Tooth Fillings Pain and Recovery: What Happens After the Procedure

Tooth fillings are more widespread procedures in dentistry, yet, like many others, you might feel a tad nervous, not so much with the procedure but with the pain and healing process.

You might wonder: Will it hurt? How long will it take to feel normal again? What can I eat? These are real and valid concerns.

The good news? With today’s techniques and materials, the discomfort you might feel is usually minimal, and recovery tends to be smoother than you’d expect.

Still, it helps to know what you’re in for—so let’s walk through what happens after you get a filling, and how you can make the process as easy on yourself as possible.

What Kind of Pain Is Normal After a Tooth Filling?

Let’s start with the big one—pain. Yes, you may feel some discomfort after the anaesthetic wears off. This is normal.

Your tooth has just been treated and, in a way, “worked on,” so some sensitivity is your body’s natural response.

You might notice:

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure – especially when biting down
• A dull ache or tenderness around the filled tooth
• Gum soreness if the area was near the gumline or if a rubber dam was used

These sensations often last anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. Occasionally, mild teeth sensitivity can linger for a week or two, particularly if the cavity was deep.

But if the pain is sharp, worsening, or lasts longer than two weeks, that’s your cue to check back in with your Albury dentist—it could signal an issue with the bite or even an underlying nerve problem.

Local Anaesthetic: What to Expect Once It Wears Off

When you first leave the dental chair, your mouth will likely still feel numb. This effect can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the type of anaesthetic used and your body’s response.

During this time:

• Avoid chewing on the numb side—you could accidentally bite your cheek or tongue.
• Don’t drink hot beverages—you may not feel the heat, and could burn yourself.
• Wait to eat until you feel full, just to be safe.

Once the numbness wears off, you’ll have a better sense of how your tooth feels. Some people feel back to normal almost immediately. Others take a little longer.

Adjusting to the New Filling: Your Bite May Feel “Off”

It’s very common for a new filling—especially if it’s a larger one—to feel a bit foreign at first. Your mouth is incredibly sensitive, and even the smallest change can feel like a big deal.

If your bite doesn’t feel quite right when you close your mouth or chew, don’t wait too long to go back for a minor adjustment. A high filling can create pressure that causes soreness or even jaw discomfort.

It’s a quick fix, but it makes a world of difference.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Most people feel pretty normal again within 24 to 48 hours. You can usually return to your routine right after the procedure—there’s no downtime like you’d have with more complex treatments.

However, full recovery depends a little on the filling you had:

• White (composite) fillings harden instantly under a special light, so you can eat right after the numbness wears off.
• Silver (amalgam) fillings take longer to set—sometimes up to 24 hours—so you’ll need to be more cautious with chewing.

Regardless of the type, if your filling was especially deep or close to the nerve, you might feel on-and-off sensitivity for a bit longer. But again, that’s usually temporary.

What Can You Do to Support Healing?

While recovery is generally smooth, there are things you can do to make the experience more comfortable and avoid unnecessary irritation:

• Chew on the opposite side of your mouth for the first day or two
• Stick to soft foods like yoghurt, mashed veggies, eggs, smoothies, or pasta
• Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods—these can dislodge a fresh filling or stress the area
• Use a desensitising toothpaste if you’re noticing extra sensitivity to hot or cold
• Brush and floss gently—but don’t skip your oral hygiene routine

Maintaining a clean mouth is essential, as sustaining an inflammation or infection is one of the complications that can arise during recovery.

Signs You Should Call Your Dentist

While most filling recoveries are uneventful, you should get in touch with your Albury dentist if:

• The pain is worsening or persists beyond two weeks
• Biting or chewing causes you sharp pains
• Your bite feels uneven or “off”
• There’s visible damage to the filling
• You notice swelling, fever, or any sign of infection

Pain that doesn’t go away isn’t something you should ignore. Sometimes, a tooth that seemed fine during treatment may reveal deeper issues later, such as nerve inflammation that requires further care.

It’s Not Just About Fixing Cavities—It’s About Restoring Confidence

Getting a filling isn’t just about stopping decay. It’s about preserving your natural tooth, preventing future damage, and restoring your comfort.

And even though it might feel like a minor procedure, it’s still part of your long-term dental health journey.

Suppose you’re someone who tends to delay treatment because you’re anxious about discomfort. In that case, it’s worth knowing that the temporary post-filling sensitivity is far less intense than the pain of an untreated cavity—or worse, a root canal. Early treatment always wins.

Tooth Fillings in Albury

If you’ve been putting off your dental appointment because you’re unsure about what happens after a filling, hopefully, this helped take some of the mystery out of it. Yes, you might feel a little sore, but in the grand scheme of things, recovery is quick—and you’ll walk away with a healthier tooth and less risk of future problems.

Need to schedule a filling or have questions about your recovery? Get in touch with your local dental clinic today at Kreativ Dental Albury and let us help you get back to smiling comfortably.

Call us at (02) 6021 4171 or book your appointment online.

Visit us at 525 Wilson St. in Albury.