Why Does My Tooth Filling Hurt After Months?

Having a tooth filled should remove your pain, not add to it and make it worse. But what if the pain lingers for weeks or months? You’re not alone.

Unexplained tooth filling pain for weeks or even months after the procedure is a common experience among many people, make them confused. Smilexcellence knows how frustrating it is to have long-term dental filling pain. That’s why we’re here to assist you.

This blog explains why pain after filling happens and how to treat it. Whether it’s mild or sharp pain, we’ll guide you with simple expert advice. Read on to learn how to get relief and smile confidently with Smilexcellence.

Is It Normal to Feel Pain Months After a Tooth Filling?

There will be some pain after filling, but pain that lasts for months isn’t. Tooth filling pain that persists should be understood as to what is and isn’t normal.

General discomfort is usually related to mild hot, cold, or pressure sensitivity. This is to be expected for several days to a couple of weeks while your tooth adjusts. Your nerves are adjusting, and healing is taking place in the surrounding tissues.

But if your dental filling pain lasts weeks or gets worse, it may be serious. It could be a high filling, nerve irritation, or hidden issues like decay or cracks.

Persistent pain after filling should never be ignored. If you’re unsure, a quick dental check-up can give answers and prevent damage.

Common Reasons Why Your Filled Tooth Still Hurts

Still feeling tooth filling pain months later? A few common issues can cause pain in a filled tooth—knowing them helps find relief.

Nerve Inflammation or Pulp Irritation
A deep filling near the nerve can irritate the inner pulp of the tooth. This can cause dental filling pain, particularly with warm or cold items. The symptoms of involvement of the nerve are throbbing pain, chronic sensitivity, or night pain. In case the nerve fails to recover, a root canal would be required to eliminate pain.
Bite Alignment Issues
If your bite feels slightly “off” after the procedure, your filling might be too high. Even a small difference can cause pressure and pain when chewing. This is a common cause of pain after filling, and the good news is—it’s easily fixed. Your dentist can adjust the filling quickly and painlessly to even out your bite.
Undetected Tooth Decay
Sometimes, decay remains under or around the filling, especially after deep cavities. New decay can also form if oral hygiene slips after the filling. This can lead to recurring pain and sensitivity. Regular dental check-ups help catch these problems early before they worsen.
Allergic Reaction to Filling Material
Though uncommon, some people react to filling materials like silver amalgam. This can cause ongoing dental filling pain or a strange metallic taste. We offer hypoallergenic, tooth-coloured filling materials that are gentle and blend naturally.

If you’re unsure why your filled tooth still hurts, don’t wait. A visit to Smilexcellence can uncover the cause and help you get the relief you deserve.

Different Types of Pain – And What They Might Be Telling You

Sharp pain when chewing
A sharp pain when biting often means your filling is too high. A high spot on your filling puts extra pressure on that tooth, causing sharp discomfort. A quick adjustment by your dentist can usually fix this.
Throbbing or lingering ache
A dull, persistent ache that won’t quit may signal nerve irritation deep in the tooth. This kind of tooth filling pain can feel like a heartbeat in your jaw. It may mean pulp inflammation that needs treatment like a root canal.
Temperature sensitivity
Twinges from hot drinks or ice cream often mean minor inflammation. It can also be caused by the filling material conducting temperature. This sensitivity usually settles within a few weeks, but let your dentist know if it doesn’t.
Pain at random times
Random pain without chewing can be caused by grinding teeth or a cracked filling. They both form tiny spaces or cracks which are clogged by food and germs and cause wacky pain. A trip to the dentist will find and fix the problem.

Common Causes of Persistent Pain

If you’re still dealing with tooth filling pain months later, it could be more than just sensitivity. Here are some deeper issues that may be causing your discomfort:

Cracked or Damaged Filling
Fillings aren’t indestructible. Over time, daily wear, teeth grinding (bruxism), or chewing hard foods can crack or loosen them. A damaged filling can expose the tooth and increase pain or infection. If your pain started after biting something hard, a cracked filling could be the reason.
Gum Disease Near the Filled Tooth
If the gums bleed or become inflamed, they may expose the nearby teeth’s root surfaces, including teeth with fillings. This will result in pain when filling at the time of brushing or chewing. Bleeding gums, halitosis, or gum tenderness are the initial signs of gum disease. Don’t ignore these signs—these can affect your entire dental condition.
Oral Infection
Infection sometimes builds up against a filled tooth without visible signs. When bacteria become trapped beneath a filling or leakage around a crack, an abscess will develop. It may produce nagging, throbbing pain and swelling. It should be identified early enough so that the infection can be halted before it can spread or become more aggravated.

If you have these symptoms, don’t wait to get help. Our team is here with expert advice and gentle care.

