A tooth filling is a simple procedure where a hole or decay is removed, and the tooth’s anatomy is restored with a biocompatable material. The procedure involves anesthetizing the tooth (if the cavity is deep) and then removing decay using a high-speed dental drill. The treated tooth is poured with water and suctioned to avoid heat damage to the vital dentin (the second layer of the tooth under the enamel). Although the procedure is painless, some patients may experience a constant headache after tooth filling.
Reasons for constant headache after tooth filling
The following are the reasons that can trigger constant headaches after tooth filling:
Anesthesia
Constant headache after a tooth filling could be a side effect of local anesthesia. Other neurological side effects of local anesthesia include dizziness or blurred vision.
The vasoconstrictor (blood vessel narrowing drug) in the local anesthetic may trigger headaches. The release of blood vessel constrictor drugs into the blood causes a transient rise in blood vessels that can lead to mild headaches.
Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated after the procedure. The water flushes out toxins from your system and redistributes the local anesthesia, reducing its side effects. Drinking caffeinated drinks may help if you’re a regular coffee or tea drinker, although caffeinated drinks cause dehydration. Rest and over-the-counter medicines (paracetamol, Advil, or aspirin) also relieve headaches associated with local anesthesia.
Nerve involvement
Some deep cavities are often challenging to diagnose and treat. Sometimes, they seem not so deep on clinical examination and x-ray, with occasional pain on stimulus. However, they go deep in the nerves and require a comprehensive root canal treatment.
The final diagnosis and treatment planning of filling deep questionable cavities are made based on presenting symptoms, X-rays, and clinical appearance of the tooth. The decision to go conservatively (with filling), saving the patient’s money, time, discomfort, and procedural risk, often leads to episodes of headache, toothache, or, in severe cases, abscess, bringing the patient back to the dentist.
In most cases, the dentists inform the patient early on that the tooth might need a root canal treatment if persistent and excruciating pain occurs in the tooth.
So, constant, temple headaches after tooth filling could indicate that your tooth requires a root canal treatment.
Unstable bite
An unstable bite could be why you’re experiencing a constant headache after a tooth filling. The way the upper teeth fit into the lower teeth when the mouth is closed is the most relaxed position of the lower jaw, known as retruded jaw position or centric relation. This position is replicated after a dental procedure such as filling or crowning. All the high points are checked with an articulating paper and trimmed before dismissing the patients from the surgery.
The interferences frequently occur in people with malaligned teeth that favor the lower jaw to close in multiple positions. Setting the bite in the wrong position puts stress on the masticatory muscles, leading to their fatigue. Muscle fatigue triggers headaches, also known as tension headaches.
The best way to check your actual bite (the most relaxed position of the jaw) is by swallowing. Your dentist will ask you to swallow to bring your jaw into the correct position. The bite adjustments are carried out in this position.
The constant headaches after tooth filling can go away with minor bite adjustments.
Mercury inhalation from mercury fillings
Amalgam fillings may give you headaches after a filling. The mercury in amalgam fillings is a neurotoxin and can cause headaches, mood swings, and tremors when the mercury vapor is inhaled. The amalgam fillings are, therefore, reserved for large cavities where the patient can’t afford expensive inlays or onlays. In third-world countries, it is still used as a filling material due to its lower cost.
However, the modern-day amalgam fillings available as pre-mixed alloys contain minuscule quantities of mercury, which are relatively safe. Report to the dental office if you experience unusual neurological symptoms after the filling.
Procedural stress
Anxiety or procedural stress due to fear of injection, dental drill may trigger neuronal pathways that lead to headaches after tooth filling.
Relaxation, meditation, and deep breathing exercises lower anxiety and can help with headaches.