Dental Fillings: Do They Alter Your Teeth's Shape?

Dental filling issues?

I would like to ask if, during a normal dental filling of the posterior molars, the original tooth structure is ground down to make it flat? Additionally, I experienced some pain and discomfort during the grinding process, but the dentist assured me it was fine.
Now, the occlusal surface feels very uncomfortable because I have never had a filling done this way before.
Is this method considered normal?

doris, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/04

Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan reply Dentistry

Dear user, based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing discomfort on the occlusal surface of your molars after dental grinding.
It is advisable to communicate your discomfort to your treating dentist, who can further examine your dental condition to determine if any additional treatment or intervention is needed to alleviate your symptoms.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2015/11/04

More Info

When it comes to dental fillings, particularly for molars, it is essential to understand the process and its implications for your teeth. Dental fillings are used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay, and the procedure typically involves removing the decayed portion of the tooth and then filling it with a material such as composite resin, amalgam, or ceramic.

Do Dental Fillings Alter Your Teeth's Shape?
Yes, dental fillings can alter the shape of your teeth. During the filling process, the dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth, which often requires some degree of shaping or contouring of the remaining tooth structure. This is done to ensure that the filling fits properly and that the tooth can function effectively when biting and chewing.
The dentist will also shape the filling to match the natural contours of your tooth. This is crucial for maintaining proper occlusion, which refers to how your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite. If the filling is not shaped correctly, it can lead to discomfort, difficulty in chewing, or even jaw problems over time.

Sensitivity and Discomfort
It is not uncommon to experience some discomfort or sensitivity during and after the filling procedure. The process of drilling out decay can irritate the tooth and surrounding tissues, leading to temporary sensitivity. However, if you are experiencing significant pain or prolonged discomfort, it is essential to communicate this with your dentist. They can assess whether the filling is too high or if there are other issues that need to be addressed.

Feeling Uncomfortable After the Filling
Feeling discomfort after a filling, especially if the bite feels off, is a common concern. If the filling is too high, it can cause your teeth to not align properly, leading to discomfort when biting down. This is something that should be corrected by your dentist. They can adjust the filling to ensure that it is level with the surrounding teeth, which should alleviate any discomfort you are experiencing.

Is This Normal?
While it is normal for some adjustments to be needed after a filling, it is crucial that you feel comfortable and that your bite feels natural. If you continue to feel discomfort or if the filling feels significantly different from your other teeth, it is advisable to return to your dentist for a follow-up appointment. They can make the necessary adjustments to ensure that your filling is not only functional but also comfortable.

Conclusion
In summary, dental fillings do alter the shape of your teeth, and while some discomfort during and after the procedure is expected, significant pain or a feeling of misalignment should not be ignored. It is essential to maintain open communication with your dentist regarding any concerns you have about your fillings. Regular check-ups and follow-ups can help ensure that your dental work remains comfortable and effective. If you have any lingering questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or further clarification from your dental care provider.

Similar Q&A

Can Dental Fillings on Front Teeth Change Shape Over Time?

Hello, Doctor. At the end of August, I bit down on something hard and noticed a crack on the surface of my front tooth, along with a small hole. I later went for a consultation, and the dentist filled it in. However, I recently noticed that the shape of the filling has changed fr...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: Because resin itself is a polymer that is softer than the original structure of the teeth, it may deform and discolor over time, which is a normal phenomenon. It is recommended to use it carefully and to have regular check-ups!

Understanding Dental Fillings: Impact on Gums and Aesthetics

Hello, Doctor. Recently, during a dental cleaning, I was informed that I have a cavity in my molar (the hole is not very large). The doctor removed the affected part of the tooth and filled it with a filling material, but it seems that the filling is almost covered by the gum. Is...

Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan reply Dentistry
Dear user, based on your description (attached handmade image), if you feel that the filling has a protruding part covering the gums, it is advisable to consult a dentist for an examination. If necessary, the dentist can make partial adjustments to the filling to facilitate bette...

Is It Normal for a Cavity Filling to Alter the Shape of Your Molar?

It seems that the molar has four small corners around it, but after the dental filling, one of the corners appears to be flattened. Is this a concern?

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
If the cavity in the molar is located between the four cusps on the occlusal surface, and after filling it feels like the four cusps are flattened, but if it feels high when biting down, you should return to the dentist for a follow-up examination.

Can Dentists Alter Tooth Length or Alignment During Treatment?

I have a chipped left central incisor that was previously filled. The previous filling was aligned with the adjacent right central incisor, but this time, after the filling, it is much longer than the right incisor. The dentist said it was shaped according to my natural tooth, bu...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
Hello, when adjusting a completed dental filling, the procedure should focus on refining the filling material rather than the natural tooth structure. If you feel that the length of the filled tooth is not consistent with the opposite incisor, you can return to the clinic and ask...