It’s completely normal to feel some sensitivity or mild discomfort a few days after a filling. However, if this sensitivity and pain continues for weeks or months, or gets noticeably worse, it could be a sign that something isn’t quite right and may require further treatment.
You should return to your dentist as soon as possible if it seems like something isn’t right to avoid any further pain or health complications.
While persistent pain after a filling doesn’t always mean your dentist has made a mistake, it could be a sign of dental negligence. If you believe that your dentist is at fault due to errors that they made or the poor standard of care given, you might be eligible to make a bad filling dental negligence claim.
In this blog, we’ll answer any questions you may have about how long a filling takes to heal, including guidance on when you should seek help and when dental negligence might be the cause.
How long should a tooth hurt after a filling?
The healing time after a filling varies from person to person, but discomfort after a filling typically eases within one to two weeks.
The pain and sensitivity will usually be worse for the first one to three days, but should gradually start to decrease after that. After two weeks, the filling should have healed and any discomfort should be gone.
Any pain that lingers after two weeks could be a sign that something isn’t right, and you should make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.
How do I know if there is a problem with my filling?
There are a number of ways in which you may be able to tell that a filling has not worked properly, or that the work was not carried out to a good standard. Pain that lasts longer than a couple of weeks is one sign, but there are several other things you should look out for as well:
- The filling falls out or has a gap (does not fill the whole cavity)
- The gums or teeth around the filled tooth are irritated for longer than a couple of days after the procedure
- Your bite no longer lines up correctly
- The tooth cracks or degrades further
These signs may not always mean you have been a victim of dental negligence, but it’s important to take action and visit a dentist as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms.
What could be the cause of prolonged tooth sensitivity after a filling?
There could be a number of reasons that tooth pain continues for longer than it should after a filling:
- The filling is misaligned: If the filling does not sit correctly with your other teeth, it can affect your bite and place extra pressure on the tooth when chewing. This pressure can irritate the nerve and lead to ongoing pain or sensitivity.
- Nerve inflammation: If the cavity was deep or the tooth experienced trauma during the procedure, the nerve inside the tooth may become irritated or inflamed. While this can sometimes occur even when treatment is carried out correctly, excessive trauma during drilling or poor technique may increase the risk.
- Decay remaining beneath the filling: If the decay was not fully removed before the filling was placed, bacteria can continue to damage the tooth. This can lead to ongoing sensitivity, infection, or the need for further treatment, and may sometimes indicate that the procedure was not completed to an acceptable standard.
- The filling was poorly sealed: If the filling does not properly seal the cavity, bacteria and food particles can enter the space. This can allow decay to develop underneath the filling, potentially causing pain and further dental problems.
- Cracks in the tooth or filling: Small fractures in the tooth or filling can expose the inner layers of the tooth, making it more sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. In some cases, this can occur if the tooth was weakened during treatment or if the filling was not fitted correctly.
- An allergic reaction to the filling material: Although rare, some people may react to certain filling materials, particularly metal-based fillings, which can cause irritation or discomfort around the treated tooth.
When should I seek help from a dentist?
If your tooth is still hurting several weeks after getting a filling, or the pain seems to be getting worse instead of better, you should make an appointment with your dentist. Even if the issue turns out to be minor, getting it checked can give you peace of mind.
Not all complications following a filling mean that dental negligence has occurred. However, if you believe the pain you’re suffering may be linked to poor dental work or mistakes made during the procedure, it’s worth investigating whether the standard of care you received fell below what is reasonably expected.
The experts at the Dental Law Partnership can help you understand whether you have grounds to make a dental negligence claim – contact us to make an enquiry or read more about bad filling compensation claims.