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Pain after a cervical (Class V) amalgam filling can stem from several sources: exposed dentinal tubules may produce postoperative hypersensitivity [Al-Omari et al., 2006, PMID 16827017]; a deep preparation with minimal residual dentin can trigger irreversible pulpal inflammation or necrosis [Wisithphrom et al., 2006, PMID 17243333]; and soft-tissue trauma to the adjacent gingiva during subgingival cavity preparation or matrix placement is also a recognized cause of discomfort [Alperstein, 1995, PMID 7473286]. Hence any of the listed factors may be responsible.