- Cold sensitivity for a few days is normal — especially with tooth-colored fillings
- Don't eat while you're still numb
- Silver fillings need at least 1 hour to set — stick to soft foods
- Call us if sensitivity is sharp, lingers more than 5 seconds, or keeps you up at night
A filling is one of the most common things we do, and most patients walk out feeling just fine. Still, it helps to know what's normal in the days after, so here's the rundown.
A Little Sensitivity Is Normal
It's common to feel some sensitivity, especially to cold, for a few days after a filling. Here's a good rule of thumb: if the sensitivity goes away within a couple of seconds after the cold is gone, your nerve is healthy and doing fine. Usually, the deeper the cavity was, the more sensitivity you might feel. You'll probably notice it most in the first 24 hours after the numbness wears off. Tooth-colored fillings tend to be a little more sensitive than silver ones. Most people feel sensitive for just a couple of days. For some, it lasts a few weeks or even longer. As long as it's slowly improving, your nerve is healing. Give us a call if the sensitivity is sharp and comes out of nowhere, lingers more than 5 seconds, or keeps you up at night. That can be a sign the tooth needs a little more attention, like a root canal.
Sore Gums
Your gums may be a little sore for a few days, and the spot where we gave you the numbing shot can be tender too. That's normal. Ibuprofen (Motrin) or Tylenol usually takes care of it.
Your Bite Might Feel "Off" at First
The new filling might feel a touch different from your old tooth. Your tongue tends to make that small difference feel bigger than it is, and most folks get used to it in a few days. But if your bite still feels off after a day or two, tell us. It's a quick, easy fix to adjust the filling so it feels right.
When Can You Eat?
It depends on the type of filling:
- Tooth-colored (composite) fillings are fully set when you leave our office, so you can eat right away. Just be careful until the numbness wears off so you don't accidentally bite your lip, cheek, or tongue.
- Silver fillings are kind of like concrete — they need at least an hour to set. Stick to soft foods for the first 24 hours to let them fully harden.
A Note for Kids
If your child had a filling, keep an eye on them until the numbness wears off. That strange numb feeling makes a lot of kids chew on their lip, cheek, or tongue, which can cause real soreness later once the numbness fades.
Keeping Your Filling Healthy
Fillings are tough, but they don't last forever. Good brushing and flossing go a long way toward protecting them. Keep up with cleanings every six months and an exam and x-rays once a year so we can keep an eye on things. If a filling ever gets too large to hold the tooth together, we may recommend a crown instead. You've made an investment in your smile — let's protect it.
Frequently Asked Questions
That's normal after a filling, especially if the cavity was deep. As long as it's getting better over time, your tooth is healing.
Give it a day or two. If it still doesn't feel right, call us for a quick adjustment — it's an easy fix.
With tooth-colored fillings, yes — just wait until the numbness is gone. With silver fillings, wait at least an hour and keep to soft foods for the first day.
Usually a couple of days. Some teeth take a few weeks. If it's sharp, lingering, or keeping you up at night, let us know.
Dr. Joseph Gegzna, DMD is the founder and lead dentist at Rabbit Creek Dental in Mobile, Alabama. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and has been a licensed dentist in Alabama since 2014, with more than 12 years of experience in general, restorative, and implant dentistry. After several years practicing as an associate, he founded Rabbit Creek Dental in 2022 to build the kind of patient-first practice he believed in. He has completed advanced implant training through a 92-hour Implant Pathway program with live patient surgery and additional surgical training in impacted third molar extractions through the Koerner Center for Surgical Instruction. He is a member of the American Dental Association and is currently in his third year of the Bulletproof Dental Mastermind program, a continuing education group focused on delivering an exceptional patient experience. Before dentistry, Dr. Gegzna was a licensed pilot, bringing a calm, detail-oriented approach to patient care. Rabbit Creek Dental serves families throughout Mobile.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For personalized guidance about your dental health, please contact our office at (251) 308-0584.