Tooth Sensitivity After A Filling: What Is Normal? - Medical News Today

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhy does my tooth still hurt after a filling?

Medically reviewed by Olivia Sugimoto, D.M.D. — Written by Jennifer Berry — Updated on November 25, 2024

Sensitivity timeframe
What to expect
Symptoms
Causes
Prevention
Treatment
When to see a dentist
FAQ
Summary

Some tooth pain or sensitivity is to be expected after a filling and should improve within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, persistent pain may indicate nerve irritation, an allergic reaction, or bite misalignment.

Sensitivity after a dental filling is common, and it typically subsides with time.

However, a person should call their dentist right away if they have extreme pain or if discomfort occurs with other symptoms, such as fever or swelling.

In this article, we look at how long a person may have tooth sensitivity after a filling, how to treat it, and when to see a dentist. We also look at other possible causes of tooth sensitivity.

How long should a tooth be sensitive after a filling?

A person in a dentists chair having their teeth probed by a dentist — Julia Volk/Getty Images

Following a filling, a person’s tooth may be sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure.

This is completely normal and should improve within a few days to a couple of weeks.

If sensitivity persists for longer than a couple of weeks, but a person’s teeth and gums continue to feel better, there is usually no cause for concern.

However, if sensitivity is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, a person should talk with their dentist straight away.

What should I expect after a filling?

A filling is a dental procedure that involves a dentist cleaning away any decay from the tooth and then filling the space with new material.

After injecting a numbing agent around the tooth, the dentist will clean out the decayed area of the tooth, usually with a dental drill. They will then fill the space with gold, silver amalgam, a composite, or porcelain.

Once the numbing agent has worn off, a person may experience sensitivity around the filling.

How does sensitivity after a filling feel?

When a person has a sensitive tooth, they may notice that certain triggers cause a temporary, uncomfortable sensation in the filled tooth or surrounding area. It may feel like a shock of cold or sudden pain that comes on quickly and then goes away.

Possible triggers of tooth sensitivity after a filling include:

cold foods or drinks
hot drinks
air hitting the tooth, such as when breathing through the mouth
sugary foods
acidic foods and drinks, including fruit, juice, and coffee
biting down when eating

Why do fillings cause tooth sensitivity?

Some temporary sensitivity after a tooth filling is common. However, persistent or severe sensitivity after a filling is likely due to other causes that need treating.

Below, we discuss the possible causes of this symptom and explain when to see a dentist.

An irritated nerve

Short-term tooth sensitivity after a filling usually occurs because the filling procedure has aggravated or caused inflammation in the nerve inside the tooth.

The tooth’s outer layers, which are the enamel and cementum, usually protect the nerve from exposure. However, fillings — especially deep ones — can get close to the nerve endings and cause irritation and uncomfortable sensations.

If the nerve heals, the sensitivity will go away. This may take a few days or weeks. Once the nerve has healed fully, a person should feel no difference between the filled tooth and the other teeth.

Incorrect bite alignment

A dentist must ensure that the tooth filling lines up with the other teeth in the mouth.

People will often experience some minor sensitivity when biting down in the days following the procedure. This sensitivity will typically go away on its own.

However, when the filling is too tall, it can cause extra pressure as a person bites down. This can cause pain and sensitivity that is often more severe than typical post-filling sensitivity.

If a person experiences severe sensitivity or has difficulty eating or putting their teeth together, they should ask their dentist to check the bite. The dentist may decide to smooth down the high point of the filling to properly fit the bite and eliminate discomfort.

Pulpitis

Pulpitis is inflammation of the pulp deep within the tooth. It can cause tooth sensitivity and pain.

Pulpitis does not regularly occur with minor fillings, but it might happen if:

the tooth has had trauma, such as from an accident that resulted in a broken or cracked tooth
the cavity was very deep, reaching the inner pulp layer
the tooth has undergone multiple fillings or procedures

There are two types of pulpitis. Reversible pulpitis refers to mild inflammation where the pulp remains healthy, and the tooth will heal independently. Irreversible pulpitis occurs when there is a damaged nerve that starts to die. In these cases, a root canal is necessary to save the tooth.

