Anyone who has ever had a dental filling will know that the process is fairly comfortable for the patient. A dentist will typically numb your jaw before removing the decayed portion of a tooth and filling the cavity. Once this numbing agent wears off, you might experience some minor discomfort and temporary sensitivity, but this will quickly disappear. In the days and weeks after your filling was applied, it can be strange to begin to experience some discomfort. It might not even seem to be affecting the tooth that was recently restored, but your jaw certainly feels strange. Could there be a link between this curious sensation and your recent filling?
Dental Malocclusion
Jaw strain and a general feeling of dental discomfort can indicate dental malocclusion, which is a misalignment of your bite. When this develops shortly after having a cavity filled, your new dental restoration can be the culprit. How is this possible?
A Mispositioned Restoration
When a dentist places a filling, it's not quite as simple as filling in a hole. The material restores the tooth to its former structural integrity, however, the addition of this restoration can sometimes be mispositioned, which prevents your teeth from making proper contact with each other when your mouth is closed. This is malocclusion and can result in a strained feeling affecting your jaw. It won't be painful, but it can cause discomfort, and this is not a normal side effect of receiving a filling.
Consult Your Dentist
If your jaw should begin to feel uncomfortable after receiving a filling, you must consult your dentist. The positioning of the filling will be assessed. Malocclusion typically occurs when the filling is placed too high on the tooth. It's simple enough for the filling to be removed and replaced in a position that won't trigger malocclusion, provided the filling can still provide comprehensive coverage for the underlying cavity.
Indirect Fillings
When the location of the cavity is problematic, it might be concluded that it's impossible to fill the cavity without malocclusion being an issue. Standard fillings are known as direct fillings, as they're applied directly to the cavity. You may require an indirect filling, in which a partial dental crown is manufactured and fitted over the entirety of the damaged portion of the tooth. This fills the cavity while also preventing malocclusion.
A small amount of discomfort and sensitivity are common after receiving a dental filling, but a strained jaw is not. Be sure to contact your dentist if your jaw should feel strained after a filling, as the filling may require attention.
