Is it normal for a tooth to be sensitive after a filling?

Yes. Mild sensitivity to hot, cold or biting pressure is common for a few days after a filling, and it usually settles on its own within a few weeks as the tooth’s nerve calms down. Contact the practice if it has not eased after about four weeks, or if it is severe from the start.

In short

• Mild sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet food or biting pressure is common for the first few days after a filling.
• It usually improves gradually and should have settled within about four weeks.
• Sharp pain specifically when biting down can mean the filling sits slightly too high, which a short adjustment appointment can fix.
• Contact the practice if sensitivity has not eased within about four weeks, or if it is severe from the start.
• Constant or worsening pain, or swelling, needs attention rather than waiting to see if it passes.

This article is part of the fillings information on this site for patients in Cape Town.

Why does a tooth feel sensitive after a filling?

Inside every tooth, under the enamel, is a layer called dentin, which contains tiny tubules leading to the tooth’s nerve. Preparing a cavity, especially a deep one close to the nerve, can leave this nerve mildly irritated for a while, so it reacts more than usual to hot, cold, sweet food or the pressure of biting. This is a normal, expected response while the tooth settles rather than a sign that something has gone wrong. The material used can play a part too, and White fillings or silver fillings: what is the difference? explains how the two commonly used materials compare.

How long does the sensitivity usually last?

For most people, sensitivity after a filling improves within a few days and should have settled within about four weeks. A deeper filling, or one placed close to the nerve, generally takes longer to settle than a small, shallow one, since the nerve itself sits closer to where the work was done. Sensitivity that is still there after about four weeks is a reasonable point to contact the practice, rather than a sign to keep waiting, and using a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth in the meantime can sometimes ease the day-to-day discomfort.

What if the pain feels different from ordinary sensitivity?

Sharp pain specifically when you bite down, rather than a general reaction to hot or cold, more often means the filling itself sits slightly too high, so your bite is landing unevenly on it. This is usually simple to correct at a short appointment. Pain that becomes constant, throbs on its own, or keeps you awake at night is a different matter, and may mean the nerve inside the tooth needs treatment. See Is a root canal painful? for what that involves, and What can I do about severe toothache at night? for pain that will not let you sleep.

When does sensitivity need urgent attention?

Sensitivity or pain that comes with facial swelling, a raised temperature, or a bad taste in the mouth is a sign of infection rather than ordinary post-filling sensitivity, and should not wait. See the dental emergency guidance on this site if this applies to you.

How do I reach Dr Davies?

Dr Davies treats adults and children at BRS Dental, on Strand Street in the Cape Town city centre, and can check a sensitive tooth and adjust or replace a filling where needed. To make an appointment, call her directly on her own mobile, which is shown on this page. This page gives general information and does not replace an examination.