What we do if a filling ends up being too high

Dental fillings are common treatments for cavities and tooth decay. Fillings are typically quick procedures, and most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after the process. Occasionally, though, a dental filling can cause discomfort if it is placed too high. Keep reading to learn more about what we do if a filling ends up being too high.

HOW WE KNOW IF A FILLING IS TOO HIGH

After placing a dental filling, we ask patients to bite down. This is to make sure that the filling is placed properly and does not cause pain or affect the alignment of your bite. If your filling feels uncomfortable right away, it may have been placed too high. However, since we use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth when placing a filling, it may be difficult to determine how your filling feels right away. Once you are home and the anesthetic has worn off, let us know if you experience any pain or discomfort when you bite down.

FIXING A HIGH FILLING

A filling that is placed too high can put excess pressure on your tooth and neighboring teeth, which puts your teeth at risk of cracking. High fillings can also cause inflammation in the ligaments of your gums. Usually, all we need to do in order to fix a high filling is grind it down to the correct level. Once this is complete, you should feel immediate relief from your discomfort, and be able to chew and brush normally. You should never ignore tooth pain after having a filling placed, and it is important to come see us again if your pain continues or returns even after having your filling ground down. Persistent tooth pain could be a sign of a more serious problem, so call our office today if you are experiencing discomfort.