How to Relieve Tooth Pain After a Filling?

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Fri, 11 Apr 2025 21:57:51 +0000
Dental Filling

It’s normal to feel some discomfort after a filling. Pain typically settles after a few days. In the meantime, you likely want to find some tooth pain relief after a dental filling. Discover details about the process and tips on relieving tooth pain after a filling.

What Is a Tooth Filling?

If you have a cavity (a hole in your tooth caused by tooth decay), it will need to be cleared of decayed tooth matter and filled to prevent infection. Your dentist typically uses a local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth during the procedure.

Dentists use several types of filling solutions, often either amalgam or dental composite. Amalgam is usually silver and contains mercury, which can be a health hazard. Its silver color also makes it more noticeable. Dental composite fillings are typically tooth-colored and not noticeable, making them more popular nowadays. Then there is biological dentistry, which may use materials that are more biocompatible with overall well-being.

As you will be numb, you should not feel much during a filling procedure; however, you may notice some sensitivity and discomfort briefly later.

Sensations You May Notice

Should a filling hurt? Yes, some discomfort is expected. Due to the procedure, you may notice some nerve pain after a tooth filling. You may also be sensitive to cold after a filling or extreme heat. If you experience a toothache when biting after a filling, rest assured that this and the above-mentioned symptoms are normal pain after a tooth filling and should settle soon.

Tooth Sensitivity Causes

You may ask yourself, why does my tooth hurt after a filling? Sensitivity can be caused by issues such as the following:

Pulpitis or inflammation of the tooth pulp.

Bite changes.

Referred pain.

An allergic reaction to the local anesthetic or filling solution.

Talk to your dentist if any of these are bothering you.

Pain Management After a Cavity Filling

What do you do if a filling causes pain? There are lots of simple home remedies for pain after filling. How long does the pain last after filling? It usually lasts a few days or, at most, a couple of weeks. In the meantime, the following can help you with relieving tooth pain after filling:

Try over-the-counter pain relief for a tooth filling. The best painkillers for tooth pain after filling are drugs like Ibuprofen or Advil.

Use a toothpaste with a desensitizing agent.

Be very gentle when flossing and brushing.

Chew on the unaffected side of your mouth.

To reduce swelling after filling, try a cold compress.

If your discomfort intensifies and you’re not sure when to see a dentist for pain after a filling, it is best to book an appointment sooner rather than later. Your dentist will help you relieve tooth pain after a filling.

What You Can Eat After a Filling

You can eat most foods after your procedure. However, dentists usually advise avoiding hot food or very cold food like ice cream after filling. Also, temporarily avoid acidic food and drink.

Get Expert Advice on How to Relieve Tooth Pain After a Filling

Most of the time, pain after a filling goes away relatively quickly. If tooth pain persists after filling, you may need to consult a dentist. Contact our team for more information about tooth fillings and how to soothe filled tooth pain.