The experience of a dental filling feeling “high” or that your bite is “off” is a frequent occurrence following restorative work. This sensation, known as premature contact, happens when the new filling material prevents the upper and lower teeth from meeting correctly. It is a common post-procedure issue that requires prompt attention from your dental provider. This feeling is an immediate indicator that a slight adjustment is needed.
Why Your Bite Feels Uneven
The primary reason your bite feels uneven is the presence of a “high spot,” or a minuscule excess of filling material on the chewing surface. This material prevents the teeth from settling into their natural, comfortable resting position, known as centric occlusion. Even a difference measured in a fraction of a millimeter can disrupt the harmony of your bite.
Local anesthetic plays a significant role because it masks the patient’s natural jaw movements during the procedure. While the dentist checks the bite immediately after the filling is placed, the numbness prevents you from feeling subtle pressure points. Once the anesthesia wears off and sensation returns, the slight interference becomes immediately noticeable. This is why a filling that felt fine in the chair may feel uneven a few hours later at home.
Risks of Ignoring a High Filling
Ignoring uneven pressure from a high filling can lead to several complications. When one small area of the tooth receives too much force, it causes concentrated stress on the tooth structure. This excessive pressure increases the risk of the tooth developing a fracture line or the filling material chipping away.
A high filling also causes inflammation of the periodontal ligament, the tissue surrounding the root that acts as a shock absorber. When this ligament is constantly stressed, the tooth can become tender to pressure, leading to a persistent ache and heightened sensitivity. Furthermore, the forced change in how you chew can strain the muscles and joints of your jaw. This can result in muscle soreness, headaches, and contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort over time.
How the Dentist Adjusts Your Filling
The adjustment procedure, often referred to as occlusal equilibration, is typically quick and straightforward. The dentist begins by using articulating paper, a thin, colored strip, placed between your teeth. You are instructed to gently tap your teeth together while the paper is in place.
The paper leaves distinct, colored marks on the tooth surfaces, highlighting the exact points of contact. A darker mark on the new filling indicates the premature contact area that needs reduction. The dentist then uses a slow-speed dental handpiece with a fine-grit bur to carefully polish away the excess material in these marked areas.
This process is repeated, often with a different color of articulating paper, to check the bite in various functional movements, such as grinding the teeth side-to-side and forward. This ensures the filling does not interfere with the natural sliding motion of the jaw. The final goal is to create even, balanced contact points across the arch, restoring the tooth to its correct shape and function.
Signs of a Dental Emergency
While a high filling is generally not an emergency, specific symptoms warrant immediate attention from your dentist. These signs suggest a more serious issue than a simple high spot:
- Severe, throbbing pain that does not subside with over-the-counter pain relievers or wakes you up at night. This could indicate inflammation or infection extending deep into the tooth’s pulp chamber.
- A visible fracture or chipping of the tooth or the filling itself, requiring prompt care to prevent further structural damage.
- Any sudden swelling in the face or jaw area, especially when accompanied by a fever or difficulty swallowing, which points to a spreading infection.
- Persistent, intense sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lasts for several minutes after the stimulus is removed.