Why does my filling hurt after years?
James Williams
Published Apr 11, 2026
An irritated nerve Short-term tooth sensitivity after a filling usually occurs because the filling procedure has aggravated or caused inflammation in the nerve inside the tooth. Usually, the tooth's outer layers — the enamel and cementum — protect the nerve from exposure.
In respect to this, can old fillings cause pain?
The metal in old amalgam fillings blocks X-rays. Even with taking them, the dentists at our Nashua, NH dental office might not be able to detect all cavities. Untreated cavities aren't just painful, they can allow bacteria to infect your dental pulp. This is very painful and needs a root canal to fix.
One may also ask, how can you tell if a filling is bad? Some of the most common signs that a dental filling needs to be replaced include:
- Sharp pain when biting down or chewing.
- Distinct change in texture.
- Graying in the tooth enamel around the filling.
Regarding this, why does my old tooth filling hurt?
You might experience a little pain when the tooth is exposed to the air or hot or cold temperatures. If this happens, applying a little dental cement, available in drug stores, can help reduce the sensitivity. Depending on the type of material used, fillings usually last between seven to 15 years.
How long does it hurt after a filling?
Sensitivity from a tooth filling should go away within two to four weeks. If the sensitivity doesn't seem to be getting any better during that time, or it lasts for longer than four weeks, contact your dentist.
Related Question Answers
Can dentist hit a nerve when doing filling?
Usually, the tooth's outer layers — the enamel and cementum — protect the nerve from exposure. But fillings, especially deep ones, can get close to the nerve endings and cause irritation and uncomfortable sensations. As the nerve heals, the sensitivity will go away. This may take a few days or weeks.Why is my filling throbbing?
"Toothache-type" constant throbbing pain. If the decay was very deep to the pulp of the tooth, this "toothache" response may indicate this tissue is no longer healthy. If this is the case, "root canal" treatment may be required.How do you know if you need a root canal after a filling?
The sooner your tooth can be treated, the better the outcome will likely be.- Persistent pain. Persistent tooth pain is one of the signs that you may need a root canal.
- Sensitivity to heat and cold.
- Tooth discoloration.
- Swollen gums.
- Pain when you eat or touch the tooth.
- A chipped or cracked tooth.
- Tooth mobility.
Can a cracked filling cause pain?
This kind of crack generally occurs around a dental filling. It usually doesn't affect the pulp of the tooth (the soft center of the tooth where nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels are) and as a result doesn't cause much pain. Cracks that extend into the gum line.What happens if you don't replace a filling?
What happens if you don't get a filling? When decay damages a tooth, the destruction to the enamel is irreversible. If the cavity is left untreated, the decay can spread and worsen, destroying healthy parts of the tooth.Can a bad filling cause a root canal?
One potential cause of infection is deep tooth decay. In some cases, extensive dental work itself may cause damage to the pulp tissue that will need to be treated via a root canal. Having multiple fillings or restorations on the same tooth increases the chances of this type of injury.How often should fillings be replaced?
In fact, some can be just fine for 15 years or more. If you have an amalgam filling, you can expect that it might last about 12 years, while a composite filling will likely need to be replaced even sooner than that. Some fillings might even need to be replaced as soon as five years after they're set in place.What are the symptoms of mercury poisoning from fillings?
The symptoms of mercury poisoning include:- sensory impairment - vision, hearing or speech.
- lack of co-ordination.
- muscle twitching.
- tremors.
- headache.
- weakness.
- itching or burning.
- skin discolouration.
Do old fillings need to be replaced?
Dental fillings may last many years; however, even- tually all fillings need to be replaced. Fillings that have worn away, chipped, cracked or fallen out may leave gaps between the tooth and the filling that can provide an entry point for bacteria.Can an old filling be repaired?
There's no way to fix a broken dental filling on your own, so it's crucial to make an appointment as soon as possible before bacteria find a way into the gap left by the broken filling. If the issue is left untreated, you're at a higher risk of losing your tooth.How long should a filling last?
Usually, a filling will last anywhere from 7-20 years, although this depends on the location of the filling, the size, and your dental hygiene. Fillings put up with a lot of stress! Every time you chew, your filling is compromised.Why does my dentist want to replace my fillings?
Dental fillings are replaced for a variety of reasons, including: new decay (cavity), a gap develops between the filling and tooth, broken or cracked filling, broken or cracked tooth, removal of amalgam (metal) and replacement of a filling that does not match the tooth.How do you know if a bite is still healing after a filling?
Ways to tell if your bite may be off: You touch down on one tooth before the others. It is tender to chew on that tooth/side of the mouth. Something just feels different than it did before. It mainly bothers you when chewing/eating.When did Dentists stop using mercury fillings?
July 28, 2009 -- The mercury used in dental amalgam fillings is not at a level high enough to cause harm in patients, according to the FDA, which today issued its final regulation on the controversial tooth filling material.Can a filled tooth get a cavity?
Fact: A Filled Tooth Can Still Get a Cavity “Not only can the filling wear and break down, but the tooth can still decay around the edges of the filling,” Messina says.How many fillings is too many?
More than eight fillings could raise your risk of brain, heart and kidney disease. Having more than eight fillings could raise blood mercury levels two-and-a-half times - increasing the risk of brain, heart and kidney disease, a study shows.Can a filling replace a root canal?
Fractures extend along other parts of the tooth and may require a filling replacement or crown. Cracks extend toward the root and can require a root canal and crown or, if too severe, extraction. If the decay is treated early, replacing the filling is adequate. If not, a crown and even a root canal may be needed.What it feels like when you need a filling?
Toothache. A toothache may be the most common sign that you might need a tooth filling. But, sensitivity to certain temperatures, to pressure, or to sweet foods are also indicators that you need a filling. Finally, if you experience sudden or throbbing pain when biting or chewing, you also might need a tooth filling.What does a loose filling feel like?
Being overly sensitive to hot and cold temperatures when you chew on food also indicates that the filling may be coming loose. If your tongue feels something different in your teeth or you constantly feel bothered by pain and sensitivity, we can help replace a loose tooth filling.How long does it take for nerves to settle after fillings?
This process can slightly aggravate the nerve which is a very common cause of sensitivity after a filling. The nerve needs a chance to settle with the new filling material. This process can take up to a couple weeks or months to fully settle – depending on the tooth itself and the level of aggravation.What can you do for a loose filling?
If your filling feels loose, it's best to notify your dentist as quickly as possible and make an appointment to have it repaired. In the meantime, Dr. Leibowitz recommends using the opposite side of your mouth to chew your food to avoid pulling the filling out altogether.Why do I need a root canal after a filling?
Nerve pain that produces sensitivity to pressure and temperature is normal after a filling and though many don't experience discomfort after a filling, others do. Sometimes, when the decay is too close to the nerve, a root canal may be necessary to restore the tooth. Think of a filling as step one in restoring a tooth.What can you not do after a filling?
What Not to Do After Getting a Filling- Avoid Chewing While Your Mouth Is Numb. After getting your filling, your mouth will feel numb.
- Foods to Avoid After Dental Filling. Avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods for up to two weeks especially if you got a silver filling.
- Avoid Biting Too Hard.
- Refrain from Grinding Your Teeth.
- Caring For Your Fillings.
- Visit Us Today.
