A dentist placed a new silver filling last Friday without telling me it was silver. The filling is in my bottom left second molar. That’s the side of my mouth that I chew on. Now, whenever I have a cold drink of anything, even water, my tooth hurts soooo much. It almost feels as if the cold liquid is going inside the tooth. I know the liquid is not going inside the tooth, but it feels like it.

I selected this dentist based on Google reviews and have only been to him twice, for an exam and cleaning and last week to get the filling. I was going to let him whiten my teeth, but now I am skeptical. Should I return to the dentist, or will the sensitivity go away? My other concern is that I do not want a silver filling. I prefer to remove it, but I don’t know if a dentist would remove a new filling. Thanks – Kinsley from Charlotte, NC

Kinsley – Thank you for contacting Dr. Delaune’s office.

It is common to have sensitivity in a recently filled tooth.

Should You Still Feel Pain After a Tooth Filling?

Amalgam fillings can be sensitive to heat and cold and more sensitive than white fillings. Sensitivity gradually goes away within two weeks., but sometimes you can feel sensitivity in a tooth for up to eight weeks. Amalgam fillings contain various metals, which quickly conduct heat or cold to a tooth that is already somewhat sensitive from having decay removed and replaced with filling.

What Can You Do About Tooth Sensitivity After a Filling?

Avoid very cold or hot foods or drinks that increases sensitivity after getting a new filling. If you continue to experience the same level or increased sensitivity in the tooth after two weeks, contact your dentist.

Will a Dentist Replace Your New Filling?

If a dentist placed a silver filling without your knowledge, you have a right to have it changed to a composite, or white, filling. You can explain your concerns to a cosmetic dentist who will be willing to remove the amalgam filling and replace it with composite. You may have to pay for the replacement filling yourself. If you have dental insurance, contact the plan provider, and ask if they will provide any coverage toward the filling.

It is best to delay your teeth whitening plans until a dentist resolves the sensitivity. The bleaching gel can increase sensitivity in your teeth.

Dr. Duane Delaune, a cosmetic dentist in Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post.