Tips for Managing Tooth Sensitivity at Home

Mild filling pain can often be eased with simple daily changes. Here’s how to care for your filled tooth at home:

Use a Desensitising Toothpaste
Toothpastes made for sensitive teeth can help calm nerve irritation and block pain signals. Use it twice daily and avoid rinsing right after to let it work longer.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Try not to eat or drink things that are very hot or icy cold. Sudden temperature changes can trigger pain, especially if the nerve is healing.
Switch to a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
A soft brush is gentle on gums, ideal if the filled area feels sore. Brushing too hard can make dental filling pain worse.
Use a Fluoride or Saltwater Rinse
Fluoride strengthens enamel; saltwater reduces inflammation and keeps the area clean. Avoid alcohol-based rinses—they can sting.
What to Avoid
Stay away from whitening toothpaste or products—they can be too harsh and worsen the pain. Also, avoid chewing on hard foods like nuts, ice, or lollies near the filled tooth.

If symptoms don’t settle with these tips, don’t wait. Book a check-up at Smilexcellence for expert advice and the right treatment.

The Type of Filling Material Be the Issue?

Occasionally, tooth filling pain can be caused by the material. Different materials react differently in your mouth, and not all are suited to every patient.

Composite Fillings

Pros: Tooth-coloured, blends naturally, bonds well to tooth structure.

Cons: May be temperature sensitive at first, and can wear faster than other types.

Amalgam (Silver) Fillings

Pros: Very strong and long-lasting, excellent for back teeth.

Cons: Has metal, is sensitive, and swells with heat, which can be hurting.

Gold Fillings

Pros: Extremely strong and long-lasting (15+ years).

Cons: Costly, visible in the mouth, transmits heat and cold.

Ceramic Fillings

Pros:Coloured like a tooth, resistant to stains, and long-lasting.

Cons: More brittle than gold and could require more space removal in the tooth where it is placed.

Smilexcellence employs newer, tooth-friendly materials such as composite and ceramic for most fillings. They are kinder for sensitive mouths and appear more natural.

If you find that the filling material is uncomfortable, speak to our dentist. We can evaluate whether a replacement with a softer alternative might bring you relief.

Do You Grind Your Teeth at Night?

Night-time grinding (bruxism) is a common but often missed cause of filling pain. It puts pressure on teeth and can crack fillings over time.

Grinding in your sleep can wear fillings, irritate nerves, and cause jaw pain. Even a well-done filling can feel sore if it’s under constant stress.

Symptoms of bruxism include:

Morning face or jaw muscle pain
Tenderness or a muffled toothache in the morning
Worn or chipped teeth
Jaw popping or clicking

Smilexcellence suggests custom night guards to shield your fillings and teeth from grinding pressure at night. They’re comfortable, easy to use, and cut grinding pressure.

When to See a Dentist Immediately

Mild filling pain is normal, but sometimes it signals a serious issue. Don’t ignore the warning signs—early treatment can prevent bigger problems.

See a dentist right away if you notice:

Swelling in the gums, cheeks, or jaw
Severe or sharp pain that doesn’t ease
Pain that worsens over time instead of improving
Fever or feeling of being unwell
Pain that lasts more than 3–4 weeks after your filling

These symptoms may mean infection, nerve damage, or a failing filling. They won’t go away without proper treatment.

Smilexcellence is here to help you feel confident and pain-free again. If something doesn’t feel right after a filling, don’t wait. Book a check-up so we can treat it before it worsens.

How Smilexcellence Can Help You Get Relief

We know how frustrating it is when tooth filling pain lingers for weeks. That’s why we offer in-clinic tests to find the exact cause of your pain.

Our team uses bite analysis, X-rays, and oral exams to find the problem. It could be a high filling, nerve irritation, or hidden decay. From there, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan just for you. Treatment may involve an adjustment, a new filling, or a root canal if needed.

We proudly care for our local community with gentle, expert treatment. Our advanced solutions are always delivered with a smile.

Visit us at Smilexcellence – your trusted dental clinic in Richmond, NSW.

Call us on: 0424 966 544

Book your appointment online here

Your relief starts with a simple check-up—let us help you feel better today.

FAQs

How long is too long to have pain after a dental filling?
If pain lasts over four weeks, it’s time to visit your dentist immediately.
Can a filling cause nerve damage in a tooth?
Deep fillings can irritate the nerve, possibly requiring further treatment like a root canal.
Why does my tooth hurt when I bite down months after a filling?
It likely means your bite is uneven and the filling needs quick dental adjustment.
Can a filling go bad or become loose over time?
Yes, damaged or loose fillings may cause pain or lead to further tooth decay.
Is it possible to replace a filling that causes pain?
Yes, painful fillings can be replaced with better-fitting, tooth-friendly options for comfort.