Tooth Pain After a Filling: What's Normal and What's Not

You have just had a filling, and now the tooth is aching. Is something wrong, or is this just part of the healing process?

Post-filling sensitivity is one of the most common concerns patients raise. The good news is that in most cases, some discomfort is entirely normal. However, there are situations where the pain may signal a problem that needs attention.

Understanding the difference can save you unnecessary worry and help you know when to call your dentist.

What Is Normal Sensitivity After a Filling?

It is completely normal to experience some sensitivity in the tooth for a few days after having a filling placed. The procedure involves removing decayed tooth structure and placing a restorative material, and the tooth's nerve (the pulp) can be temporarily irritated by the process.

You may notice:

• Mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks that comes and goes quickly.
• A slight ache when biting or chewing, particularly on harder foods.
• Sensitivity to sweet foods in the treated area.
• A general awareness of the tooth that was not there before.

This type of sensitivity typically settles within a few days to two weeks. During this time, you may find it helpful to avoid very hot or cold foods on that side, chew on the opposite side, and use a sensitive toothpaste if recommended by your dentist.

How Long Should Pain Last? A Timeline

Every filling is different, but here is a general guide to what you can expect and when you should start to be concerned.

Need to find a dentist who can see you quickly? Search for available appointments near you.

Causes of Prolonged or Unusual Pain After a Filling

While some sensitivity is expected, certain types of pain after a filling may indicate a problem that needs addressing. Here are the most common causes.

High Bite

One of the most frequent reasons for pain after a filling is a bite that is slightly too high. When the filling material sits even a fraction of a millimetre above the surrounding tooth surface, it means that tooth is hitting first when you close your mouth.

This creates concentrated pressure on the filled tooth, leading to sharp pain when biting down. Your mouth was numb when the dentist checked your bite during the procedure, which can make it difficult to assess whether the filling is at exactly the right height.

Pulpitis (Pulp Inflammation)

The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. If the decay was deep or the tooth has been through multiple procedures, the pulp may become inflamed. This inflammation is called pulpitis and comes in two forms:

• Reversible pulpitis: The pulp is irritated but can recover. Symptoms include sensitivity to hot and cold that lasts a few seconds after the stimulus is removed. This may settle on its own over a few weeks.
• Irreversible pulpitis: The pulp is too damaged to heal. Symptoms include lingering pain after hot or cold stimulation (lasting 30 seconds or more), spontaneous throbbing pain that may wake you at night, and pain that is difficult to localise. This typically requires root canal treatment.

Cracked Tooth

Occasionally, the process of removing decay and placing a filling can reveal or create a small crack in the tooth, particularly if the tooth had a large area of decay. A cracked tooth may cause sharp, intermittent pain on biting that can be difficult to reproduce consistently. For more on this, see our guide on cracked tooth pain.

Referred Pain

Sometimes a filled tooth can trigger sensitivity in neighbouring teeth. This is called referred pain and can be confusing, as the discomfort may seem to be coming from a tooth that has not been treated. Referred pain usually settles as the filled tooth heals.

Galvanic Shock (Metal Fillings Only)

If you have a new silver (amalgam) filling and an adjacent tooth has a different type of metal restoration (such as a gold crown), you may experience a brief sharp sensation when the two metals touch. This is caused by a small electrical current passing between the different metals. It is uncommon and usually temporary.

What Your Pain May Be Telling You

The type of pain you experience can give useful clues about what might be happening.

Home Remedies for Pain After a Filling

While you are waiting for your tooth to settle or to see your dentist, these measures can help manage discomfort at home.

• Over-the-counter painkillers: Ibuprofen (400mg, up to three times daily with food) is usually most effective as it reduces inflammation. Paracetamol can be alternated for additional relief.
• Sensitive toothpaste: Products containing potassium nitrate (such as Sensodyne) can help calm the nerve. Apply a small amount directly to the sensitive tooth before bed for a more concentrated effect.
• Avoid temperature extremes: Stick to lukewarm food and drinks for the first few days. Avoid ice cream, very hot tea, and other temperature extremes on the treated side.
• Chew on the other side: Give the tooth a break for the first few days, especially with harder foods.
• Saltwater rinse: A gentle warm saltwater rinse (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) can soothe the area and keep it clean.

