What is causing severe pain after a simple filling?

Hi, I had two lower fillings done this past Wednesday. I went in due to pain and was told I had a cavity, therefor my dentist went ahead and did the filling on that tooth and another I needed done. Initially, there was no pain and I went into Thursday with mild discomfort. However, this weekend the pain has been unbearable. I take Tylenol #3 for another condition and they do not even touch this pain. I finally had enough and went to the ER at 2AM since the pain is so severe I am unable to sleep. The doctor there gave me a nerve block in my bottom gums which took my pain from a 10 to a 6. He also gave me Lidocaine rinse to go home with. Still, pain remains and I believe it’s getting worse. My lower teeth hurt, my chin, throat, cheeks and almost up to my ears. I didn’t have a temperature until today (100.9) and my blood pressure had been normal, too. I am in so much pain I am considering going back to the ER but am not sure how else they can help at this point. It hurts to speak, chew, breathe and lying down makes the pain worse. Today I noticed the gland under my tongue is very swollen as well. I have an appt with my dentist this Tuesday (he does not have emergency or weekend hours) and I can’t get Monday off from work. Still, I’m wondering if I should go back to the ER before the appt... Notably, his hand slipped during the filling and he repeatedly asked if I was all right (which I was then) but this might not be related. I know the internet might not be the best place to look for an answer but any help on what can relieve my pain or what may be causing it would be very helpful. Right now, the only thing that works is heat and the lidocaine rinse. At this point, if I could take out my teeth, I would. Thank you for reading and God bless.

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Answer: Pain After Restoration

By BracesInfo.com Expert 10

Sometimes when there is symptoms, however no pathology on the dental radiographs, the dentist will do the most conservative treatment. Unfortunately, sometimes further more extensive treatment is needed. It sounds like the nerve or pulp in the tooth is dying, becoming necrotic. When this happens, gases are produced and pressure is built inside the tooth causing pain. This is what forms an abscess. If this is what is happening, the tooth will need to be treated with a root canal and a full coverage crown to protect the tooth. If your dentist does not have an emergency contact number, you may want to search for an emergency dentist or return to the emergency room. More than likely you will be given an antibiotic and pain medication until you are able to see your dentist. Make sure you see your dentist immediately even if the tooth begins to feel better after taking the antibiotics for a few days. Antibiotics and pain medication only treat the symptoms, not the source.

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