Yes, mild discomfort after a new filling is common. For a few days the tooth reacts sensitively to cold, sweet things or pressure, especially if the cavity was deep and close to the nerve. Usually it gets better day by day and is gone after a few days, occasionally after a few weeks. If the tooth hurts when you bite or the filling feels too high, get in touch: then we adjust it in a few minutes. Call promptly if the pain throbs, wakes you at night, gets stronger instead of weaker or if swelling appears.
Updated: 9 November 2026
Why the tooth is sensitive
- Deep decay: the closer the cavity was to the nerve, the more likely the nerve is irritated after treatment.
- The treatment itself: cleaning, preparing and bonding irritate the tooth for a short time.
- A filling that is too high: even a fraction too much puts strain on the tooth with every bite. Often the opposing tooth then hurts too.
- Irritated gum at the treated area. It usually heals within a few days.
Normal, or a reason to call?
| Usually normal | Better to call |
|---|---|
| a brief twinge with cold or sweet food | the pain lingers long after the trigger or throbs |
| gets better day by day | gets stronger or comes without a trigger |
| slight pressure in the first few days | pain when biting, the filling feels high |
| gum a little sore at the area | swelling, fever or a bad taste |
| the pain wakes you at night |
What helps until then
- Avoid very cold, hot, sweet and acidic food for a few days.
- Chew on the other side.
- Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
- If needed, a painkiller from the pharmacy. Ask the pharmacist for advice.
- If there is pressure, cool your cheek from the outside.
What we do
- A filling that is too high: we check your bite with a thin coloured foil and adjust the filling minimally in the right place. Often the pain is gone by the next day.
- An irritated nerve: we examine the tooth closely. If the nerve can recover, we give it time and check again after a few weeks.
- An inflamed nerve: if the nerve does not recover, root canal treatment under the microscope saves the tooth. Read more in “What happens during root canal treatment?”.
- A leaking edge: if the filling leaks at the edge, we replace it.
Even if the filling was placed at another practice, we are happy to take a look at it.
