How Long Does a Toothache Last After a Filling in Children?
Your child has just left the dentist’s chair after getting a dental filling, and you notice a bit of discomfort or sensitivity on their face. This is a normal part of the process toward healthier teeth, as the tooth gets used to the new filling and the nerves calm down after the procedure. It’s like the tooth is sending gentle signals while it heals from its small repair, adjusting to the changes and keeping that bright smile safe. Knowing this natural reaction helps you support your child through this healing stage with care and confidence. Let’s discuss the duration of post-filling toothache in children.
Causes of Toothache After a Dental Filling in Children
Toothache after a dental filling treatment in children can happen for different reasons, and most are common and temporary. Here are the main causes:
Nerve Irritation During the Procedure
When the dentist removes decay and places the filling, the tooth’s nerve can get irritated. This may cause short-term sensitivity or discomfort, which usually improves within a few days or weeks as the nerve heals.
Filling Too High or Bite Not Aligned Properly
If the filling is a little too high or not shaped correctly, it can create uneven pressure when your child bites down. This can cause pain and may need a quick dental adjustment to fix the bite.
Sensitivity to Temperature or Pressure
Some children may feel discomfort from hot, cold, sweets, or even air after getting a filling. This happens because the tooth’s nerve is more sensitive right after the treatment, but it usually gets better over time.
Large Filling or Pressure on Nearby Teeth and Gums
If the filling is large, it can put pressure on the tooth or surrounding areas, making chewing or biting feel sore.
Deep Cavity or Hidden Infection
If the cavity was very close to the nerve, the nerve might become inflamed, leading to ongoing pain. In some cases, if bacteria are still present or an infection develops, further treatment like a root canal may be needed.
Reaction to Filling Material
In rare situations, a child may be sensitive to certain chemicals in the filling, which can cause discomfort or sensitivity.
Any Questions?
Average Duration of Toothache After a Filling
The length of time a toothache or sensitivity lasts after a dental filling usually follows this pattern:
- First 24–48 hours: It’s normal to feel mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure as the numbness wears off and the tooth’s nerve starts adjusting.
- 2 to 7 days: The discomfort should slowly start to get better during this time.
- 1 to 4 weeks: You might still notice some sensitivity, especially to hot or cold, as the tooth continues to heal and adapt to the filling.
- After 4 weeks: Most people no longer feel any pain or sensitivity, and the tooth feels normal.
For most patients, normal discomfort lasts about a week, but mild sensitivity can stick around for two to four weeks. This is usually because the nerve is still healing and getting used to the new filling material.
Ways to Help Your Child Manage Toothache After Filling
Here’s how you can help your child manage post-filling discomfort:
- Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
You can give your child medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce pain and swelling. Always follow the correct dose for their age and weight, and stick to the dentist’s instructions. These medicines work well for mild to moderate pain, especially in the first few days after the filling. - Follow the Dentist’s Advice on Care and Follow-Up Visits
Make sure to attend any follow-up visits so the dentist can check the filling, adjust the bite if needed, and see how the tooth is healing. Contact the dentist right away if the pain gets worse, lasts longer than a few weeks, or is joined by swelling, redness, fever, or other signs of infection.The dentist may suggest treatments like topical fluoride, further care, or adjustments to help your child feel better and keep the tooth healthy.
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Closing Note
In children, a toothache after a filling usually lasts from a few days to about two weeks while the tooth’s nerve heals and gets used to the treatment. Parents should keep an eye on the pain and call the dentist if it doesn’t get better, gets worse, or comes with swelling or other symptoms.
If you suspect your child has a cavity, consult our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Jasmine Ghanem, at LuxDen Kids for dental fillings. Call us at (347) 391-0744 to book an appointment.