A dental filling that feels “high” is medically known as occlusal interference or premature contact, where the restorative material meets the opposing tooth before the rest of the teeth. This misalignment causes discomfort, localized pain, or heightened sensitivity when biting down. The uneven pressure prevents the jaw from closing naturally, making chewing difficult and leading to soreness in surrounding tissues. Correcting a high spot requires specialized equipment and precision impossible to achieve without professional tools.
Why DIY Filing Is Impossible and Dangerous
Attempting to adjust a high filling at home is strongly discouraged because it carries significant risks of damage and cannot achieve the precision required for a balanced bite. Dental restorative materials (amalgam, composite resin, or porcelain) are engineered to be extremely hard and durable, often rivaling natural tooth enamel. Household tools like nail files or sandpaper are ineffective against these materials and will likely only scratch the surface or cause microscopic fracturing.
The adjustment must be precise to within fractions of a millimeter, as even a tiny excess of material significantly disrupts bite alignment. Using non-dental tools risks removing too much material, which could leave a divot in the filling or fracture the underlying tooth structure. This damage requires a costly and more invasive repair than the initial simple adjustment.
Uneven bite forces resulting from an improperly adjusted filling transmit damaging stress through the jaw joints and muscles. This contributes to the development of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, causing chronic pain, headaches, or clicking sounds in the jaw. Attempting to file down a filling at home also risks damaging soft tissues, creating open wounds susceptible to bacterial infection. The filling’s integrity relies on a smooth, polished surface, which only professional tools can achieve, and roughing it compromises its longevity.
Immediate Comfort Measures While Waiting
While waiting for a dental appointment, several safe steps can manage the discomfort associated with a high filling. The primary goal is to reduce inflammation and minimize mechanical stress on the affected tooth. Immediately switch to a soft-food diet, avoiding anything chewy, crunchy, or hard that requires excessive biting force.
It is also important to avoid chewing food on the side of the mouth where the high filling is located to prevent further irritation. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are effective in reducing pain and localized inflammation. Always follow dosage instructions and consult a pharmacist if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
Rinsing the mouth several times a day with a warm saltwater solution helps soothe irritated gums and tissues. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gently swish the solution around the affected area. These measures provide temporary relief by controlling symptoms, not by mechanically altering the filling itself.
What to Expect During a Dental Adjustment
The professional process for correcting a high filling is straightforward, quick, and uses specialized instruments to restore proper bite alignment. The dentist first uses articulating paper (bite paper), a thin, colored strip placed between the upper and lower teeth. When you bite down, this paper leaves colored marks on the filling, precisely indicating the high spots or premature contact points.
The dentist uses these marks as a guide for material removal, employing a high-speed dental handpiece fitted with a fine bur. This instrument allows for the removal of minute amounts of filling material at a time, ensuring the adjustment is minimal and highly controlled. The process is repeated until the marks are evenly distributed and the patient reports a comfortable, balanced bite.
The final step involves polishing the adjusted filling with special abrasives to create a smooth surface matching the surrounding tooth structure. Polishing prevents plaque accumulation and reduces wear on the opposing tooth. This entire procedure, known as an occlusal adjustment, quickly restores the correct occlusion (how the teeth meet) and immediately relieves the discomfort.