Sensitive Teeth After a Filling: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Call (Burnaby)

It’s common to feel some sensitivity after a filling, especially to cold, sweet foods, or pressure when chewing. For most people, it settles down within days.

But sometimes sensitivity is a sign the tooth needs a quick adjustment or follow-up care.

This guide explains what’s normal, what isn’t, and what you can do at home in the meantime.

If you’re a patient at Gentle Dental Burnaby and your sensitivity feels sharp, worsening, or doesn’t improve, call the clinic at (604) 434-3020 or book a follow-up at https://burnabygentledental.oralhealth.app/book/

Quick answer

Mild sensitivity after a filling is normal for a few days. It may last up to 1–2 weeks depending on how deep the cavity was. If pain is severe, worsening, or you can’t chew on the tooth, it should be checked.

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Why teeth can feel sensitive after a filling

A filling fixes decay, but the tooth still needs time to settle.

Common reasons for sensitivity include:

1) The filling was deep

If the cavity was close to the nerve, the tooth can be temporarily irritated. This often feels like:

• sensitivity to cold

• discomfort with sweets

• mild throbbing that comes and goes

2) The tooth is adjusting to the new filling material

Some people notice temporary sensitivity as the tooth adapts, especially with temperature changes.

3) Bite pressure is slightly off (a “high filling”)

This is very common and very fixable.Signs include:

• pain when chewing

• sharp pain when you bite down

• the tooth feels “taller” than the others

A quick bite adjustment can make a big difference.

4) Normal inflammation in the tooth ligament

When a dentist removes decay and places a filling, the tooth and surrounding ligament can be slightly inflamed for a short time.

5) Clenching or grinding

If you grind your teeth, a new filling can feel more sensitive under pressure, especially in the first week.

What’s normal after a filling (and how long it should last)

Here’s a realistic timeline:

First 24–48 hours

• mild sensitivity to cold or sweet

• minor discomfort with chewing

• awareness of the tooth

Days 3–7

• sensitivity should be improving

• chewing discomfort should be fading

Up to 2 weeks (sometimes)

If the filling was deep, mild sensitivity can last longer. The key is that it should trend down, not up.

What’s NOT normal (call the dentist)

Contact the clinic if you have:

• pain that gets worse each day

• sharp pain when biting (possible high bite or crack)

• throbbing pain that wakes you at night

• pain that lingers long after cold/hot

• you can’t chew on that side

• swelling, bad taste, or fever (possible infection)

If you’re in Burnaby and this is happening, it’s worth getting seen early.

What you can do at home (safe relief)

While your tooth settles:

• Avoid chewing hard foods on that side for a few days

• Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth (gentle, not whitening)

• Stick to lukewarm foods if cold triggers pain

• If safe for you, use over-the-counter pain relief as directed

• If you grind, avoid chewing gum and hard snacks

Avoid “home remedies” like putting aspirin on the gum. It can burn tissue.

High filling: the most common fix

If your sensitivity is mainly when chewing, a high filling is a top suspect.

The good news: adjusting it often takes minutes. Don’t force yourself to “get used to it.” Bite problems can irritate the tooth.

When does sensitivity mean you might need more treatment?

In some cases, deeper decay can irritate the nerve enough that the tooth may need additional care. The signs tend to look like:

• pain that doesn’t improve after 1–2 weeks

• spontaneous throbbing

• lingering pain after cold/hot

• night pain

This doesn’t mean “worst case” automatically. It just means the tooth should be re-evaluated.

When to book a follow-up at Gentle Dental Burnaby

If you’re unsure whether your sensitivity is normal, it’s better to check early.

📍 4980 Kingsway #111, Burnaby, BC V5H 4K7

📞 (604) 434-3020

Book: https://www.burnabygentledental.com/contact

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FAQ

How long does sensitivity last after a filling?

Often a few days. It can last up to 1–2 weeks if the cavity was deep, but it should improve over time.

Is it normal to have pain when chewing after a filling?

It can happen, but pain when chewing often points to a bite that needs adjustment.

Why is my tooth sensitive to cold after a filling?

The tooth nerve may be temporarily irritated, especially with deep fillings. It should gradually improve.

What if my filling feels too high?

Call the clinic. A quick bite adjustment usually solves it.

When should I worry about sensitivity after a filling?

If pain worsens, lasts beyond 2 weeks, wakes you at night, or comes with swelling or fever, get assessed.

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