Do Dental Fillings Hurt? What to Expect Before, During and After

Worrying about pain is one of the most common reasons people put off getting a dental filling. It is a reasonable concern, and one worth understanding clearly before you sit in the dental chair.

At Purity Dental in Mulgrave, our dentists take time to walk through what each step of the filling procedure involves, so you know what to expect at every stage. Learn more about our tooth-coloured filling treatments.

Quick Overview

• What it is: A dental filling is a restorative procedure used to repair a tooth damaged by decay or fracture, using materials such as composite resin
• Who it may apply to: Anyone with tooth decay, a cavity, or a cracked tooth surface may need a filling, though this depends on a clinical assessment
• What it involves: Local anaesthesia is typically used to numb the area before the procedure begins, which can reduce sensation during treatment, though individual experience varies
• What influences outcomes: Factors such as cavity depth, proximity to the tooth’s pulp, and individual sensitivity can affect the level of discomfort experienced before, during, and after the filling
• What guides next steps: The extent of decay, your current symptoms, and your dentist’s clinical assessment will determine the most appropriate treatment approach

Keep reading to understand what happens at each stage of a dental filling, why some discomfort is normal afterwards, and when to contact your dentist.

Do Dental Fillings Hurt During the Procedure?

For many patients, discomfort during the filling procedure is well managed with local anaesthesia. Before any drilling begins, your dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding tissue. Once the area is numb, you may feel pressure or vibration from the dental instruments, though how this registers varies from person to person.

According to Healthdirect on dental fillings, dental fillings are used to replace natural tooth structure damaged by decay, and local anaesthesia is used to help keep patients comfortable during the process.

The initial injection of local anaesthesia can cause a brief, mild sting. Many dentists apply a topical numbing gel to the gum first to reduce even that sensation. Once the anaesthetic takes effect, most people find the procedure more manageable than they expected, though experience will differ depending on the individual.

It is worth noting that individual experience can vary. Tooth sensitivity, anxiety, and the depth of the cavity can all influence how you perceive the procedure. If at any point you feel pain during treatment, let your dentist know immediately. Adjustments can always be made.

Why Does My Tooth Hurt After a Filling?

Some discomfort after a filling is common and does not necessarily mean something has gone wrong. Once the local anaesthesia wears off, usually within a few hours of leaving the clinic, you may notice:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold: The tooth may react to temperature changes as it adjusts to the new filling material
• Sensitivity to sweet foods: Sugar can temporarily trigger a response in the treated tooth
• Mild aching or throbbing: Particularly if the cavity was deep or close to the tooth’s pulp
• Tenderness when biting: If the filled tooth feels higher than your other teeth, this can cause uneven pressure when you chew

This type of post-procedure sensitivity is a recognised response to dental work. After a filling, the tooth may be more sensitive and regular check-ups help ensure any problems are found and treated early.

Individual outcomes vary. Some people notice only mild sensitivity that settles quickly; others experience more noticeable discomfort, depending on the depth of the decay and the type of filling material used.

How Long Does Sensitivity Last After a Filling?

For most people, sensitivity after a dental filling settles within a few days to two weeks. Deeper fillings, where the cavity extended close to the nerve inside the tooth, may take up to four weeks before the tooth fully settles.

Several factors influence how quickly a tooth settles after a filling, and in some cases, sensitivity may persist for several weeks before resolving.

Factors that influence how long discomfort lasts include:

• Cavity depth: Decay that extends near the tooth’s pulp tends to produce stronger post-filling sensitivity, as the nerve has been more affected
• Bite alignment: A filling placed slightly too high can create ongoing pressure when chewing. This is one of the more straightforward issues to resolve: your dentist can adjust the bite at a follow-up appointment
• Filling material: Composite resin fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, which generally reduces sensitivity compared to older amalgam materials. Individual responses to dental materials can still vary
• Existing tooth sensitivity: People with sensitive teeth before treatment may notice more sensitivity in the days following a filling

If sensitivity is worsening rather than improving after two weeks, or if you experience throbbing pain, swelling, or a tooth that is painful to heat specifically (rather than cold), contact your dentist. These can be signs that a different issue requires attention.

What Happens If You Leave a Cavity Untreated?

A cavity that is not treated does not stay the same. Tooth decay progresses deeper into the tooth over time. As the Australian Dental Association has reported, untreated tooth decay affects just over 32% of Australian adults, a figure that has increased since 2004.

