It’s a very common concern: you’ve had a filling, everything seemed fine at the appointment, but afterwards your tooth feels sensitive to cold air, cold or hot drinks, or even breathing in.

In most cases, this is normal, temporary, and expected. However, it’s helpful to understand why it happens, how long it should last, and when it may need checking.

Why Do Teeth Feel Cold After a Filling?

1. The Tooth Has Been Disturbed

Even a small filling may involve removing decay, cleaning the tooth, and placing restorative material.
This process can irritate the nerve inside the tooth. The nerve responds by becoming more sensitive, particularly to cold stimuli.

This is known as post-operative sensitivity and is one of the most common after-effects of dental fillings.

2. The Filling Is Close to the Nerve

Teeth contain a nerve chamber (the pulp). If the decay was deep, the filling may be close to this nerve.

As a result:

• Cold sensations travel more easily to the nerve

• The nerve takes time to settle

This does not automatically mean the nerve is damaged — it often just needs time to calm down.

3. Composite (White) Fillings Can Increase Sensitivity

White (composite) fillings are excellent aesthetically, but they can cause temporary sensitivity, especially to cold.

This is because:

• Composite bonds chemically to the tooth

• It shrinks slightly as it sets

• This can transmit temperature changes more readily at first

This sensitivity usually improves as the tooth adapts.

4. Changes in Bite or Pressure

If a filling is slightly high, even by a fraction of a millimetre, it can place extra pressure on the tooth.

This pressure can:

• Irritate the nerve

• Make the tooth feel more sensitive to cold or biting

A simple bite adjustment often resolves this quickly.

5. Temporary Inflammation of the Tooth Nerve

The nerve inside the tooth may be mildly inflamed after treatment (reversible pulpitis).

Typical features include:

• Sharp sensitivity to cold

• Pain that settles quickly once the cold is removed

• Gradual improvement over days or weeks

This usually resolves without further treatment.

How Long Do Teeth Feel Cold After a Filling?

In most cases:

• Mild sensitivity lasts a few days to a few weeks

• Gradual improvement is expected

• Cold sensitivity that settles quickly is reassuring

Every tooth is different — deeper fillings may take longer to settle.

What Can You Do to Help?

You can reduce sensitivity by:

• Using a desensitising toothpaste twice daily

• Avoiding very cold foods and drinks initially

• Chewing on the opposite side for a few days

• Avoiding clenching or grinding if possible

Do not stop brushing — good oral hygiene helps the tooth recover.

When Should You Contact Your Dentist?

You should seek advice if:

• Sensitivity is getting worse, not better

• Pain lingers for minutes or hours after cold

• You have spontaneous pain without triggers

• Biting causes sharp or worsening discomfort

• Symptoms persist beyond 4–6 weeks

These signs may indicate that the nerve is struggling and needs further assessment.

Does Cold Sensitivity Mean I Need a Root Canal?

Not usually.

Most post-filling sensitivity does not lead to root canal treatment. Only if the nerve becomes irreversibly inflamed or infected would further treatment be needed.

Early assessment helps prevent problems from progressing.

Cold sensitivity after a filling is very common and usually temporary. It’s often a sign that the tooth is healing and adjusting, not that something has gone wrong.

If you’re unsure, uncomfortable, or simply want reassurance, it’s always sensible to have the tooth checked — early review is quick and straightforward.

Need Advice After a Filling?

At Chester Cosmetic & Dental Care, we take post-treatment concerns seriously and are always happy to review any symptoms.

Phone: 01244 376202
Website: www.ccdentalcare.co.uk
Email: info@ccdentalcare.co.uk

Your comfort matters, don’t ignore a tooth that doesn’t feel quite right.