Persistent Tooth Pain and Salty Taste After Dental Filling: Causes and Advice

Two weeks after dental filling, there is still pain when biting, and a salty taste in the mouth?

Hello Doctor: My lower right molar was refilled with resin on April 1 due to the material from a previous filling coming off.
The cavity was quite deep, and the procedure was very painful.
After the filling, I experienced soreness when biting down, which has improved recently, but I still feel soreness when chewing harder foods, about 2-3 out of 10, lasting for about 1-2 seconds.
There is no pain with cold, heat, or light tapping.
I have been using Colgate sensitive toothpaste, but recently, the tongue on the affected side occasionally feels salty, and the affected tooth sometimes feels swollen.
Today, the soreness when chewing has increased to 3-4 out of 10, and the salty taste has occurred 2-3 times.
I would like to know what the possible causes could be, and if I should observe it first, how long should I observe or what symptoms should prompt me to return for a follow-up? Thank you!

Hong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/12

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

The above situation may indicate that the nerve of the filled tooth is still inflamed.
It is recommended to consult a dentist for further evaluation if the symptoms persist.

Reply Date: 2016/04/12

More Info

Persistent tooth pain and a salty taste in the mouth after a dental filling can be concerning symptoms that warrant attention. Based on your description, there are several potential causes for your discomfort and the unusual taste sensation.

Firstly, the pain you are experiencing when chewing hard foods could be attributed to a few factors. After a deep filling, it is not uncommon for the tooth to be sensitive, especially if the filling is close to the nerve. This sensitivity can manifest as pain during chewing, particularly with harder foods. The fact that you mentioned the pain lasts for only a few seconds suggests that it may not be severe, but it is still worth monitoring.
The salty taste you are experiencing could be related to a few different issues. One possibility is that there may be a minor infection or inflammation in the area surrounding the tooth, which can sometimes cause a salty or metallic taste in the mouth. This could be due to the body’s response to inflammation, where the salivary glands may produce a different composition of saliva. Another possibility is that the filling material itself could be reacting with your saliva, especially if it is a resin-based composite, which can sometimes lead to unusual tastes if there is a slight leakage or if the material is not fully set.

Given that you have also mentioned experiencing a sensation of swelling or pressure in the affected tooth, this could indicate that there is some underlying issue, such as pulpitis (inflammation of the tooth pulp) or even a developing abscess. If the pain worsens, or if you start to notice swelling in your gums or face, or if the salty taste persists or worsens, it would be advisable to return to your dentist sooner rather than later.

As for how long you should observe these symptoms before seeking further dental advice, it is generally a good idea to monitor the situation for about a week. If you notice any of the following symptoms during this time, you should contact your dentist immediately:
1. Increased Pain: If the pain becomes more severe or lasts longer than a few seconds when chewing.

2. Swelling: Any noticeable swelling in the gums or face.

3. Persistent Taste: If the salty taste continues or worsens.

4. Fever or Discomfort: Any signs of systemic infection, such as fever or general malaise.

In the meantime, continue using your sensitivity toothpaste, as it can help alleviate some discomfort. Additionally, try to avoid very hard or sticky foods that could exacerbate the pain. If you find that the pain is affecting your daily life, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist for an earlier appointment.

In summary, while some sensitivity after a deep filling can be normal, the combination of persistent pain and a salty taste suggests that further evaluation may be necessary. Keep a close eye on your symptoms, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if you have any concerns. Your oral health is important, and addressing these issues early can help prevent more serious complications down the line.

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