Tooth hurts after filling Is it normal and what should you do?
If your tooth hurts after filling, you are not alone. This is one of the most common questions patients ask following routine dental treatment. In many cases, some sensitivity is completely normal. In other situations, ongoing discomfort may need further assessment.
At Spa Dental Clinic, 47 Blackfriars Ave, Droitwich WR9 8RT, we regularly review patients who are concerned because their tooth hurts after filling. Our approach is thorough, calm and evidence-based. Led by Dr Murtaza Kaderbhai and Dr Nazia Alyas, we provide comprehensive general dentistry alongside cosmetic and advanced treatments, including being a Diamond Invisalign Provider and the #1 provider in Worcestershire.
This guide explains:
– Why a tooth hurts after filling
– How long discomfort should last
– What is normal and what is not
– When to seek urgent review
– How to prevent post-filling pain in the future
Is it normal if your tooth hurts after filling?
Yes, in many cases it is normal.
When a cavity is cleaned and restored, the tooth undergoes mechanical preparation. Decay is removed, enamel and dentine are shaped, and restorative material is placed. Even with careful technique, the nerve inside the tooth can temporarily react.
If your tooth hurts after filling, the most common reasons are:
– Temporary nerve inflammation
– Bite changes
– Sensitivity to temperature
– Pressure sensitivity
Mild sensitivity to cold drinks or when biting is often expected for a few days to a couple of weeks.
However, persistent or worsening pain is not something to ignore.
Why does a tooth hurt after filling?
Understanding tooth anatomy helps explain this.
Under the enamel lies dentine, which contains microscopic tubules leading toward the pulp (the nerve). When decay is removed, those tubules can become more exposed. Even after the filling seals the cavity, the pulp may react to the procedure.
There are several possible reasons your tooth hurts after filling:
1. Pulpal irritation
If decay was deep, the pulp may have already been inflamed before treatment. Removing decay can trigger a stronger inflammatory response.
Symptoms:
– Sensitivity to cold
– Lingering sensitivity
– Mild throbbing
This often settles within a few weeks.
2. Bite imbalance
After a filling, even a tiny high point can cause pressure when chewing.
If your tooth hurts after filling only when biting down, this is often the cause. The tooth may feel “taller” or slightly different.
A simple bite adjustment can usually resolve this quickly.
3. Post-operative sensitivity
Composite fillings bond to tooth structure, but temperature changes can still temporarily affect the tooth.
Sensitivity to cold is common and usually improves gradually.
4. Cracked tooth syndrome
Sometimes the original issue was not only decay. If a crack is present, symptoms may continue after treatment.
5. Nerve damage requiring root canal
If pain becomes severe, spontaneous, or wakes you at night, the nerve may not have recovered. In these cases, further treatment may be required.
At Spa Dental Clinic, we carefully assess lingering symptoms to determine whether monitoring, bite adjustment or further treatment is appropriate.
How long should it last?
If your tooth hurts after filling, mild sensitivity can last:
– A few days
– Up to two weeks
– Occasionally slightly longer in deep fillings
Improvement should be gradual.
Pain that is worsening rather than improving needs review.
When should you be concerned?
You should seek advice if:
– Pain is severe or throbbing
– Pain wakes you at night
– Swelling develops
– Sensitivity lingers for minutes
– Chewing is painful after two weeks
Our emergency dentist service is available even on Saturdays and Sundays. Early assessment prevents complications.
What you can do at home
If your tooth hurts after filling but symptoms are mild:
– Avoid very cold drinks
– Use sensitive toothpaste
– Avoid chewing hard foods on that side
– Maintain gentle brushing
If symptoms persist, professional review is important.
Deep fillings and nerve protection
When decay is close to the pulp, protective liners are sometimes used to reduce irritation.
Despite best practice, some nerves may not recover fully. In these cases, root canal treatment may become necessary.
Our team explains this clearly and monitors healing closely before recommending further treatment.
Can fillings fail?
Yes, although modern materials are durable.
If your tooth hurts after filling several weeks later, possible causes include:
– Microleakage
– Fracture
– Secondary decay
– Undiagnosed crack
A clinical examination and X-rays help clarify the cause.
The importance of regular hygiene and monitoring
Prevention reduces the need for deep fillings.
Regular visits to a dental hygienist help remove plaque and reduce decay risk. Early cavities are smaller and less likely to irritate the nerve.
Why technique matters
Composite restorations require careful layering, bonding and curing. Inadequate technique can increase sensitivity.
At Spa Dental Clinic, we use:
– Modern adhesive systems
– Rubber dam isolation when appropriate
– Careful bite assessment
– High-quality materials
This reduces the likelihood that your tooth hurts after filling unnecessarily.
Children and post-filling pain
Children can also experience sensitivity after restorations. Monitoring behaviour and eating patterns is important.
If a child complains persistently that a tooth hurts after filling, prompt review prevents escalation.
Cosmetic vs functional fillings
Cosmetic bonding procedures can also cause temporary sensitivity. However, significant pain is not expected.
Clear communication and post-treatment guidance are part of good clinical care.
What if you need urgent help?
We understand that pain can be distressing. Our emergency dentist service operates seven days a week, including weekends.
Early assessment is always preferable to waiting.
Invisalign and bite changes
As a Diamond Invisalign Provider and #1 provider in Worcestershire, we also see patients whose bite has changed during orthodontic treatment.
If your tooth hurts after filling during aligner treatment, this may relate to tooth movement rather than the filling itself.
Close monitoring ensures safe progress.
Dental crowns after deep fillings
In some cases, a large filling may weaken the remaining tooth structure. If pain occurs repeatedly, a crown may be advised to protect the tooth long term.
Treatment decisions are based on clinical examination, not guesswork.
Final thoughts
If your tooth hurts after filling, do not panic. In many cases, sensitivity is temporary and resolves naturally. However, persistent pain deserves professional assessment.
At Spa Dental Clinic in Droitwich Spa, we combine modern restorative techniques with careful follow-up to ensure long-term comfort. With weekend availability and emergency care when needed, patients can access support promptly.
Good dentistry is not only about placing a filling. It is about understanding tooth biology, managing inflammation properly and supporting healing.
If discomfort persists, timely evaluation prevents further complications and protects your long-term oral health.
