Does it hurt to get a dental filling?

Patients are often relieved to learn that getting a filling is quick and painless with modern techniques. Thanks to effective local anesthesia, you should feel no pain during the drilling and filling process. You might sense some pressure or vibration, but it shouldn’t hurt. If at any point you do feel discomfort, let us know right away, and we will pause and ensure you’re adequately numb before continuing. Your comfort is a top priority.

After the numbness subsides, it’s normal to experience some mild sensitivity or discomfort in the treated tooth for a few days to a week. Common post-filling sensations include:

Temperature Sensitivity

The tooth may be sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks for a short time. This sensitivity usually decreases each day and is typically gone within a week or two. Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help, and avoid extreme temperatures in foods for the first day or so.

Soreness in Nearby Teeth

Sometimes the tooth (or teeth) next to the filled tooth can feel temporarily sensitive as well, a phenomenon known as “referred pain.” This is generally short-lived.

Pressure Sensitivity

You might notice slight soreness or sensitivity when biting down, especially if it was a deep cavity or a large filling. This should also resolve as the tooth settles. If biting down feels sharply painful or very uncomfortable even after a few days, the filling might be a bit high – come see us for a simple adjustment.

These post-treatment sensitivities are usually minor. Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen) are more than enough if you feel any soreness once the anesthetic wears off, but in many cases, they’re not even needed.

​Keep in mind that every person and every tooth is different. If your sensitivity seems to last longer than a week or two, or if it’s getting worse instead of better, please contact us. It could indicate that the filling needs a touch-up (for example, smoothing out a rough edge or correcting your bite) or, in rare cases, that there was more extensive decay very close to the nerve that might need further treatment. We’re here to make sure you’re comfortable and satisfied with your treatment, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any concerns.