In short: Some sensitivity to cold or pressure after a filling is normal — the tooth was recently worked on and settles within a few days to a couple of weeks. If it’s sharp pain on biting, or sensitivity that worsens or lasts beyond 2–4 weeks, tell your dentist; the filling may need a small adjustment or further checking.
It’s common and usually harmless to feel some sensitivity in a tooth after it’s been filled. The tooth and its nerve have just been through decay removal and a filling, so a short settling-in period is normal. Typically you might notice:
- Mild sensitivity to cold, air or sweetness, which gradually fades over a few days to two weeks as the tooth calms down.
- A slight tenderness around the area.
This normal sensitivity should steadily improve. There are, however, a few situations worth mentioning to your dentist:
- Sharp pain when you bite down. This often means the filling is sitting a fraction too high, so your teeth hit it first. It’s a quick fix — the dentist adjusts (smooths) the filling and the pain resolves immediately.
- Sensitivity that gets worse rather than better, or lingering pain to hot/cold that lasts many seconds — this can mean the decay was deep and the nerve is irritated, occasionally needing further treatment.
- Sensitivity lasting beyond about 2–4 weeks.
To ease normal post-filling sensitivity, a desensitising toothpaste and avoiding very hot/cold foods for a while help.
Most post-filling sensitivity settles by itself. But if it’s severe, biting-related, or persistent, book a visit — a quick check or adjustment, or our teeth sensitivity treatment, will sort it out.