Why does my recently filled tooth hurt at night?

There are several possible reasons why a recently filled tooth may hurt at night:

1. Heightened Sensitivity: After getting a tooth filling, it is common to experience some sensitivity to cold, heat, or pressure. This is because the filling material can irritate the nerve inside the tooth. This sensitivity usually goes away within a few days or weeks, but it can be more noticeable at night when you are lying down and the pressure on the tooth increases.

2. Pulpitis: Pulpitis is an inflammation of the pulp, which is the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. This can occur if the decay that led to the filling extended deep into the tooth, causing irritation or damage to the pulp. Pulpitis can cause a throbbing, persistent pain that is often worse at night.

3. High Bite: Sometimes, a filling can be placed too high, resulting in a situation where the tooth comes into contact with its opposing tooth prematurely when biting down. This can put excessive pressure on the tooth and can cause pain, especially when lying down at night.

4. Sinus Pressure: In some cases, pain in the upper molars or premolars can be related to sinus issues. When you lie down at night, the pressure in the sinuses can increase, leading to pain in the teeth and facial region.

5. Infection: If the filling was not properly sealed or the tooth was not thoroughly cleaned before the filling, bacteria may have entered the pulp, leading to an infection. Dental infections can cause severe pain, especially at night.

If the pain is severe or does not subside within a few days, it is important to see your dentist for an evaluation to determine the exact cause of the pain and receive appropriate treatment.