Worrying about pain is one of the main reasons people put off getting a filling. It is an understandable concern, and one that is worth addressing honestly before you sit in the chair.
At Kensington Smiles in Kensington, our dentists take the time to walk patients through exactly what each stage of the filling procedure involves, so there are no surprises. Learn more about our general dentistry services.
Quick Overview
- What it is: A dental filling is a procedure used to restore a tooth affected by decay or damage, but what the experience involves varies more than most people expect
- Who it may apply to: Anyone with tooth decay or a cavity may need a filling, and anxiety about the procedure is something many patients experience, often before they understand what actually happens
- What it involves: Local anaesthesia is used to manage sensation during treatment, though how much discomfort you feel, if any, depends on several individual factors
- What influences outcomes: The depth of the cavity, your existing sensitivity, and how early the decay is caught can all affect what the procedure and recovery feel like
- What guides next steps: Whether you are overdue for a check-up or already aware you need a filling, knowing what to expect may change how you approach the visit
Keep reading to understand what happens during a dental filling, why some discomfort afterwards is normal, and when to contact your dentist.
Do Dental Fillings Hurt During the Procedure?
For many patients, discomfort during the filling procedure is well managed with a local anaesthetic. Your dentist will administer this by injection to numb the tooth and the tissue around it before any drilling begins. Once the area is numb, you may notice pressure or vibration from the instruments.
According to Healthdirect on dental fillings, after a filling, the tooth may feel more sensitive, but during the procedure itself, the anaesthetic is designed to manage discomfort throughout.
The anaesthetic injection itself can cause a brief sting. After that, the procedure typically moves at a steady pace, and most patients find it goes faster than they anticipated.
Individual experience does vary. Those with sensitive teeth, dental anxiety, or deeper cavities may find the procedure more noticeable. If you feel anything sharp or intense during treatment, let your dentist know straightaway. Adjustments can be made.
Why Does My Tooth Feel Sensitive After a Filling?
Some sensitivity after a filling is entirely expected and does not mean something has gone wrong.
Once the local anaesthetic wears off, which typically happens within a few hours of leaving the clinic, the filled tooth may feel different. Common experiences include:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Mild aching when biting down, especially if the filling sits slightly high
- A general tenderness around the tooth for the first day or two
- Sensitivity to sweet foods
The Better Health Channel advises seeing your dentist again if the sensitivity continues after a few days.
Individual outcomes vary. Some patients notice very little sensitivity after a filling; others, particularly those with deep fillings or existing tooth sensitivity, may feel more discomfort in the days that follow.
How Long Does Sensitivity Last After a Filling?
For most patients, sensitivity after a filling settles within a few days to two weeks. Deeper fillings, where the cavity was close to the nerve, may take longer to fully resolve.
Several factors influence how long any discomfort lasts: 
- Depth of the cavity: The closer the decay was to the tooth’s pulp, the more likely some residual sensitivity is to linger during the healing process
- Filling size: Larger fillings involve more of the tooth structure and may take longer to settle
- Bite alignment: If the filled tooth feels higher than your surrounding teeth, this uneven pressure when chewing can cause ongoing discomfort. Your dentist can adjust the bite easily at a follow-up appointment
- Existing sensitivity: People who already have sensitive teeth before the filling may notice more post-procedure discomfort
- Filling material: According to the Australian Dental Association, composite resin fillings, which are tooth-coloured and bond directly to the tooth surface, are commonly placed today. The bonding process can temporarily make the tooth more reactive to temperature
If sensitivity is worsening rather than improving after two weeks, or if you experience throbbing pain or sensitivity to heat that does not settle, contact your dentist. These may be signs that additional treatment is needed.
What Factors Affect How Much a Filling Hurts?
Not every filling procedure feels the same, and several factors influence a patient’s experience.
Anxiety: Dental anxiety is common, and it can make the experience feel more intense than it might otherwise be. At Kensington Smiles, happy gas and IV sedation are available for patients who need support managing anxiety during treatment. Letting our team know ahead of your appointment means we can prepare accordingly.
Cavity depth: A shallow cavity caught at a routine check-up generally involves a shorter, simpler filling procedure. A deeper cavity, particularly one close to the tooth’s nerve, may require more work and carry a higher chance of sensitivity afterwards.
Untreated decay: When tooth decay is left without treatment, it progresses deeper into the tooth. What might have been a small filling at an earlier stage can become a more involved procedure, and in some cases, the tooth may reach a point where a root canal is needed instead.
