Pain After Filling
Post-filling discomfort or sensitivity — often settles quickly, but persistent pain needs review.
Overview
Some sensitivity after a filling is normal. Drilling and restoring a tooth temporarily irritates the nerve, and the tooth needs time to recalm. In most cases, symptoms settle within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Pain that is worsening, wakes you at night, or persists beyond two weeks usually has a specific cause — a filling left fractionally high on the bite, a nerve that is struggling to recover, or decay that was deeper than it first appeared.
A targeted review — bite check, temperature and pressure testing, and X-rays if indicated — quickly identifies the reason and guides the next step, which might be as simple as a bite adjustment.
Common symptoms
- Sensitivity to hot or cold after filling
- Bite feels high or uneven
- Discomfort when chewing
- Dull ache in the treated tooth
Common causes
- Filling slightly high on the bite
- Nerve still recovering after a deep filling
- Cracked tooth that wasn't obvious at the time
- New restoration contacting a filling in the opposing tooth
Our approach
Comprehensive examination
We begin with a focused clinical examination, digital X-rays where indicated, and a full medical and dental history to build a complete picture of your symptoms.
Transparent diagnosis
You receive a clear explanation of what we find, shown on-screen with intra-oral imaging so you can see exactly what we see — no jargon, no pressure.
Options-based treatment plan
We present all suitable treatment options with realistic outcomes, timings and written costs so you can make an informed decision at your own pace.
Related conditions
Pain When Biting
UrgentPain when chewing or releasing pressure — often a sign of a cracked tooth, infection or bite imbalance.
Bite Feels Off
An uneven bite can follow new dental work, tooth movement, grinding, or developing alignment changes.
Tooth Sensitivity
A short, sharp pain when teeth meet hot, cold, sweet or acidic triggers — usually treatable once the cause is known.
Cavities
Holes in the tooth surface caused by bacterial acids — treatable with a filling when caught early.
Get a clear answer, without pressure
Our team will examine, explain and give you all suitable options — with written costs you can take home.
Save 50% on every treatment
From £20/month. Add family for £10/month each. No joining fee.
- 50% off check-ups & hygiene
- 50% off cosmetic & restorative
- Priority appointment booking
- One simple monthly bill