and take an x-ray to see the position of the tooth and its roots. If you’re in pain, an emergency appointment with an exam and OPG x-ray starts at $195. Sometimes the first step is cleaning the area and managing infection; removal may be planned once things have settled. If removal is recommended, tooth extraction at North Ryde Dentistry, including wisdom teeth, ranges from $200 to $600 per tooth. Many wisdom teeth can be removed at the practice. Deeply impacted teeth, or teeth close to the nerve, may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Your dentist will explain the options, risks and cost before any treatment. Getting here We’re at 64 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park, opposite Macquarie Centre and three minutes’ walk from Macquarie University Metro, with free parking on site. We’re open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am to 6pm, and Saturday 8:30am to 4pm. Read more about wisdom teeth removal in North Ryde, or call (02) 8090 1102 or book online.
Live in Eastwood? Getting to a Dentist in Macquarie Park
Eastwood is one of the busiest parts of the Ryde area, and many locals spend their working week in Macquarie Park. If that’s you, a dentist near work can be easier to get to than one near home. This guide covers the quickest ways to get from Eastwood to North Ryde Dentistry and what to expect at your first visit. Getting from Eastwood to Macquarie Park Drive: it’s a short drive, and there is free parking on site at 64 Talavera Road (enter via the U-shaped driveway). You can also park at Macquarie Centre across the road. Train and Metro: take the train from Eastwood one stop to Epping, then the Metro one stop to Macquarie University. We are about three minutes’ walk from the station. Bus: buses run between Eastwood and Macquarie Park, stopping near Macquarie Centre. Appointments that fit around work and family We are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am to 6pm, and Saturday 8:30am to 4pm. Saturday mornings suit people who work during the week and families with school-age children. We’re closed Wednesday and Sunday. Your first check-up and clean New patients can have a check-up and clean for $188, or No Gap where your health fund pays a benefit for the included items (offer terms apply; see our No Gap check-up page). It includes an examination, scale and clean, polish, fluoride and x-rays as needed. North Ryde Dentistry is a Westfund Provider of Choice. We accept most major health funds and have HICAPS, so eligible claims can be processed on the day. When you need to be seen quickly For severe toothache, swelling or a broken tooth, call (02) 8090 1102 as early as you can. We do our best to see urgent problems the same day, including on Saturdays. See our emergency dentist page for what to do before your appointment. More about getting here: dentist near Eastwood. Book online.