Your new dental crown is in. It looks great. But when you bite down, it's the only tooth that touches first. That doesn't feel right — and you're right to be concerned.

Why Does a Crown Feel Too High?

When your dentist fits a crown, they check your bite carefully. But the anaesthetic in your mouth can make it hard to feel exactly how your teeth come together. Once it wears off, the crown might sit slightly higher than intended.

The crown could also be slightly over-contoured on the biting surface, or the cement beneath it could be uneven. Small errors add up to a noticeable difference when you bite.

Is It Something to Wait Out?

No. Don't wait and hope it settles. A crown that hits first takes the full force of your bite. This puts enormous pressure on that single tooth.

Over time, this can crack the crown itself. It can also damage the tooth underneath, cause pain in the crowned tooth or the tooth opposite it, and lead to jaw pain or headaches from the uneven pressure.

What to Do Right Now

Call your dentist and explain that your crown feels high when you bite. They will bring you in to check the fit. The adjustment is usually quick and straightforward.

Your dentist will have you bite on special paper that shows exactly where your teeth are meeting. They'll then smooth down the high spot on your crown until your bite feels even.

What Happens If You Don't Get It Fixed

Ignoring a high crown can lead to several problems. The crowned tooth may become tender or painful, especially when chewing. You might develop cracks in the crown that require a new one.

The opposing tooth — the one it hits against — can also suffer. It may ache, show wear, or crack. Fixing one crown is simple. Fixing multiple damaged teeth is not.

Other Feelings That Warrant a Call

A crown that feels too high isn't the only reason to contact your dentist after a fitting. Also get in touch if you feel a persistent throb, if the bite feels uneven in other ways, or if something simply doesn't feel right.

Trust your instincts. Your mouth is telling you something when something feels off. It's always better to have it checked.

After the Adjustment

Once your dentist adjusts your crown, the high feeling should disappear immediately. You should be able to bite and chew normally without any single tooth taking all the pressure.

If you still feel any discomfort after the adjustment, let your dentist know. Sometimes multiple adjustments are needed for a perfect fit.

Don't Delay

A crown that feels too high is one of the most straightforward problems to fix. The solution takes minutes in the dental chair. The problems it prevents — cracked teeth, failed crowns, jaw pain — take far longer to treat.

If your crown feels wrong, pick up the phone. Your dentist will set aside time to see you promptly.

Meads Village Dental Practice
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com