A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap designed to cover a damaged or weakened tooth. It restores the tooth’s original shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often recommended to protect a tooth after a root canal, to hold a cracked tooth together, to restore a severely worn-down tooth, or to cover a dental implant. They provide a protective barrier, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of the dentition.
Recognizing the Signs
When a dental crown is placed too high, it can disrupt the natural alignment of your bite, causing discomfort. A common indicator is a feeling that your bite is “off” or that the crowned tooth hits before your other teeth. This can cause difficulty closing your mouth completely or a constant awareness of uneven pressure.
This premature contact often results in pain when chewing. Excessive force on the high crown can irritate the underlying tooth structure, leading to a dull ache or sharp pain that worsens with biting. You might also experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, as the uneven pressure can stress the tooth’s internal nerve.
The continuous uneven pressure can strain jaw muscles, causing jaw soreness or fatigue. Headaches or facial muscle discomfort can also arise from the body’s attempt to compensate for the misaligned bite. An ongoing “high spot” sensation on the crowned tooth, even when not chewing, is another clear sign.
Common Reasons for a High Crown
Several factors can contribute to a dental crown feeling too high after placement. During the initial fitting appointment, the crown might not be perfectly adjusted to an individual’s bite. The initial fit might appear correct, but subtle interferences can become apparent once the patient resumes normal chewing.
Sometimes, the crown material, such as porcelain or ceramic, can settle slightly after bonded, leading to minor changes in its vertical dimension. The surrounding teeth or the opposing tooth may also undergo shifts over time, which can alter the bite relationship with the new crown. Such movements, though small, can be enough to create a high spot.
Less commonly, changes in gum tissue, like minor recession around the crowned tooth, can expose a different surface of the crown, affecting its contact with the opposing arch. While rare, manufacturing imperfections in the dental laboratory, such as inaccuracies during fabrication, can also contribute to a crown being slightly over-contoured.
Addressing a High Crown
If you suspect your dental crown is too high, contact your dentist promptly. Delaying an appointment can lead to ongoing discomfort and more significant issues, such as excessive wear on opposing teeth, damage to the crown, or even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems from chronic bite misalignment. The constant uneven force can also stress the underlying tooth.
When you visit the dentist, the adjustment process is straightforward. The dentist will use articulating paper, thin, colored paper, to identify high spots on the crown making premature contact with opposing teeth. Once these areas are marked, the dentist will use specialized instruments to carefully remove small amounts of crown material.
This process involves minor grinding and polishing of the crown’s surface to ensure a smooth, comfortable fit that integrates with your natural bite. Do not attempt to adjust the crown yourself, as this can cause irreversible damage to the crown or underlying tooth. Professional intervention ensures the adjustment is performed safely and accurately, restoring proper occlusal balance.