Treatment Options When Pain Persists

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Your dentist will assess the situation and recommend the most appropriate next step.

• Bite adjustment: If the filling is too high, your dentist can smooth it down in a quick appointment, often without any anaesthetic. Relief is usually immediate.
• Desensitising agents: For mild, persistent sensitivity, your dentist may apply a desensitising varnish or recommend a specific sensitive toothpaste.
• Replacement filling: If the filling has not bonded well to the tooth or there is a gap at the margin, it may need to be replaced.
• Root canal treatment: If the pulp is irreversibly damaged, root canal treatment may be necessary to remove the inflamed nerve tissue and save the tooth. While the idea of root canal treatment may sound daunting, modern techniques mean it is typically no more uncomfortable than having a filling. You can read more in our guide on root canal myths.
• Crown: If the tooth is weakened by a large filling or a crack, a crown may be recommended to protect and strengthen it.

White Fillings vs Silver Fillings: Does the Type Matter?

The type of filling material can influence post-operative sensitivity slightly. Here is how the two most common types compare.

When to Go Back to Your Dentist

As a general guide, you should consider returning to your dentist if:

• Pain or sensitivity has not improved after two to three weeks.
• Pain is getting worse rather than better over time.
• You experience a sharp pain every time you bite down on the tooth.
• You have spontaneous pain or throbbing without any trigger.
• The filled tooth feels noticeably higher than the surrounding teeth when you bite together.
• You notice swelling around the tooth or a bad taste in your mouth.

There is no need to feel embarrassed about going back. Bite adjustments after fillings are routine, and your dentist would much rather see you early than have a small issue develop into a bigger problem. Most post-filling concerns can be resolved quickly and easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a tooth hurt after a filling?

Some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure is normal for a few days to two weeks after a filling. If pain persists beyond two to three weeks, gets worse rather than better, or is severe enough to disrupt sleep or daily activities, you should contact your dentist for a review.

Why does my filling hurt when I bite down?

Sharp pain when biting down on a new filling usually means the filling is slightly too high and your bite is not meeting evenly. This is one of the most common reasons for post-filling discomfort and is easily fixed. Your dentist can adjust the filling in a quick appointment, often without needing anaesthetic. If the pain is more of a dull ache, it may be related to pulp inflammation, which your dentist can assess.

Is it normal for a filling to hurt after 2 weeks?

Mild sensitivity that is gradually improving after two weeks can still be normal, particularly for deeper fillings. However, if pain is staying the same or getting worse at the two-week mark, you should contact your dentist. Persistent pain may indicate a high bite, pulp inflammation, or a problem with the filling.

Can a filling cause nerve damage?

If the decay was very deep and close to the nerve, there is a small risk that the nerve may become irreversibly inflamed even after the filling is placed. This is not damage caused by the filling itself. It is the result of the decay having already compromised the nerve. Signs include lingering pain, spontaneous throbbing, or pain that wakes you at night. Root canal treatment may be needed.

Should I take painkillers after a filling?

Most fillings cause minimal discomfort that does not require painkillers. If you do experience sensitivity, over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen (400mg, up to three times daily with food) or paracetamol can help. Ibuprofen is usually most effective as it reduces inflammation.

Why does my tooth hurt with cold after a filling?

Cold sensitivity after a filling is very common and usually temporary. The drilling and placement process irritates the tooth's nerve, making it more reactive to temperature changes. If cold sensitivity is brief and gradually improving, it will likely settle within a few weeks. Sensitivity that lingers for 30 seconds or more may suggest deeper inflammation. See our guide on sensitive teeth for more tips.

Do white fillings hurt more than silver fillings?

White (composite) fillings can sometimes cause slightly more initial sensitivity than silver (amalgam) fillings due to the bonding process. However, this difference is usually minor and short-lived. Modern bonding techniques have significantly reduced post-operative sensitivity.

When should I go back to the dentist after a filling?

Go back if pain has not improved after two to three weeks, if it is getting worse, if you have sharp pain every time you bite down, or if you experience spontaneous throbbing. There is no need to feel embarrassed. Bite adjustments are routine and your dentist would rather see you early.