Question: Is sensitivity after a filling normal, and how long should it last?
Explanation: Some sensitivity after a filling is expected. The drilling generates heat, the cavity may have been deep, and the restorative materials cause mild pulpal irritation. Cold sensitivity that fades within seconds is normal and usually settles within two to four weeks, occasionally taking up to three months for very deep fillings. Concerning signs are sensitivity that worsens over time, pain on biting, lingering pain after cold, or spontaneous night pain. Pain on biting often means the filling is high and needs adjusting, a quick fix.
Related Questions:
Why does my new filling hurt when I bite on it?
Most commonly because the filling is fractionally too high, so it contacts before the surrounding teeth and takes excessive load. The periodontal ligament becomes bruised. A dentist adjusts the filling in minutes and the pain resolves. Do not wait for it to wear down.
When should I worry about post-filling sensitivity?
If it lingers for more than 30 seconds after cold, if it wakes you at night, if it is spontaneous, or if it worsens week by week. These suggest irreversible pulpitis rather than normal post-operative sensitivity, and root canal treatment may be needed.
Can a filling be too deep and irritate the nerve?
Yes. When decay approaches the pulp, only a thin layer of dentine remains to insulate it. The pulp is inflamed before treatment even begins. Dentists place a protective liner in such cases, but pulp recovery is not guaranteed and sensitivity may persist for months.
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