Why Does Dental Work Sometimes Cause Headaches?

October 30, 2025

It’s not uncommon to experience headaches after dental work, and while it can be uncomfortable, it’s usually temporary. The main cause is muscle tension or strain from keeping your mouth open for long periods during treatment. This can fatigue the jaw and neck muscles, leading to tension headaches afterward.


In some cases, bite alignment changes; such as after fillings, crowns, or new dental restorations can also cause discomfort. When your bite isn’t perfectly balanced, it puts extra pressure on certain teeth and jaw joints, triggering pain or even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) irritation.


Other contributing factors include anesthesia side effects, stress during the procedure, or grinding and clenching due to post-treatment sensitivity. The good news? These headaches usually fade within a few days and can be managed with rest, hydration, and mild pain relief.


At Schwimmer Dental, we focus on precision, comfort, and post-treatment care to minimize discomfort after any dental procedure Point Pleasant, New Jersey.
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Still experiencing pain or headaches after dental work? Contact us today!


SOURCE:


https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd


https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15066-temporomandibular-disorders-tmd-overview


https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001227.htm


https://www.healthline.com/health/tmj-disorders


https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd


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