Will a filling stop toothache

A filling can stop pain from a cavity that has not reached the pulp, while deeper disease may need root canal treatment or removal.

A filling replaces tooth structure lost to decay or fracture with material such as composite resin or amalgam. If bacteria have inflamed or infected the pulp inside the tooth, simply filling the outer cavity may not remove the source of pain.

The dentist tests the tooth, checks the bite, removes softened dentine and seals the prepared cavity when a filling is suitable. Cold sensitivity, lingering pain, pain on biting or an abscess may change the treatment plan.

Seek urgent dental care for facial swelling, fever, pus, difficulty swallowing, or pain that prevents sleep. Toothache after trauma or pain that persists after a filling also needs review.

Ask whether the pulp is healthy, whether an X-ray is indicated, why a filling is suitable, and what symptoms would mean that the tooth needs further treatment.