While fillings and crowns aim to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of damaged teeth, these restorations may inadvertently disrupt your bite alignment. Bite misalignment, also called malocclusion, occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly when you close your mouth. These irregularities can be uncomfortable and disrupt your ability to chew or speak properly. If the malocclusion is caused by a crown or filling, it may lead to various dental and oral health problems if left unaddressed.
A bite adjustment can be a quick and painless solution to correct the painful and problematic side effects of a misaligned bite caused by fillings or crowns.
At Union City Oral Surgery Group, we offer patient-centric treatments designed to prioritize your needs and comfort. Or surgeons and oral specialists are highly qualified in innovative and minimally-invasive treatments for various oral and maxillofacial conditions. We understand how painful and uncomfortable a misaligned bite can be, and we will work with you to develop a treatment method that helps you restore your harmonious and pain-free smile.
5 Signs You May Have Malocclusion or Uneven Bite Due to a Filling or Crown
Sometimes, after getting a crown or filling, you will notice right away your bite feels off. You may feel a small nub on your tooth that wasn’t there before or notice that it doesn’t feel right when your teeth come together. However, some symptoms of malocclusion can be less obvious. The clench test can help identify discomfort or sensitivity in the teeth, which could indicate an uneven bite. Some signs of bite misalignment following a filling or crown procedure include the following:
Pressure on Surrounding Teeth
If your crown or filling is too wide, it can push on surrounding teeth. This might feel like pressure or pain in the teeth next to the crown, or discomfort in the jaw joint when biting. This pressure may increase when you bite, chew, or bring your jaws together for other reasons. Additionally, you may experience trouble flossing the teeth surrounding the crown or filling. A poor bite can lead to various dental issues, so it is important to seek professional evaluation and treatment.
Food Getting Stuck Near the Filling or Crown
On the other hand, your crown or filling may leave too much space between the neighboring teeth, creating bite issues. If you notice large bits of food becoming stuck in this space, it is essential to get the issue addressed. In addition to causing malocclusion, the extra space can trap food and bacteria, causing gum disease. Severe wear on teeth, characterized by darker or yellow spots, can also be a sign of improper bite alignment and should be evaluated by a dentist.
The Crown or Filling Feels Loose
While all healthy teeth have a slight give, a loose crown or filling can cause severe oral health issues. Crowns should fit snugly on the tooth and should not move around more than your other teeth. If you get a filling, it should feel seamless with the rest of your tooth. If part of your tooth seems to shift when you chew or run your tongue across it, it may be loose. A loose crown or filling could indicate a structural disorder in the jaw joint and should be diagnosed by a dentist.
Painful Chewing and Tooth Pain
A new filling or crown should be a functional part of your bite. If your restoration is causing your teeth to connect sooner than they would normally, chewing may become painful and lead to tooth pain. On the other hand, your filling or crown may be causing your teeth to barely connect or not connect at all. This can cause discomfort, and chewing food may take longer than usual. An uneven bite can also lead to prolonged chewing time and discomfort.
Irritated Gums and Gum Disease
Poorly fitted crowns and fillings can lead to discomfort along your gum line due to pressure or trapped food particles. If you are experiencing gum inflammation with no apparent cause, your crown or filling may be the culprit. Persistent gum irritation could also indicate the need for a root canal if it is related to nerve issues.
Schedule an Appointment With an Experienced Oral Surgeon for Better Oral Health Today
If you are experiencing bite misalignment after a crown or filling procedure, it is essential to contact an experienced oral specialist as soon as possible. The skilled oral surgeons at Union City Oral Surgery Group can help you get a perfect fit to protect your comfort and oral health. Our experienced medical professionals use the latest oral and maxillofacial surgery advancements to diagnose and treat malocclusion expertly. We aim to prioritize your needs through every step of your treatment journey.
Patients can perform a clench test by squeezing hard to identify any discomfort or sensitivity, which may indicate a potential bite issue. To schedule an appointment with a member of our team, call us at (201) 601-9262 or complete our contact form today.
