Unfortunately, it’s not at all uncommon to experience jaw pain after dental work. In addition to the actual work you have done, you’re stuck in a chair with your mouth unnaturally open for an extended time. Because of this alone, you may feel jaw pain even after a routine cleaning. Some procedures like tooth extraction take a longer time to heal, and fillings can leave you feeling tender for a day or two.
For folks with TMJ disorder, any amount of dental work may trigger a flare-up that irritates the jaw muscles and joints.
These factors, coupled with a numbing medication – like novocaine – can add up to some serious post-treatment discomfort.
There are various reasons for jaw pain after dental work. Most often, they are temporary, treatable, and go away on their own. This article discusses these factors, treatment options, and what to do if the pain persists.
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6 Common Reasons for Jaw Pain After Dental Work
Mouth Open For Long Periods Of Time
Any dental procedure, no matter how minor, requires you to open your mouth. It may stay open for one to five hours, depending on the procedure you’ve had done. If you have difficulty keeping your mouth open, the dentist may use a bite block that keeps your jaw propped open while giving your teeth something to rest on.
This strains the masseter muscles, resulting in a sore jaw and stiffness. As a result, you may experience tenderness and fatigue in this area. If you have a pre-existing condition that leaves you more prone to jaw pain, like TMJ, it’s best to let your dentist know ahead of time so they can make accommodations for you.
Dental Work Altered Your Bite
You’ll likely experience pain after dental work if you fill a cavity and insert a crown or veneers. In order for the dentist to replace the decayed tooth with a composite material, they must first excavate and clean the debris around the area. This can leave you feeling a little raw and sensitive – any root pain can easily extend to the jaw bone.
However, if the new crown or filling doesn’t perfectly match your existing bite, you may feel some jaw pain as you get used to your new bite. If the composite material sits even slightly higher than your other teeth, you will feel excess pressure in that area anytime you bite down.
Pressure Can Cause Lingering Pain
During a tooth extraction, dentists use extraction forceps and elevators. These instruments are similar to pliers in that they grasp and pull teeth. A dentist has different extraction forceps, each tailored to the shapes of teeth and designed to direct pressure.
Sometimes, the dentists apply too much pressure during extraction. While you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure because of anesthetic, you may experience pain once the effects wear off. Similarly, during a routine cleaning or other treatment, the dentist may unknowingly apply pressure to your lower jaw. This can force opening more than is natural, leaving your joints feeling sore.
Novacaine May Have Hit A Nerve
Dentists use novocaine as a local anesthetic for numbing a specific part of the mouth during treatment. Typically, they inject it through a small needle placed in the gum tissue directly near the site of work. Novocaine usually wears off in a matter of hours, but in the meantime, your mouth and jaw may feel slightly dysfunctional as your sensation returns.
There are instances in which a dentist may hit a nerve while injecting the medication. When this happens, you may experience unexpected pain followed by numbness, limited mobility, or persistent tenderness. In rare cases, and depending on the nerve that’s been hit, numbness may last for weeks or months. As a result, you may find it challenging to bite, chew, or speak.
You Had An Invasive Treatment
The reality is that a lot of dental work is simply invasive. Treatment can leave the mouth and jaw feeling sore regardless of the precautions put in place. If your dentist performed an invasive procedure, whether a filling, dental implant, gum graft, or extraction, it’s reasonable to assume you’ll experience some temporary jaw pain. You may experience residual pain and sensitivity days or weeks after.
In this case, it’s best to be prepared ahead of time so you can start healing sooner than later. Read on for some simple practices that can proactively speed up your recovery process.
You Have TMJ Disorder
If you have TMJ disorder, dental work can flare up symptoms like popping and clicking due to prolonged opening. Keeping your mouth open for an extended period of time can stress the masseter muscles and tissue surrounding the jaw joints. If you know you have TMJ, be sure to communicate this with your dentist before future treatments and request a bite block. A bite block allows your jaw to rest in an open position rather than working your muscles overtime and can help you avoid pain after dental work.
How To Promote Healing
Ice Therapy
One of the best remedies for jaw pain after dental work is an ice pack. Ice is best when you want to numb the pain and stop inflammation at the source. Place a facial ice pack, like this one, around your face and head, covering the jaw joints and jawline, for 15 minutes. Then, remove it, wait for 10 minutes and reapply for another 15 minutes.
Heat Therapy
Heat is another option for fast relief as it relaxes and calms stressed, tight muscles and promotes blood flow for healing. Either microwave a heat pad or a wet washcloth for about 30 seconds or until warm – not too hot. Apply to the face for about twenty minutes and rewarm as needed. You can also purchase a reusable heating pad designed to alleviate facial and jaw pain. They’re great to have on hand for future use.
Self-Massage
Another care trick to manage jaw pain after dental work is self-massage. Using your index and middle finger, gently locate the sore areas of your face along the jawline and up to the jaw joints. Then make slow circular rotations five to ten times, open your mouth, and repeat the exercise, reversing the rotations. Use a CBD cream or muscle-soothing lotion to enhance your pain relief.
Anti-Inflammatory
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories can help manage your body’s natural response to invasive treatment by calming inflammation. Ibuprofen or Tylenol are two relatively safe options that you can take before or after treatment (with a full glass of water). Taking an anti-inflammatory before your next dental visit can help prevent pain from peaking. It’s best to check in with your dentist or doctor to see if, for any reason, they don’t recommend this.
What To Do if Pain Isn’t Resolved
If at-home treatments don’t work and your jaw pain persists or worsens, call your dentist and request a follow-up visit. They can help you rule out any underlying causes of pain. In some cases you may have an infection, gum inflammation, or poorly-fitted crown or filling.
If your dental work caused you pain that you felt could have been avoided, consider looking for a new dentist with a reputation for gentle care.
If you believe your dental work has triggered already existing TMJ symptoms, let your dentist know. They can either discuss long-term treatment options for you or direct you to a specialist in your area.
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Disclaimer: This content is meant to be informational and educational only and is not medical advice. This content does not substitute consulting with a medical or dental professional. Living With TMJ makes no claims to diagnose illness or injury. If you have a medical concern, you should consult with your healthcare provider or seek treatment immediately. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of something you read in this blog, on this website, or in linked resources.