Do Fillings Hurt? White Fillings and Tooth Sensitivity Explained

Worrying about whether a filling will hurt is one of the most common reasons people put off visiting the dentist. If you have been told you need a white filling — or you have recently had one and are now experiencing some sensitivity — it is completely understandable to have questions. The short answer is that modern techniques aim to make the process as comfortable as possible, but some sensations during and after treatment are normal and usually temporary. This article explains what to expect, what is considered typical, and when it is worth contacting your dentist. This information is intended as general guidance and does not replace personalised advice from your dentist.

What Happens to Your Tooth During a White Filling?

Understanding what happens during a filling can help take some of the uncertainty away. When tooth decay is identified, the aim of a filling is to remove the softened, infected tooth material and replace it with a durable, tooth-coloured composite that seals and supports the tooth.

The process involves several steps. First, the decayed tissue is carefully removed using a dental handpiece. The cavity is then cleaned and prepared, and an adhesive bonding agent is applied so the composite resin will stick securely to the remaining tooth. The composite is placed in layers, each one hardened with a curing light, and the filling is shaped and polished to match the natural contours of the tooth.

During this process, the nerve inside the tooth can respond to the vibration of the handpiece, changes in temperature from air and water, and the removal of tissue close to it. This is why local anaesthetic is used — to block those nerve signals so that you remain comfortable throughout. It is worth knowing that the closer the decay was to the nerve, the more the tooth may need time to settle afterwards. This is a normal part of healing, not a sign that something has gone wrong.

Does a Filling Hurt While It Is Being Done?

Local anaesthetic is typically administered before a filling to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, you should not feel pain from the procedure itself. However, it is important to understand that numbness does not mean you will feel nothing at all.

Most patients are aware of movement, vibration from the handpiece, and a sense of pressure as the dentist works. You may also feel the sensation of water and air being used to keep the area clean. These feelings can be unfamiliar, but they are not the same as pain.

If at any point during the treatment you feel uncomfortable, let your dentist know straight away. A simple hand raise is often all that is needed. Your dentist can pause, check whether the anaesthetic needs topping up, or adjust their approach. At our South Kensington dental clinic, we encourage patients to communicate openly during treatment — there is never any need to simply endure discomfort in silence.

Tooth Sensitivity After a Filling — What Is Normal?

It is very common to experience some sensitivity after a white filling has been placed. This does not necessarily mean there is a problem. Typical post-filling sensations include:

• Sensitivity to cold — a brief, sharp twinge when drinking cold water or eating cold food is one of the most frequently reported sensations. It usually occurs because the nerve inside the tooth has been mildly irritated by the treatment and needs time to settle.
• Sensitivity to sweet foods — some patients notice a reaction to sugary foods or drinks for a short period after the filling. This tends to improve as the tooth recovers.
• Tenderness when biting — mild discomfort when chewing, particularly on harder foods, is common in the first few days. If the filling feels "too high" when you close your teeth together, this can usually be corrected with a simple adjustment.
• A dull ache around the tooth — some general soreness in the area is normal, particularly once the local anaesthetic wears off. This typically fades within a day or two.

These sensations are usually mild and manageable. They reflect the fact that the tooth has undergone a procedure and the nerve is responding — not that something has gone wrong. Deeper fillings, where the decay was closer to the nerve, may produce more noticeable sensitivity that takes a little longer to resolve.

How Long Should a Filling Feel Sensitive?

Every patient and every tooth is different, so it is not possible to give an exact timeline. However, as a general guide, most mild sensitivity after a routine white filling improves gradually over several days. For deeper fillings, some degree of sensitivity — particularly to cold — may linger for a few weeks before settling.

The key thing to watch for is the direction of change. Sensitivity should be getting better over time, not worse. If you notice that discomfort is gradually fading — even if it has not disappeared entirely — that is usually a reassuring sign. If, on the other hand, sensitivity is increasing, changing in character, or showing no improvement after several weeks, it is worth contacting your dentist for advice.

It is important to stress that individual variation is significant. Factors such as the depth of the original cavity, the location of the tooth, your general sensitivity levels, and whether you clench or grind your teeth can all influence how long post-filling sensations last.

When Discomfort Is a Sign to Call Your Dentist

While some sensitivity is expected, there are certain signs that suggest a review may be needed. Contact your dentist if you experience:

• Pain that is getting worse rather than better — increasing discomfort in the days or weeks after a filling may indicate that the nerve is struggling to recover, or that there is another issue that needs attention.
• Pain that wakes you at night — throbbing or aching pain that disturbs your sleep can sometimes suggest the nerve is inflamed and may need further assessment.
• A bite that feels uneven — if the filling feels too high when you close your teeth together, this can cause discomfort every time you bite. A quick adjustment at the dental surgery can often resolve this straightforwardly.
• Swelling around the tooth or gum — any swelling should be assessed promptly, as it may indicate infection.
• Sharp pain when biting that is not improving — this can sometimes be associated with a small crack in the tooth or an issue with the way the filling has bonded.

Asking for a review is always encouraged. Your dentist would much rather check a tooth and reassure you than have you worry at home unnecessarily. In many cases, the solution is straightforward — a small bite adjustment, a period of monitoring, or further advice on managing sensitivity.

How You Can Support Your Tooth After a White Filling

There are several simple steps you can take to help your tooth settle and to protect the filling long term:

• Brush gently around the area — continue brushing and cleaning between your teeth as normal, but be gentle around the newly filled tooth for the first day or two if it feels tender.
• Avoid temperature extremes at first — if the tooth is sensitive to cold, sticking to lukewarm drinks and foods for a few days can help while the nerve settles.
• Consider a desensitising toothpaste — your dentist may recommend using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth for a period after the filling. These products work by helping to block the tiny channels in the tooth that transmit sensation to the nerve.
• Attend regular check-ups and hygiene appointments — ongoing professional care helps to protect both the filling and the surrounding tooth structure, and gives your dentist the opportunity to spot any early signs of wear or issues.
• Talk to your dentist about anxiety — if fear of pain has been a barrier for you, mention it at your next appointment. Knowing what to expect, agreeing on a hand signal if you need a pause, and discussing your concerns openly can make a significant difference to how you experience future treatment.

If you have recently had a filling and are unsure whether what you are feeling is normal, or if you have been putting off treatment because you are worried about pain, you are welcome to contact us if you are worried about pain after a filling. Your dentist can check the tooth, answer your questions, and help you feel more confident about your dental care going forward.