When a dental filling is placed, it restores tooth structure damaged by decay or trauma. Feeling an unusual texture or edge where the filling meets the tooth can be unsettling. This sensation is common and should be promptly assessed by a dental professional to ensure the restoration remains healthy and protective. This article explains why you might feel this edge, what could cause it to become sharp, and the steps you should take to manage it.
Understanding the Texture Difference
It is normal to feel a slight difference between your natural tooth and the filling material, even when the filling is perfectly smooth and intact. The physical composition of the filling material differs from the enamel and dentin of your tooth. This minor tactile difference occurs at the margin, the junction where the restorative material meets the natural tooth. Dentists aim for a seamless transition, but the tongue is highly sensitive and can detect microscopic irregularities. If the transition is smooth and causes no irritation, this distinction is non-pathological and may become less noticeable as you adjust.
Causes of a Newly Felt or Sharp Edge
A newly prominent, rough, or sharp edge usually indicates a structural problem with the filling or the surrounding tooth. One common issue is marginal breakdown or chipping, where a small piece of the filling or the adjacent tooth structure fractures away. This leaves a jagged edge that can irritate the tongue or cheek tissue.
Another cause is recurrent decay, which forms beneath or around the existing restoration. As decay progresses, it compromises the marginal seal, causing the filling to lift slightly or create a rough gap. Extensive wear over time can also lead to a noticeable ledge, especially with older restorations where the filling or the tooth has worn unevenly.
In some cases, the entire filling may have fractured, or a cusp of the tooth supporting the filling may have broken off under chewing pressure. A fracture exposes a sharp surface that allows bacteria to enter the tooth, requiring immediate attention. If the edge is felt immediately after a new filling, the dentist may simply need to adjust and polish an uneven surface or high spot.
Immediate Steps and Temporary Relief
The first step is to contact your dental office for an evaluation as soon as you notice a sharp or prominent edge. Only a professional examination, often including X-rays, can determine the precise cause and necessary treatment. While waiting for your appointment, avoid chewing on the affected side to prevent further damage to the filling or the tooth.
If the sharp edge is actively irritating or cutting your tongue or cheek, you can use dental wax for temporary relief. Dental wax, or a small piece of softened, dried sugar-free chewing gum, can be gently molded over the sharp area to create a smooth barrier. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help manage any associated soreness or inflammation in the soft tissues.
How Dentists Repair or Replace Fillings
When you see your dentist, they will first assess the extent of the damage to the filling and the tooth structure. If the issue is minor and the filling is sound, the dentist may perform a simple repair by polishing or smoothing the rough margin. This procedure rounds the sharp edges, eliminating irritation and restoring a smooth transition between the tooth and the filling.
If the assessment reveals recurrent decay, a large fracture, or a compromised marginal seal, the entire filling will need replacement. The dentist will numb the area, remove the old filling material and any decay, and then place a new restoration. If the remaining tooth structure is too weakened, a more extensive solution, such as an indirect filling (inlay or onlay) or a full dental crown, may be necessary to protect the tooth from further breakage.