Dental fillings are by far the most common dental procedures aimed at restoring a decayed tooth. While it is a short and effective procedure, it is common to experience some tooth pain and sensitivity after you are done. But, how long should a tooth hurt after a filling – let’s find out in this blog!
Is It Normal to Experience Pain and Sensitivity After a Filling?
Yes, it’s completely normal. When a cavity is cleaned and filled, the tooth and nearby nerves can get a little irritated. Once the anesthesia wears off after a few hours, you may experience sensitivity to hot or cold drinks, pressure when you bite, or a little pain while chewing.
Some mild pain or discomfort can last a few days to about two weeks as your tooth gets used to the filling.
However, the good news is that this discomfort should slowly get better on its own and should go away within one to four weeks.
What Makes a Tooth Hurt After a Filling?
There could be many reasons why your tooth might hurt after a filling. For example:
- If the cavity is deep and close to the nerve, the tooth may stay sensitive for a longer time.
- Different filling materials can impact tooth pain and sensitivity differently.
- The treatment itself can temporarily irritate the tooth’s nerves.
- If the filling is a little too high, you may feel pain when chewing. Your dentist can easily fix this issue.
- Sometimes pain may come from a cracked tooth or infection rather than the filling itself.
How Long Does Pain Usually Last After a Filling?
Everyone’s experience with pain after a filling is different. Here is a breakdown of a general timeline of what you should expect:
- First 1–2 days: It’s normal to feel mild sensitivity to hot, cold items, or pressure. Your dentist might prescribe a course of over-the-counter medicines to manage pain right after your procedure,
- First week: Any discomfort should slowly start to improve. Any pain that gets worse instead of improving is a red flag. In such cases, you should see your dentist.
- Up to 4 weeks: Some light sensitivity may still come and go, but it should keep decreasing over time.
- After 4 weeks: Your tooth should feel normal again. If pain continues beyond this point, it’s a good idea to see your dentist.
Signs You Should See Your Dentist
Here are a few signs that call for an emergency checkup:
- If your pain worsens within 48 hours of the procedure
- If you are experiencing sharp and throbbing pain
- If you have pain while biting
- Swelling, inflamed gums, and fever are all signs of infection
- Your sensitivity hasn’t gotten better after 4 weeks
- You see visible damage or cracking in the filling or tooth
If you see any of these signs, it is best to see a doctor to rule out any complications.
Final Word
You book an appointment for a filling to get rid of cavities, pain, and sensitivity. However, the tooth pain doesn’t disappear right away. Mild pain, sensitivity, and overall discomfort are a normal part of healing after a dental filling. However, any pain that persists for over 4 weeks, worsens with time, or shows signs of infection must be monitored.
If you suspect unusual and persistent pain after a dental filling, consult our dentist at Smile Designs Dentistry for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Call us now.