Had a filling now tooth hurts
A tooth can be sensitive after a filling because the pulp or bite is adjusting, but persistent, worsening, or spontaneous pain needs a review.
The short answer
Short-lived sensitivity can occur after drilling and restoring a tooth, especially with cold or pressure. Worsening, lingering, spontaneous, or bite-related pain may mean the filling needs adjustment or the pulp needs treatment.
What does a dental filling replace in a tooth?
A filling replaces damaged structure with composite resin, amalgam, or glass ionomer. The dentist considers cavity depth, bite contact, cracks, pulp response, and the seal around the restoration.
What can you do while a filled tooth is sensitive?
Chew on the other side, avoid extreme temperatures, and brush around the restoration. Contact the treating clinic with the trigger, duration, bite sensation, and any swelling.
When does pain after a filling need prompt review?
Seek prompt review for increasing pain, night pain, swelling, fever, a broken filling, or pain on biting. Spreading swelling or breathing difficulty needs urgent care.
What should you ask about pain from the filling?
Ask whether the filling is high, whether the pulp tests normally, and whether a crack or leakage is present. Ask if adjustment, replacement, root canal treatment, or a protective restoration is recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Can home care solve the problem?
Chew on the other side, avoid extreme temperatures, and brush around the restoration. Arrange an examination if it persists or returns.
What will the dentist examine?
Ask whether the filling is high, whether the pulp tests normally, and whether a crack or leakage is present. Testing and imaging are used when indicated.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.