Individual pain threshold: People experience discomfort differently. What one patient barely notices, another may find more significant. This is not a sign that anything has gone wrong.
What to Do After a Dental Filling
Looking after the filled tooth in the days following treatment helps it settle well.
- Avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods for at least 24 hours after the filling
- Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth while the tooth is still sensitive
- Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks if the tooth is reacting to temperature
- Over-the-counter pain relief, taken as directed, can help manage any mild discomfort in the first day or two
- Continue brushing and flossing as normal, but gently around the filled tooth
Brushing twice a day thoroughly and flossing daily are the foundations of preventing tooth decay and protecting your dental health long-term. Maintaining this routine in the days and weeks after the filling supports the healing process and helps protect the restored tooth from further decay.
When to Contact Your Dentist After a Filling
Some sensitivity is normal. But certain signs suggest you should contact your dentist rather than wait for things to settle on their own.
Contact your dentist if:
- Pain or discomfort is increasing rather than improving after a few days
- You have a throbbing or intense pain that does not ease
- The tooth is very sensitive to heat, specifically, not just cold
- Your bite feels uneven or noticeably off when you close your mouth
- Sensitivity continues beyond two to three weeks without improvement
These symptoms can point to issues such as a bite that needs adjusting, a deep filling that has irritated the nerve, or, in some cases, an infection that requires additional treatment. Leaving any of these unaddressed risks further damage to the tooth.
A Considered Approach to Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures in general dentistry, and for most patients, the experience is more straightforward than they expect. The key is addressing decay early, before it deepens to the point where treatment becomes more complex.
If you have been putting off a check-up, or you have already been told you need a filling and have questions about what to expect, the team at Kensington Smiles dental clinic is here to help. We work with patients of all ages and take particular care with those who experience dental anxiety.
Call us on (03) 7302 8099 or book an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dental filling appointment take?
Most dental filling appointments take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity and the type of filling material being used. A single small composite resin filling is generally on the shorter end of that range. Your dentist will give you a more accurate time estimate once they have assessed the tooth.
Can I eat straight after a dental filling?
It is generally advisable to wait until the local anaesthetic has fully worn off before eating, which typically takes one to three hours. Eating while numb carries a risk of biting the cheek or tongue without realising. For composite resin fillings, which harden immediately under a curing light, there is no need to wait beyond that point, though avoiding very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours is usually recommended.
What types of filling materials are used, and how does the dentist choose?
The most common filling material today is composite resin, a tooth-coloured material that bonds directly to the tooth surface and requires less removal of healthy tooth structure. Other materials include glass-ionomer cement, which releases fluoride and is often used for temporary fillings or in low-pressure areas, and porcelain or gold for larger restorations. Your dentist will recommend the most suitable material based on the size and location of the cavity, your bite, and your individual needs.
Does private health insurance cover dental fillings in Australia?
Most private health insurance extras cover plans include a rebate toward dental fillings, though the amount depends on your policy, fund, and whether the tooth item codes are covered at your annual limit. It is worth checking with your fund before your appointment. At Kensington Smiles, the team can assist with on-the-spot HICAPS claims, and flexible payment options are available if there is an out-of-pocket gap.
Are dental fillings different for children?
The process for filling a child’s tooth is similar to that for an adult: local anaesthetic is used, the decay is removed, and the tooth is restored. The main differences relate to the size of primary teeth and the child’s tolerance and cooperation during the procedure. Our team at Kensington Smiles has experience working with children of all ages and takes a gentle, patient approach to help make the visit as comfortable as possible. Individual experience will vary depending on the child’s age and level of anxiety.
References
Australian Dental Association. (n.d.). ‘Dental Fillings’. Teeth.org.au. Sydney, NSW: Australian Dental Association. https://www.teeth.org.au/fillings
Better Health Channel. (2025). ‘Dental Fillings’. Better Health Channel, August. Melbourne, VIC: Victorian Government Department of Health. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dental-fillings
Colgate. (n.d.). ‘What Is Good Oral Hygiene?’. Colgate. Sydney, NSW: Colgate-Palmolive (Australia) Pty Ltd. https://www.colgate.com.au/oral-health/adult-oral-care/what-is-good-oral-hygiene
Healthdirect Australia. (2025). ‘Dental Fillings’. Healthdirect Australia, June. Sydney, NSW: Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-fillings