Throbbing tooth pain after a filling: normal vs needs treatment
A new filling can leave your tooth feeling sensitive for a short time, but throbbing pain can feel worrying. Sometimes it is part of normal settling. Other times it is a sign the bite needs adjusting or the tooth nerve is struggling.
This guide explains what is usually normal, what is not, and the simple checks your dentist uses to decide the next step. It is general information, not personal medical advice.
If you have swelling, fever, a bad taste, or pain that is rapidly worsening, do not wait. Use our emergency dentistry route or contact the practice.
Quick answer
Mild to moderate sensitivity after a filling is common for a few days, sometimes up to two weeks, especially with deeper fillings. Throbbing that settles day by day can still be normal. Throbbing that gets worse, keeps you awake, or is triggered by a high bite pressure often needs treatment.
- Often normal: short sharp sensitivity to cold, mild ache when chewing that improves.
- Often needs review: pain when biting that feels like the tooth is too high, or throbbing that escalates.
- Urgent: swelling, fever, pus taste, or severe night pain.
If you are unsure, the safest move is a quick review as part of your dental check ups and cleaning routine, or sooner if symptoms are strong.
What is normal after a filling: a simple timeline
| Time after filling | Often normal | More concerning |
|---|---|---|
| First 24 to 72 hours | Sensitivity to cold, mild ache, tenderness when chewing hard foods. | Severe throbbing, pain that wakes you, swelling. |
| Days 4 to 14 | Gradual improvement, occasional sensitivity, mild chewing discomfort. | Pain is not improving, pain is worsening, sharp pain on biting on one spot. |
| After 2 weeks | Most people feel normal by now. | Persistent throbbing, lingering hot sensitivity, biting pain that does not settle. |
Fast clue: does it hurt when you bite, or when you stop biting?
- Pain on biting can mean a high bite, bruised ligament, or a cusp issue.
- Pain on release can sometimes suggest a crack or weakened tooth structure.
If you notice this pattern, note it down and share it at your review. It helps diagnosis quickly.
Why throbbing pain can happen after a filling
A filling treats decay, but the tooth still needs time to settle. Throbbing usually comes from one of these common causes:
1) Bite is slightly high
This is one of the most common reasons for throbbing after a filling. If the filling is a fraction too high, your tooth takes extra force and the ligament becomes inflamed.
- Pain when chewing, especially on one spot
- Tooth can feel bruised or slightly “taller”
- Often improves quickly after a simple bite adjustment
Learn more about how fillings are placed and reviewed on our dental fillings page.
2) Normal nerve irritation in a deep cavity
Deep decay sits close to the nerve. Even with a well done filling, the nerve can be irritated and take time to calm down.
- Short sharp cold sensitivity
- Mild lingering ache that improves day by day
- Usually manageable with softer foods and time
If sensitivity to temperature is your main symptom, this guide may also help: why hot and cold drinks hurt your teeth.
3) Pulpitis (nerve inflammation that may not settle)
Sometimes the nerve is too inflamed to recover, especially if decay was extensive or the tooth had symptoms before the filling.
- Throbbing that increases over time
- Lingering heat sensitivity
- Pain that wakes you or feels spontaneous
If tests show the nerve is not recovering, saving the tooth may require root canal treatment.
4) Micro cracks or weakened cusps
If a tooth was already weakened by a large cavity, biting forces can create tiny cracks. These might not show on a standard X ray.
- Sharp pain on biting or on release
- Pain that feels very localised to one tooth
- May need protection with a restoration, sometimes a crown
If a tooth is structurally compromised, your dentist may discuss a dental crown to protect it.
What you can do at home today
These steps are safe for most people and can reduce irritation while you monitor symptoms. If pain is severe or escalating, skip to the urgent section and contact the practice.
- Chew on the other side for a few days and avoid hard foods.
- Keep cleaning normally, but gently around the tooth. Food trapping can make things worse.
- Track triggers: cold, heat, biting pressure, and night pain.
- Do not test it repeatedly by biting hard “to check”. That can prolong inflammation.
- Book a quick review if it is not improving within 3 to 7 days, or sooner if it feels high when you bite.
Feeling nervous about coming in with pain is common. We can support you through nervous dental patients approaches so you feel in control.
When throbbing pain after a filling needs urgent treatment
Seek advice urgently if you notice any of the following:
- Swelling of the gum, face, or jaw
- Fever, feeling unwell, or a spreading infection taste or smell
- Severe pain that wakes you or cannot be managed
- Hot sensitivity that lingers for a long time
- Pain getting worse after day 3 to 5 instead of improving
Use our emergency dentistry route for guidance. If you want to understand nerve warning signs, this guide is useful: root canal symptoms.
What your dentist will check (and why it matters)
A review appointment after a filling is usually quick and focused. Common checks include:
- Bite check to see if one contact point is overloaded
- Cold and tapping tests to assess nerve and ligament health
- Filling margins to ensure no leakage or gaps
- Crack checks if biting pain is sharp or on release
- X rays only when needed, to check deeper issues
If there is a bite issue, a minor adjustment can often reduce pain quickly. If the nerve is struggling, earlier treatment can prevent bigger problems later.
FAQs
How long can throbbing last after a filling?
Mild throbbing or aching can settle over a few days. Deeper fillings can take longer, sometimes up to two weeks. If symptoms are worsening, severe, or not improving, book a review.
Why does my filled tooth hurt when I bite?
The most common cause is a bite that is slightly high, which overloads the tooth and inflames the ligament. It can also be due to a weakened cusp or a crack, especially if the cavity was large.
Is throbbing after a filling a sign I need a root canal?
Not always. Many cases are bite related and resolve after a simple adjustment. A root canal is considered when tests show the nerve is not recovering and pain patterns match nerve inflammation.
What symptoms after a filling are not normal?
Swelling, fever, a bad taste, severe night pain, heat sensitivity that lingers, or pain that gets worse over time should be assessed promptly.
Can a filling be redone if it keeps hurting?
Yes. If the bite is off, the filling is leaking, or the tooth needs a different restoration for strength, your dentist can adjust, repair, or replace it. The best option depends on the diagnosis.