Having a filling is one of the most common dental procedures. Recovery is usually straightforward.
Numbness: If you had a local anaesthetic injection, your mouth will feel numb for 1–3 hours. Take care not to bite your cheek, lip, or tongue while you cannot feel properly.
Avoid eating until the numbness has completely worn off. Hot drinks in particular are a risk when numb — you may burn yourself without realising.
For white (composite) fillings: the filling is set hard by the end of your appointment. You can eat on it once the anaesthetic has worn off, but avoid very hard foods for the rest of the day.
For silver amalgam fillings (less common today): avoid chewing on the new filling for 24 hours to allow it to fully set.
Sensitivity After a Filling — What Is Normal
It is very common to experience some sensitivity after a filling. This affects about 1 in 3 people and can last a few days to a few weeks.
Sensitivity to hot or cold is the most common experience. This usually settles on its own within 2–4 weeks.
Sensitivity when biting is also normal for a few days, especially if the filling is slightly high (catching on the opposing tooth).
Using a sensitive toothpaste (such as one containing potassium nitrate) twice daily can help manage sensitivity. Rub a small amount onto the sensitive tooth after brushing and leave it — do not rinse.
Sensitivity that is getting worse over several weeks, or that is constant rather than triggered by temperature, should be assessed by your dentist.
If Your Bite Feels Uneven
After a filling, your bite may feel slightly different. This is common and is easy to fix.
It can be difficult to assess your bite accurately when your mouth is still numb. Give it a day or two to see how it settles.
If after 2–3 days the filling still feels high or catches when you bite together, contact your dentist for a simple bite adjustment. This takes only a few minutes and is often done without an injection.
Do not ignore a filling that is persistently high — it can cause soreness in your jaw joint and tooth over time.
Caring for Your Filling Long-Term
Fillings are durable but they are not permanent. With good care, a white composite filling typically lasts 7–10 years. Here is how to get the best from it:
Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes daily.
Avoid biting very hard foods (ice, hard sweets, crusty bread) with the filled tooth.
If you grind your teeth at night, let your dentist know — a nightguard can protect both your teeth and any restorations.
Attend regular check-up appointments so your dentist can monitor the condition of the filling.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Get in touch with your dentist if:
The filling falls out or chips
You have severe, constant toothache that is not controlled by painkillers
Pain or sensitivity is getting worse after 2 weeks rather than improving
You notice swelling around the tooth or in your face
You develop a temperature above 38°C
The bite still feels very uneven after 3 days
Contact your dentist in working hours for non-urgent concerns. For urgent problems outside of hours, call NHS 111.
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. Your dentist will discuss your individual circumstances and any risks specific to you. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Contact your dentist if you have severe pain that is not settling after 3 days, the filling falls out or breaks, your bite feels very uneven, or you develop swelling. Call NHS 111 if you cannot reach your dentist.