1) Short summary of what’s likely happening

After a recent filling, mild sensitivity for a few days is common, especially to hot, cold or pressure. But the combination you describe — pain when drinking (likely thermal or fluid pressure) and a squeaking/grating feeling during chewing — raises a few possibilities:

Likely causes (ranked by probability)

1. High bite (occlusal interference) — if the new filling sits too high it will hit early when you bite, causing sharp pain on chewing and a strange squeak/feeling. This often produces immediate pain with pressure and can be fixed quickly by adjusting the filling.

2. Post-op dentine sensitivity — exposed dentine or stimulation of the remaining nerve can cause pain with cold/hot liquids for several days.

3. Cracked tooth or fracture line — the “squeak” sensation and pain on function can happen if a tooth is cracked; a filling may uncover or worsen a crack.

4. Pulp inflammation (reversible or irreversible pulpitis) — if the nerve is inflamed, you may get lingering sensitivity, pain with temperature or biting; reversible may settle, irreversible may progress to severe pain and require root canal.

5. Cement/rough surface or trapped food — rough surface of the filling or leftover cement/plaque can cause an odd sensation on chewing.

6. Occlusal wear interaction with opposing tooth — if the filling changes the way teeth slide past each other, you can feel a squeak or catching.

2) What to do RIGHT NOW (practical, immediate steps)

• Avoid hard or sticky foods and avoid chewing on that side until a dentist checks the bite.

• Take OTC pain relief (ibuprofen/naproxen or paracetamol) per the recommended dose if needed and if you have no contraindications.

• Rinse with warm salt water 2–3× daily to reduce surface inflammation.

• Try desensitizing toothpaste (sodium fluoride or potassium nitrate) if you have one — helps with dentine sensitivity over days.

• Do not poke at the filling with sharp objects. Keep the area clean with gentle brushing.

3) What the dentist will check / the clinical exam

• Check occlusion with articulating paper — is the filling high? If so, a quick adjustment (1–5 minutes) usually resolves pain.

• Percussion and bite tests (tapping the tooth, biting on a stick) to localize pain and evaluate a crack.

• Thermal testing to assess nerve reaction (cold test).

• Radiograph (periapical X-ray) to check for decay under the filling, periapical inflammation, or a fracture line.

• Visual inspection under good lighting and magnification for cracks or roughness.

• Assess contact with opposing/adjacent teeth and check for trapped food or cement.

4) Timeline and realistic healing expectations

• Immediate fixable cause (high bite / rough surface): relief often occurs within hours to 48 hrs after occlusal adjustment.

• Dentine sensitivity or minor pulp irritation: often improves in a few days to 2 weeks.

• Reversible pulpitis: may settle within 1–3 weeks with conservative care.

• If pulp becomes irreversibly inflamed / infected: pain can worsen over days and often requires root canal treatment (typical timeline → symptoms worsening within days to 2 weeks).

• If symptoms persist beyond 14 days or get worse (increasing pain, nocturnal pain, swelling), do not wait — see a dentist immediately.

5) If you “wait 14 days” — what can get worse (possible escalations)

• Progression from reversible to irreversible pulpitis → severe persistent pain, possible need for root canal.

• Development of dental abscess (swelling, pus, bad taste/odor, fever) — requires urgent treatment (drainage, RCT or extraction, antibiotics if systemic signs).

• Crack propagation → tooth fracture that may need a crown or extraction depending on extent.

• Widening of lesion under filling (if decay was missed) → more extensive restoration or root canal.

• Chronic sensitivity / discomfort requiring redoing the filling or performing further restorative work.

6) When to contact your dentist urgently (go today)

Call your dentist today if any of these occur:

• Increasing or severe pain not controlled by OTC analgesics

• Pain that wakes you at night or is constant

• Swelling of face, gum, or jaw; difficulty swallowing or breathing

• Pus, fever, or bad taste/odour from the tooth

• Marked mobility of the tooth or sudden change in bite

If none of those are present but pain and squeaking persist beyond 48–72 hours, book an appointment within a few days to have the bite and restoration checked.

7) Likely fixes the dentist may do

• Adjust the bite (occlusal equilibration) — very quick and commonly resolves chewing pain and odd sensations.

• Smooth or polish the filling or remove excess cement.

• Replace the filling if poorly contoured or leaking.

• Place a protective liner or desensitizing agent and give home-care instructions.

• If crack or pulp damage is present — consider crown or root canal therapy.

• If infection is present — RCT or extraction and possible antibiotics if systemic involvement.