A dentist can usually resolve pulpitis with a new filling or a restorative procedure, such as a root canal. A person may also need to take antibiotics to clear any bacterial infection.

Allergic reaction

Some people may experience an allergic reaction to a filling. Amalgam, nickel, and cobalt are the filling materials that most often cause an allergic reaction.

People may also have an allergic reaction to other materials involved in the procedure, such as the latex in the dentist’s gloves.

How to prevent tooth sensitivity

The impact of a dental filling can cause tooth sensitivity regardless of a person’s preparation.

However, practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tooth sensitivity.

Following a filling, a person can minimize discomfort by avoiding foods and drinks that are too hot or too cold and foods that are an effort to chew.

Learn the eight best practices for dental hygiene.

How to treat a sensitive tooth

A person may also try the following methods at home to help relieve tooth sensitivity:

brushing with gentle, circular strokes on the teeth and gums
using toothpaste specially designed for sensitive teeth
avoiding or limiting acidic foods and drinks
avoiding brushing the teeth immediately after eating, as doing so may remove more of the enamel
avoiding bleaching or whitening toothpaste and products, which can make sensitivity worse
taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

If tooth sensitivity does not improve in the days following a filling, it is important to talk with a dentist. The dentist will need to rule out other potential causes of sensitivity that may not be related to the filling.

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When to see a dentist

People should not be alarmed if a tooth is mildly sensitive in the days following a filling. They will usually be able to relieve the discomfort using home remedies and desensitizing toothpaste.

A person should see a dentist right away if the sensitivity worsens, they find it difficult to eat, or they experience other symptoms, such as a toothache or fever.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to have a bad toothache after a filling?

It is normal to have some sensitivity and discomfort after a filling. However, long-lasting pain is usually a sign that something is wrong.

Toothache or tooth pain may point to:

infection
inflamed or irritated nerve
micro-fracture in the tooth
nerve damage
improper bite alignment

If a person is concerned about their tooth ache following a filling, they should speak with their dentist immediately.

Why is my tooth throbbing after a filling?

Some degree of sensitivity and discomfort is to be expected after a filling.

However, if a person experiences a throbbing, pounding pain that persists following the procedure, this could point to an infection.

A person should speak with their dentist immediately if they suspect they have an infection.

How do I know if my filling is infected?

It is possible for a person to get an infection following a filling. This is most likely due to pulpitis as a result of a deep cavity.

Some symptoms of this include:

persistent, throbbing pain
swelling around the tooth and gums
foul odor from the tooth
feeling generally unwell, tired, or feverish

If a person is concerned their filling may be infected, they should speak with their dentist immediately.

Summary

Fillings are a safe and effective way to treat dental cavities. Most fillings will last many years. Taking good care of the teeth by brushing and flossing daily and getting regular dental checkups can help prevent future cavities.

Some sensitivity after getting a filling is common and expected. However, it is important to speak with a dentist if severe sensitivity or pain occurs or if other symptoms, such as fever, develop.

Dentistry
Neurology / Neuroscience
Pain / Anesthetics

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

After-care instructions for fillings. (n.d.).https://www.northerndentalaccess.org/after-care-for-fillings.html
Hennessy BJ. (2023). Caries.https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/dental-disorders/common-dental-disorders/caries
Hennessy BJ. (2023). Pulpitis.https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/dental-disorders/common-dental-disorders/pulpitis
Lugović-Mihić L, et al. (2020). Common allergies and allergens in oral and perioral diseases.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7808231/
Sensitive teeth. (n.d.).https://www.dentalhealth.org/sensitive-teeth
Sensitive teeth. (n.d.).https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/sensitive-teeth/
Tooth. (n.d.).https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/tooth/
Tran K, et al. (2017). Orthodontic treatment for the management of pain or impacted teeth in patients with malocclusion: A review of clinical effectiveness and guidelines.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519547/
Why is my tooth hurting so bad after a filling? (causes & solutions). (n.d.).https://www.cdhp.org/why-is-my-tooth-hurting-so-bad-after-a-filling/

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Medically reviewed by Olivia Sugimoto, D.M.D. — Written by Jennifer Berry — Updated on November 25, 2024

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