Treatment recovery guide
5 min readAfter a filling
A filled tooth may feel different or sensitive. Contact the treating practice if pain is worsening, not settling or the bite feels high.
After a filling, the tooth, gum or jaw may feel different for a short period. Sensitivity can depend on the size and depth of the filling, the tooth and the reason for treatment.
Follow the instructions from the treating dental practice. They are usually the best first contact if your filling hurts, feels high or symptoms are not settling for you.
At a glance
Aftercare basics
Monitor changes
- Mild sensitivity can happen after a filling.
- Avoid chewing hard foods on the tooth if it is tender.
- Follow any aftercare advice given by the treating practice.
Contact the practice
Not settling
- Get advice if the filling feels high or painful when biting.
- Contact the practice if pain is worsening or not settling.
- A broken or lost filling needs dental assessment.
Urgent symptoms
Escalate
- Urgent dental care is needed for severe pain, swelling, fever or a bad taste.
- Call 999 or go to A&E for severe swelling affecting breathing or swallowing.
- Heavy bleeding or serious injury needs urgent medical care.
Contents
A tooth can feel different after a filling
Sensitivity, bite changes or gum tenderness can have different causes. The treating practice can check whether the bite or filling needs review.
Possible causes or contributing factors
- Short-term sensitivity after dental treatment.
- A filling that feels high when teeth meet.
- A deep cavity, crack, nerve irritation or restoration issue.
- Gum soreness from treatment.
What you can do now
- Follow the treating practice's advice.
- Avoid hard chewing on the tooth if it is tender.
- Contact the practice if symptoms worry you or are not settling.
What not to do
- Do not try to file or adjust the filling yourself.
- Do not ignore swelling, fever or worsening pain.
- Do not use the NHS waiting-list pathway for urgent post-treatment symptoms.
When to contact a dentist
- The bite feels high or painful.
- Sensitivity or pain is worsening or not settling.
- The filling breaks, feels loose or falls out.
When urgent dental care is needed
- Severe pain affects sleep or daily activity.
- Swelling, fever, bad taste or difficulty opening the mouth develops.
- The tooth fractures or there is trauma.
When to call 999 or go to A&E
What a dentist or relevant professional may assess or do
- Check the filling, bite, tooth and gum.
- Adjust or repair the filling where clinically appropriate.
- Investigate whether further treatment is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Who should I contact after a filling?
Contact the treating dental practice first where possible because it knows what treatment was provided.
What if my filling feels high?
A high-feeling filling should be checked by the treating practice. Do not adjust it yourself.
When is pain after a filling urgent?
Seek urgent dental care for severe or worsening pain, swelling, fever, bad taste or difficulty opening the mouth.
Concerned after a filling?
Contact the treating practice first where possible. If symptoms are severe or worsening, review urgent dental care options.
View urgent dental care optionsOfficial sources
These links open external official guidance pages for further help.
Content reviewed by Dr Majid Saeed · 13 July 2026
References used for this guide are listed above.
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