Leaving a cavity untreated can result in:

• Deeper decay that requires more extensive treatment than a straightforward filling
• Tooth loss, with decay cited as one of the primary causes of adult tooth loss in Australia
• Infection spreading from the tooth’s pulp to surrounding tissue
• Increased pain, as decay that has reached the nerve causes a different type of discomfort, often more intense and harder to manage, than early-stage sensitivity

Addressing cavities early is not just about the filling procedure. It is about preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible and avoiding more complex treatment down the track.

How to Care for a Filled Tooth

Once your filling is placed, a few practical steps can help the tooth settle and extend the life of the restoration:

• Avoid very hard or sticky foods for at least 24 hours after the procedure, particularly with composite resin fillings that need time to fully set
• Avoid icy drinks and very hot foods in the first few days if the tooth is sensitive
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and continue brushing and flossing as normal around the filled tooth
• Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed, as recommended by your dentist
• Contact your dentist if the bite feels uneven, if sensitivity persists beyond two to four weeks, or if the tooth begins to hurt when exposed to heat

Maintaining regular dental check-ups is also important. Fillings are not permanent restorations; they can wear, chip, or develop gaps over time. Your dentist can monitor the condition of existing fillings during routine appointments and address any changes before they become more significant.

A Considered Approach to Dental Fillings

For many people, discomfort associated with a dental filling settles within a short period. The more significant discomfort is often what patients experience before treatment, from a cavity left to progress. Addressing tooth decay early typically means a simpler procedure, less involvement of the tooth’s deeper structure, and a more straightforward recovery.

If you have tooth sensitivity, pain when biting, or have been told you need a filling and would like to understand your options, the team at Purity Dental in Mulgrave is available to talk through what the procedure involves.

Call Purity Dental on (03) 9540 8900 or book an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a dental filling? 

Common signs that may indicate a cavity include tooth pain when biting or chewing, sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold foods, a visible dark spot or hole on the tooth surface, or a tooth that feels rough or sharp to the tongue. Some cavities cause no symptoms at all in the early stages, which is why regular check-ups are important. Your dentist will assess the tooth and advise whether a filling is needed based on their clinical findings.

How long does a dental filling take? 

Most dental fillings are completed in a single appointment and typically take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity and the type of filling material used. A simple composite resin filling on a single tooth is usually on the shorter end of that range. Your dentist will give you a more accurate estimate after assessing the tooth.

Can a dental filling fall out or crack? 

Fillings are durable, but they are not permanent. Over time, chewing forces, grinding, and general wear can cause a filling to chip, crack, or loosen. If a filling feels different when you bite, you notice a rough edge, or the tooth becomes sensitive again after a period of being settled, book an appointment to have it checked. A filling that is left loose or cracked can allow bacteria to reach the tooth underneath, which may lead to further decay.

Is sedation available if I am anxious about getting a filling? 

If dental anxiety makes it difficult to attend appointments, sedation options may be worth discussing with your dentist before the procedure. At Purity Dental, options including oral sedation and IV sedation are available for eligible patients and procedures. Your dentist can talk through which approach may be appropriate based on your situation and the treatment planned.

Does Medicare or private health insurance cover dental fillings in Australia? 

Private health insurance with extras cover typically includes a rebate toward dental fillings, with the amount depending on your specific policy and fund. Medicare does not routinely cover adult dental care, though eligible children may be able to access fillings under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. If you are unsure about your cover, our team can assist with on-the-spot HICAPS claims and can also discuss flexible payment options for out-of-pocket costs.

References

Australian Dental Association. (2021). ‘Oral Health Policy Report Released by Alliance for a Cavity-Free Future’. Australian Dental Association. Melbourne, VIC: Australian Dental Association. https://ada.org.au/oral-health-policy-report-released-by-alliance-for-a-cavity-free-future

Better Health Channel. (n.d.). ‘Dental Fillings’. Better Health Channel. Melbourne, VIC: Victorian Government Department of Health. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dental-fillings

Healthdirect Australia. (n.d.). ‘Dental Fillings’. Healthdirect Australia. Sydney, NSW: Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-fillings

Healthline. (2020). ‘Tooth Sensitivity After Filling’. Healthline. San Francisco, CA: Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/tooth-sensitivity-after-filling