DO DENTAL FILLINGS HURT? WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER TREATMENT
- Dr. Barry Yu
- Sep 10, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 7, 2025
When people hear “filling,” they often picture a quick, simple fix. But many are surprised when the dentist asks, “Do you want to be numbed up?” or when their tooth feels sensitive afterward.
So, do dental fillings hurt? Why is anesthesia sometimes needed? And what can you expect after the treatment? Let’s break it down.
When a Dental Filling Is Simple — and When It’s Not
Yes, a filling can be a straightforward, almost painless procedure — if the cavity is caught early. When decay is still shallow, the nerve inside the tooth isn’t irritated, so the procedure feels more like pressure than pain.
But the longer decay is left untreated, the deeper it spreads. That’s when things get trickier:
The nerve becomes irritated, which can make the procedure uncomfortable.
Anesthesia becomes more necessary to keep the patient comfortable.
More healthy tooth structure must be removed, leaving behind a weaker tooth overall.
Teeth cannot repair themselves. Once tooth structure is lost, it’s gone for good. A filling is like a patch or bandage — it restores shape and function, but it’s not the same as untouched enamel.
This is why treating cavities before you feel pain is so important. Waiting until you notice a problem almost always means more damage, more treatment, and a less healthy tooth in the end.
Why Dentists Offer Anesthesia for Fillings
For many patients, the scariest part isn’t the filling itself — it’s the idea of the injection. While it’s true that anesthesia involves a quick shot, the benefits far outweigh the brief discomfort.
Comfort for the patient – You don’t feel sharp pain, only vibration or pressure.
Better working conditions for the dentist – A relaxed patient allows the dentist to work steadily and accurately. This usually leads to a smoother procedure and a longer-lasting result.
In other words, anesthesia is not just about comfort — it often improves the overall outcome.
A Filling Is Like a Bandage for Your Tooth
Think of a filling as a bandage for your tooth.
When you scrape your skin, you first need to clean the wound before covering it with a bandage. The scrape might still feel sore underneath, even though it’s protected.
A filling works the same way:
The decay is removed (cleaning the wound).
A filling is placed to restore the tooth (the bandage).
Some sensitivity is expected as the tooth recovers.
This is normal. It doesn’t mean the filling failed or the dentist did something wrong — it’s simply part of the healing process.
What to Expect After a Dental Filling
Mild sensitivity – It’s common to feel some sensitivity to cold, heat, or pressure for days or even weeks.
Improvement over time – This usually gets better as the tooth and nerve settle down.
When to worry – If you notice lingering pain (pain that stays even after the trigger is gone), that may mean the nerve is too irritated to recover on its own. This is a signal to return to your dentist. In some cases, further treatment such as a root canal treatment may be needed to save the tooth.
Tooth-Colored vs. Silver Fillings
Today, most fillings are tooth-colored (composite resin). Besides blending naturally with your teeth, they also allow for a more conservative approach:
Composite fillings bond directly to the tooth, so the dentist only removes the decayed portion.
Silver (amalgam) fillings require mechanical retention, which means removing extra healthy tooth structure to “lock” the filling in.
For patients, this means tooth-colored fillings generally preserve more of the natural tooth — helping keep it stronger for longer.
FAQs About Dental Fillings
Do all fillings require anesthesia?
Not always. Small, shallow fillings can often be done without numbing. But once decay is deeper or close to the nerve, anesthesia is highly recommended.
How long does sensitivity last after a filling?
Most people notice improvement within a few days, though some sensitivity can last up to a few weeks. If pain lingers or worsens, schedule a follow-up.
Why does my tooth feel “high” after a filling?
Sometimes the filling is slightly higher than your natural bite. This can make the tooth sore when biting down. A simple adjustment at your dentist’s office usually fixes it quickly.
Can a filling fail?
Yes — fillings are strong but not permanent. Over time, they can wear down, chip, or develop leakage around the edges. Regular checkups allow your dentist to spot and fix these issues before they become serious.
The Bottom Line
Dental fillings don’t have to hurt. With modern techniques and anesthesia, most patients are comfortable during treatment. But it’s important to understand that a filling isn’t just a “quick patch,” it’s a repair to an injured tooth.
The earlier a cavity is treated, the simpler the procedure, the less likely it is to hurt, and the healthier your tooth will remain in the long run.
So don’t wait until pain tells you something is wrong. By then, more damage has already been done. Regular dental visits and early fillings keep your smile healthier and stronger for years to come.
Need a regular dental check-up? You can reach Penn Pacific Dental Center at info@ppdental.com.sg.
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To schedule a visit, please use our online booking page↗ or call +65 6904 8482. Penn Pacific Dental Center is located at 160 Robinson Road, #05-14 SBF Center, Singapore 068914.
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