You just had your cavity filled. Everything felt fine at the office, but now that the numbness has worn off, something doesn’t feel quite right. Your bite isn’t lining up, and you’re left wondering – will a high filling fix itself? Will it naturally settle, or is it time to head back to the dental chair? Aspire Dental Wellness is here to explain what’s happening and what you should do about it.
What Does a High Filling Look Like?
A dental filling is a common treatment used to address decay and minor chips, restoring the shape and function of the affected tooth. But sometimes, it doesn’t fit just right, and that’s what we call a high filling. The material is sitting slightly above the natural surface of the tooth, and while this is usually not visible to the naked eye, you’ll likely feel it, especially when biting down.
How to Know if Filling Is Too High
Your teeth are surprisingly sensitive to even the smallest changes in your bite. If the filling is too high, the bite becomes unbalanced. This is very easy to notice – after all, who knows your smile better than you? Well, maybe your dentist in Charlotte, NC, but you get the point.
At first, an uneven bite may feel like only a mild annoyance, but it can quickly turn into discomfort. There might be sensitivity, especially to hot, cold, or sweet foods, and after a while, you might even experience jaw soreness or stiffness. Basically, if your mouth feels weird after the dentist’s appointment, the filling might be sitting too high.
Will a High Filling Fix Itself? Should You See Your Charlotte, NC, Dentist?
If there’s a barely noticeable difference after the treatment, the bite can adapt naturally over time. However, when a filling is noticeably too high, you shouldn’t count on it settling down on its own. Chewing won’t magically fix the issue, and if there’s discomfort, the last thing you should be doing is trying to tough it out.
No matter how significant it is, the smartest move would be to schedule another appointment with your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark and get it checked out. They will be able to quickly identify whether your bite is out of balance with articulating paper and make precise adjustments. Most of the time, they will just have to simply reshape it to get your smile back on track.
Why Is It Important to Have an Even Bite?
When you’ve got an even bite, the pressure from eating is distributed equally. Chewing properly supports healthy digestion and helps keep your teeth strong. But when one tooth is slightly too high, it can throw everything out of balance.
As we’ve already discussed, that tiny misalignment can lead to sensitivity, discomfort, excessive wear on some teeth, and even temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). So, any issues with teeth alignment, including high fillings, should be checked out by your Charlotte, NC, dentist as soon as possible.
What Does the Ideal Teeth Alignment Look Like?
The ideal alignment is actually defined by a slight overbite, with the upper teeth sitting just slightly in front of the lower ones. The back molars should meet evenly, with all teeth sharing the workload when you bite down. Of course, each smile is unique, but this kind of alignment means it won’t be causing you any trouble down the line.
How Long Do Dental Fillings Last?
Even when they’re placed perfectly, dental fillings don’t last forever. They can wear down over time due to chewing or excessive tooth grinding, and sometimes, fillings can fall out altogether. How long they’ll last depends on numerous factors, including the location, material, and your usual oral hygiene routine. Here’s what you can expect when it comes to longevity:
- Composite resin – 5 to 10 years,
- Porcelain – approximately 15 years,
- Glass ionomer – 5 to 10 years,
- Amalgam – 10 to 15 years,
- Gold – approximately 20 years.
How to Care for Dental Fillings in Charlotte, NC
Just like natural teeth, fillings require some care and attention. The best way to protect them and the rest of your smile is by keeping good oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and being mindful of how many sugary snacks you take.
Regular dental cleanings and exams are also key here. During these visits, your Charlotte, NC, dentist will be able to check for signs of wear, damage, or decay around the filling. If there are any concerns, they will be able to provide a quick fix for your smile. A little care goes a long way in keeping your dental work intact!
High Filling Got You Down? Aspire Dental Wellness Can Help
If something doesn’t feel quite right after you’ve got a filling done, maybe it’s time to part ways with your current Charlotte dentist in SouthPark and find a new, more experienced one. High fillings are super easy to fix, especially when you’ve got a skilled team such as Aspire Dental Wellness by your side.
Led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, our practice of general dentistry in Charlotte, NC, is all about making dental care feel relaxed and comfortable. Whether you need adjustments or a filling done right the first time, feel free to contact us. Let’s help you feel confident every time you flash that smile!
