Experiencing tooth pain after a filling? Don’t worry – a little discomfort is completely normal.
A dental filling involves removing decay from your tooth, applying local anesthetic, and filling that space with a restorative material. Once the numbing wears off, it’s natural to feel mild pain or sensitivity around the treated tooth for a few days.
However, if that pain worsens, it’s important to understand what could be happening and when to call your dentist. Keep reading to learn about common causes of post-filling pain, how to relieve it, ways to prevent it in the future, and when you would require professional care.
Common causes of tooth pain after a filling
Some sensitivity is expected after a filling and usually disappears within a week. But sometimes, discomfort lasts longer or appears later.
Here are the most common causes your dentist will check for:
Malocclusion (bite misalignment)
If you have difficulty chewing or feel your teeth don’t align properly after your filling, the restoration might be slightly too high or uneven, which can cause pressure and soreness when you bite down.
This can be easily corrected by your dentist by adjusting the filling, eliminating the pressure on the teeth so they fit properly.
Type of Filling
The material used for your filling can affect tooth sensitivity. Composite resin (tooth-colored) fillings sometimes shrink slightly as they harden, creating tiny gaps that make the tooth more sensitive to temperature or pressure.
If sensitivity persists, your dentist may adjust the method used to place the filling or use a different material for future fillings.
Galvanic Shock
Although rare, this can happen when two different metals in your mouth – such as a gold crown and an amalgam (silver) filling – come into contact, creating a small electrical current.
Patients describe it as a brief shock sensation. This can be prevented by using compatible filling material.
Pulpitis (Nerve inflammation)
Sometimes the inner tissue (pulp) of the tooth becomes inflamed, especially if the cavity is deep, the tooth is cracked, or it has undergone multiple fillings.
Mild cases may heal over time, but if the inflammation is severe or irreversible, your dentist may recommend a root canal to save the tooth. If the tooth needs to be removed, it should be replaced with a dental implant or a bridge.
You are more likely to experience pulpitis if:
- The cavity is very deep and reaches the nerve
- The tooth is broken
- You have had several fillings on the same tooth
Allergic reaction
In rare cases, people may experience a reaction to the materials used for the fillings — particularly amalgam (which contains metals like nickel or cobalt) – or even latex gloves used during treatment.
An irritated nerve
Even if the filling was perfectly placed, the procedure itself can irritate the tooth nerves, especially if the decay was close to them. This kind of sensitivity should fade as the nerve heals, usually within a few days to a few weeks. If discomfort persists or worsens, it may be related to deeper nerve inflammation – such as the kind that can cause an ache after root canal.
What you can do to relieve the pain
After the procedure, your dentist will give you some recommendations to help reduce side effects such as pain and sensitivity:
- Brush gently using small circular motions
- Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Avoid acidic or very hot/cold foods and drinks
- Don’t brush your teeth immediately after eating
- Avoid whitening toothpaste and products, which can worsen sensitivity
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen
If following these instructions doesn’t make a difference, and you still feel pain after a few days, book an appointment with your dentist to determine the cause of the pain.
Preventing future post-filling pain
The best way to prevent post-filling pain is to maintain good oral hygiene, which helps reduce the risk of future cavities:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to reduce bacteria buildup around fillings.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and early detection of small issues before they become painful.
- Maintain a balanced diet – limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol.
- Ask your dentist about the best filling materials for your specific needs. The right choice and proper placement help minimize irritation and extend your filling’s lifespan.
- Ensure any bite adjustments are made immediately after treatment, so the filling fits comfortably.
There are many advantages of an oral hygiene routine, and regular professional care goes a long way toward preventing both cavities and post-filling pain.
When to see a dentist
As mentioned earlier, it is completely normal to feel some pain after the procedure. However, if a week after getting your dental filling your tooth or mouth still hurts, this may be a sign you shouldn’t ignore. Severe pain, fever, or swelling are not normal and could indicate that something else is going on.
You should contact your dentist if your discomfort lasts longer than a week or if you experience:
- Intense or throbbing pain
- Sensitivity that doesn’t fade
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth
Frequently asked questions
Why does my tooth filling hurt after months?
Your tooth shouldn’t hurt months later. If it does, it can be a sign that something more serious is going on. Persistent pain months after a filling could mean an underlying issue such as:
- Pulpitis (nerve inflammation)
- Bite misalignment
- Cracked tooth or damaged filling
- New decay under or around the filling
- Metal sensitivity (galvanic reaction)
- Infection
If you’ve had ongoing discomfort for weeks or months, see your dentist for a full evaluation.
How long should a tooth hurt after a filling?
Most patients feel mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days to two weeks after a filling. If your tooth still hurts after a week – especially when biting, eating, or even opening your mouth – schedule a checkup. Your dentist can identify and correct the issue quickly.
Why does my tooth hurt when I chew after a filling?
It’s normal to experience some mild sensitivity when chewing in the days following the procedure. This usually goes away on its own after a few days.
However, if you feel sharp pain when biting, your filling may be slightly too high. An uneven bite can put pressure on the tooth until your dentist smooths it down. Once adjusted, the pain should be resolved immediately.
Why is my tooth sensitive to cold after a filling?
Following a filling, a person’s tooth may be sensitive to heat, cold, or pressure. This sensation should go away after a few days or a week. If it persists beyond that, it could indicate a deeper issue, such as nerve irritation or a gap under the filling.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified dental professional for personalized guidance.
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