Experiencing pain or sensitivity in a newly filled tooth while eating is common. A dental filling restores the damaged structure of a tooth after decay is removed. However, the repair process and the new restoration can cause discomfort when chewing or encountering temperature changes. Understanding the source of this pain—whether temporary or complex—is the first step toward finding relief.
Identifying Temporary Sensitivity
Discomfort immediately following the filling procedure is often a transient biological response. Removing decay involves drilling, which generates heat and vibration that temporarily irritate the dental pulp (the soft tissue containing the tooth’s nerve). This mild inflammation is known as reversible pulpitis and is the body’s natural reaction to the restorative work. This sensitivity is usually triggered by external stimuli, such as biting down or consuming hot or cold foods. The pain is typically sharp and brief, disappearing once the stimulus is removed. This discomfort should steadily diminish as the pulp heals, generally resolving completely within two to four weeks.
Mechanical Issues Affecting Your Bite
Pain that occurs primarily when biting or chewing often indicates a mechanical issue related to the filling’s placement or integrity. The most frequent cause is an occlusal interference, commonly referred to as a “high spot.” This occurs when the filling material is slightly too prominent, causing it to contact the opposing tooth before the rest of the teeth meet. Even a minimal difference can disrupt the precise balance of the bite, leading to undue pressure on the tooth’s ligament when chewing. This excessive force inflames the periodontal ligament that anchors the tooth in the jawbone, causing localized pain when biting down.
This condition is straightforward to correct by adjusting and polishing the filling surface until the natural, balanced bite is restored. Another factor is marginal leakage, where a small gap exists between the tooth structure and the filling material. Bacteria and food particles can penetrate this microscopic space, causing pain when pressure is applied during chewing. Composite resin fillings may shrink slightly during the hardening process, creating these minute gaps.
Indicators of Deeper Dental Problems
Persistent, throbbing pain that worsens over time may indicate a deeper biological complication requiring prompt attention. If the temporary inflammation (reversible pulpitis) does not resolve, it can progress to irreversible pulpitis, signaling permanent damage to the dental pulp. Symptoms include intense, spontaneous pain, lingering sensitivity to cold lasting over 30 seconds, or pain when the tooth is tapped.
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
Another possibility is Cracked Tooth Syndrome, characterized by a sharp, fleeting pain when biting down or, distinctly, when releasing the biting pressure. This “rebound pain” occurs because the crack momentarily separates under pressure and snaps back together upon release, irritating the nerve. Cracks are often microscopic and difficult to detect on X-rays, frequently occurring in teeth with large existing fillings.
Secondary Decay
Pain when eating could also signal secondary decay, which is new decay forming beneath the existing filling. This happens when bacteria infiltrate a compromised filling margin. The bacteria produce acid in this trapped space, aggressively demineralizing the tooth structure from the inside out. This decay can eventually reach the pulp, leading to severe symptoms.
Immediate Steps and Professional Consultation
If you are experiencing discomfort after a filling, there are immediate steps you can take while awaiting professional evaluation. Temporarily favor the opposite side of the mouth when chewing to reduce the direct force on the filled tooth. Opting for a softer diet and avoiding extremely hot, cold, or sugary foods will minimize the triggers of temporary sensitivity. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers can help reduce initial pulp inflammation. Contact your dentist immediately if the pain is severe enough to wake you up at night, or if you develop facial swelling, a fever, or a persistent, throbbing ache. Any sensitivity that lasts longer than three weeks after the procedure requires a follow-up appointment to diagnose and treat an underlying issue.