WHY DOES MY OLD DENTAL FILLING HURT SUDDENLY?
- Dr. Chrissie Lam
- Nov 1
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
It can be puzzling when an old filling that has been fine for years suddenly starts to hurt. Many patients are surprised when discomfort appears around an old filling that has “never given trouble.” Even though a filling can last a long time, any tooth used daily for biting and chewing will eventually show signs of wear. Understanding what might be happening helps you act before the problem gets worse.
FILLINGS AGE WITH USE
Every bite, temperature change, or cup of coffee puts stress on a filled tooth. Over time, microscopic wear and tiny gaps can form between the tooth and the filling. Food debris or bacteria can slip through these spaces, leading to recurrent decay beneath the filling. Because this happens slowly, many people do not notice anything until the decay spreads deeper into the tooth.
Regular dental visits can help detect early signs of wear or leakage around old restorations. You can learn more about how tooth-coloured fillings↗ are placed and maintained on our Restorative Dentistry page.
TINY CRACKS THAT GO UNNOTICED
Teeth flex slightly when you chew. Hard foods, teeth grinding, or habits like biting pens or using teeth to open packages can create fine cracks that are invisible to the eye. Once a crack reaches the inner layer of the tooth, it can allow bacteria or fluid movement that irritates the nerve. The pain often comes and goes at first,
then flares sharply when the pulp tissue inside becomes inflamed.
CHANGES INSIDE THE TOOTH
Even without a visible problem, the nerve inside an old tooth can become more sensitive over time. If the deeper layer (the pulp) becomes inflamed from long-term stress or hidden decay, the pain may feel sudden and strong. When inflammation becomes irreversible, root canal treatment↗ may be required to relieve it and preserve the tooth.
WHY REGULAR CHECK-UPS MATTER
A small leak or crack may not be visible without a dental examination or X-ray. Routine check-ups help detect these issues before pain starts, allowing for a simple repair instead of a more complex procedure later.
EVERYDAY HABITS THAT PUT TEETH AT RISK
Beyond regular check-ups, daily habits also play a role in how long a filling lasts. Chewing very hard, eating sticky or chewy foods, grinding during sleep, or eating too quickly can all stress old restorations. Avoid using your teeth to open bottles or tear packages — these habits may seem harmless but can shorten the life of both natural teeth and fillings. Even without pain, a weakened filling or crack can progress silently.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR OLD FILLING HURTS
If you notice sudden pain, sharp sensitivity, or discomfort when biting, have it checked promptly. A dentist can determine whether the filling is leaking, cracked, or if decay has started underneath. Timely care helps prevent further damage and protects the tooth from more extensive treatment later.
LEARN MORE ABOUT RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
If you would like to read more about the restorative treatments available at our clinic, click here ↗.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH US
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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