Dental Health25 February 20269 min read

Do Fillings Hurt? What to Expect During and After a White Filling

South Ken MD Team

The question “do fillings hurt?” is one of the most common concerns patients raise before dental treatment. It is completely understandable — fear of pain is one of the most frequently cited reasons people delay visiting the dentist, sometimes for months or even years.

The reality is that modern dental techniques, materials, and anaesthetic options have made the filling process considerably more comfortable than many people expect. While every patient’s experience is individual, the vast majority find that having a white filling placed is far less uncomfortable than they had anticipated.

This guide explains what to expect during and after a white filling, what sensations are normal, and when it may be appropriate to seek a review. It is intended as general information and does not replace individual clinical advice.

Quick Answer: Do Fillings Hurt?

Modern white fillings are usually carried out under local anaesthetic, meaning you should not feel pain during the procedure itself. You may feel pressure, vibration or movement, but sharp pain is not expected. Mild sensitivity after a filling is common and usually settles within days to weeks. If discomfort worsens rather than improves, a dental review is advisable.

What You Might Feel During a Filling

Numbness from local anaesthetic
Vibration from the handpiece
Gentle pressure
Water and air sensations
Temporary jaw stiffness

These sensations are normal and are not usually a sign of pain.

What Happens During a White Filling?

Understanding the steps involved can help reduce anxiety about the process. A white filling — also known as a composite filling — is a tooth-coloured restoration used to repair areas of decay or minor damage. Here is what the procedure typically involves:

Decay removal

The dentist carefully removes the decayed portion of the tooth using a handpiece (drill). Local anaesthetic is used to ensure this is comfortable.

Cleaning and preparation

The cavity is cleaned thoroughly to remove any remaining debris and bacteria. The tooth surface is then prepared to help the composite bond effectively.

Bonding

A bonding agent is applied to the prepared tooth surface. This creates an adhesive layer that helps the filling material attach securely to the natural tooth structure.

Composite placement

The white composite material is placed into the cavity in thin layers. Each layer is carefully shaped to rebuild the natural contours of the tooth.

Curing light

A special blue light is used to harden each layer of composite. This is quick, painless, and sets the material within seconds.

Shaping and polishing

Once the filling is fully built up and cured, the dentist sculpts and polishes the surface so it looks and feels natural. Your bite is also checked and adjusted if necessary.

Does Getting a Filling Hurt During Treatment?

For the vast majority of patients, the answer is no — you should not feel pain during the filling procedure. Local anaesthetic is administered before any work begins, numbing the tooth and the surrounding area so that pain signals are effectively blocked.

What you may feel is pressure, vibration, and movement as the dentist works. Some patients also notice the sensation of water being sprayed onto the tooth and air being used to dry the area. These sensations are entirely normal and are not indicators of pain.

Good communication during the procedure is important. Your dentist will typically explain what they are doing at each stage and will check that you are comfortable throughout. If at any point you feel discomfort, the anaesthetic can usually be topped up to ensure you remain comfortable for the rest of the appointment.

A Note on Dental Anxiety

If you feel anxious about dental treatment, letting your dentist know beforehand can be helpful. Many patients find that understanding the process and knowing they can communicate during treatment makes the experience much more manageable.

If you are experiencing ongoing sensitivity or discomfort after a filling, our dental team can assess the tooth and advise on the most appropriate next steps.

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Tooth Sensitivity After a Filling: What Is Normal?

It is common to experience some degree of sensitivity after a filling has been placed. This is usually temporary and tends to improve gradually as the tooth settles. The following types of sensitivity are considered normal:

Cold Sensitivity

Brief, sharp twinges when consuming cold drinks or foods are one of the most commonly reported sensations after a filling. This is typically mild and settles within a few days to a couple of weeks.

Sweet Sensitivity

Some patients notice temporary sensitivity to sweet foods or drinks following a filling. This usually resolves as the tooth adapts to the new restoration.

Tenderness When Biting

Mild tenderness or discomfort when biting down is common for a few days after a filling, particularly if the tooth was numbed during the procedure. If it persists beyond a week, a bite adjustment may be helpful.

Mild Dull Ache

A low-grade, dull ache around the filled tooth is not unusual, particularly in the first day or two. This occurs as the nerve inside the tooth settles after the procedure and typically resolves on its own.

Deeper fillings — where the decay extended closer to the nerve — may take longer to settle than shallow ones. Your dentist will advise you if this is the case and explain what to expect during the recovery period.

How Long Does Filling Sensitivity Last?

The duration of post-filling sensitivity varies depending on the individual and the depth of the filling. As a general guide:

Mild cases

Sensitivity from shallow to moderate fillings typically settles within a few days.

Deeper fillings

Where the decay was closer to the nerve, sensitivity may persist for several weeks. This is not uncommon and does not necessarily indicate a problem.

The improvement trend matters

The key indicator is whether sensitivity is gradually improving over time. Even if it takes a few weeks, a downward trend is a positive sign.

Worsening pain needs review

If sensitivity is not improving or is getting worse, arranging a dental examination is advisable so the tooth can be reassessed.

When Pain After a Filling Is Not Normal

While some sensitivity is expected, certain symptoms may suggest that a review is appropriate. If you experience any of the following, it is sensible to contact your dental practice:

Pain that is getting worse rather than improving over time
Throbbing or pulsating pain that persists
Pain that wakes you during the night
Swelling around the filled tooth or in the surrounding gum
A bite that feels uneven or “high” when you close your teeth together
Sharp pain when chewing on the filled tooth

These symptoms do not necessarily mean something is seriously wrong, but they warrant a professional review to identify and address the cause.

Why Some Fillings Feel More Sensitive Than Others

If you have had fillings before and noticed that some settled quickly while others took longer, there are several factors that can influence post-treatment sensitivity:

Depth of the Cavity

The deeper the cavity extended into the tooth, the closer the filling sits to the nerve. This proximity can mean the nerve takes longer to settle after the procedure.

Proximity to the Nerve

Teeth where decay has reached very close to the pulp (nerve) are more likely to experience prolonged sensitivity. In some cases, the dentist may discuss the possibility that root canal treatment could become necessary if the nerve does not settle.

Individual Sensitivity Levels

People vary in their sensitivity thresholds. What one patient barely notices, another may find more noticeable. This is completely normal and does not reflect on the quality of the treatment.

Clenching or Grinding

Patients who clench or grind their teeth — often during sleep without realising it — may place additional stress on a newly filled tooth, which can contribute to post-treatment sensitivity.

Bite Adjustment

If the filling is fractionally too high, it may contact the opposing tooth before the others when you close your mouth. This can cause discomfort when biting and is usually resolved with a simple adjustment at a short follow-up appointment.

How to Reduce Sensitivity After a Filling

There are several practical steps you can take to help manage sensitivity while the tooth settles:

Use a desensitising toothpaste — these contain ingredients that help block the transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve
Avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks for the first few days after the filling
Brush gently around the treated area, using a soft-bristled toothbrush
Avoid chewing hard or crunchy foods directly on the filled tooth for the first day or two
Maintain your normal oral hygiene routine — keeping the area clean supports healing

Our general dentistry services include follow-up reviews and ongoing preventive care to help maintain the health and longevity of your restorations.