You’ve just had a cavity filled and expect smooth sailing ahead, until you sip a cup of tea or bite into something cold, and there it is: a sharp twinge of pain. Is this normal? Or a sign that something’s wrong? Post-filling sensitivity is a common experience, but understanding what’s typical and what requires a dentist’s attention is key to keeping your oral health on track.
Let’s explore why sensitivity happens after a dental filling, what sensations are normal, how long it should last, and when you should seek help.
Why Does Sensitivity Happen After a Filling?
Dental fillings are meant to repair decayed or damaged teeth. But even though they restore structure, the tooth has just undergone drilling, cleaning, and exposure, which can leave the inner tissues temporarily irritated. Sensitivity is often the tooth’s way of healing.
The Science Behind It
Beneath the outer enamel is a layer of dentin, filled with tiny tubes that connect directly to the pulp, where your tooth’s nerves live. When decay is removed and replaced with filling material, it can stimulate the pulp and cause temporary nerve inflammation, especially in deeper cavities.
What Kind of Sensitivity Is Considered Normal?
A little sensitivity is perfectly normal after a filling. You may feel a brief, sharp sensation or discomfort when exposed to:
- Cold or hot foods and beverages
- Sweet or acidic items
- Pressure while biting or chewing
Normal sensitivity should:
- Feel mild to moderate
- Be triggered by specific stimuli
- Gradually improve over a few days to 2–4 weeks
- Not worsen over time
Types of Fillings & Sensitivity Levels
The kind of filling material used can influence how sensitive your tooth feels afterward:
Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings
- Bonded to the tooth using a curing light
- May cause sensitivity to temperature changes
- Often cause more post-op sensitivity than metal fillings
Amalgam (Silver) Fillings
- Expand and contract with temperature, which may cause minor sensitivity.
- Can feel slightly more noticeable when chewing, especially in the first few days
What’s NOT Normal?
While mild sensitivity is expected, here are signs something may be wrong:
1. Prolonged or Severe Pain
If the sensitivity gets worse over time or doesn’t improve within 2–4 weeks, it could indicate deeper nerve involvement or an incorrect bite.
2. Pain When You Bite or Chew
This could be a sign that your filling is too high. If your teeth don’t align properly, it puts pressure on the filling and surrounding structures, leading to pain.
3. Spontaneous, Throbbing Pain
If the pain occurs without eating or drinking, especially at night, it might signal pulpitis (inflammation of the tooth’s nerve) and may require a root canal.
4. Cracked or Leaking Filling
If bacteria seep under the filling due to a crack or poor seal, it can trigger sensitivity or infection.
How to Relieve Sensitivity After a Filling
If you’re experiencing mild, expected sensitivity, here are ways to manage it at home:
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste
- Avoid extreme temperatures in food and drinks for a few days
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid further irritation
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers (if needed)
When to Call Your Dentist
Reach out to your dentist if:
- Pain lasts longer than 2–4 weeks
- You feel a sharp or uneven bite
- The pain wakes you up or throbs on its own
- You see signs of swelling or infection
- Your dentist may need to adjust the filling, replace it, or check for deeper issues like a dying nerve.
A little sensitivity after a dental filling is usually nothing to worry about, it’s your tooth adjusting to the changes. But knowing the difference between normal healing and something more serious empowers you to take charge of your oral health.
If in doubt, always check in with your dentist. It’s better to catch and treat a potential issue early than to let it worsen over time.
