After a dental filling or cosmetic bonding procedure, its not uncommon for patients to notice a sharp edge, rough spot, or slight unevenness on their treated tooth. While modern fillings and bonding are designed for a smooth, natural finish, minor irregularities can occasionally occur and are usually quick to fix.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we want our patients to feel completely comfortable after every treatment. This guide explains why sharp edges sometimes happen after fillings or bonding, how to manage them at home temporarily, and when to visit the dentist for adjustments.
Why Do Sharp Edges Happen After Fillings or Bonding?
Material Overflow: Small bits of composite may extend beyond the tooth surface if not fully polished down.
Shrinkage: Composite fillings shrink slightly when cured, sometimes leaving a ridge or ledge.
Bite Changes: A filling may sit slightly higher or lower, affecting how your teeth meet.
Normal Wear: Occasionally, a filling or bonded edge feels sharp as it settles or if a small piece fractures.
Is a Sharp Edge Dangerous?
In most cases, its not dangerous, but it can be annoying or uncomfortable.
Sharp edges can irritate:
Your tongue, leading to small sores or cuts.
Lips and cheeks, causing mild soreness.
Left unaddressed, it may slightly impact chewing or speech.
What You Can Do at Home (Temporary Relief)
?? Rinse with Warm Saltwater
This helps soothe irritation caused by a rough edge on the tongue or cheek.
?? Orthodontic Wax
Available at most pharmacies.
Roll a small amount of wax and place it over the sharp area to create a smooth barrier.
Replace as needed until you can see your dentist.
?? Avoid Aggravating Foods
Stay away from sharp, crunchy, or acidic foods that may irritate soft tissues.
?? Gentle Tongue Awareness
Try to avoid rubbing your tongue over the sharp area to reduce soreness.
What You Should NOT Do
Do not try to file or smooth the edge yourself using nail files or metal tools. This can damage the filling, natural enamel, or even cause injury.
Avoid chewing on very hard items that might cause further chipping.
When to Contact McLevin Dental
?? Call us if:
The sharpness persists for more than a day or two.
Your tongue, cheek, or lip is becoming sore or cut.
You experience discomfort when chewing.
The filling or bonding feels loose or chipped.
McLevin Dental can easily smooth or polish the edge in just a few minutes, often without the need for anesthesia.
How We Fix Sharp Edges
Smoothing and polishing: Using special dental tools, we gently buff the edge for a perfectly smooth finish.
Bite adjustment: If the filling feels high when chewing, we check and adjust the bite to restore comfort.
Touch-ups: If a tiny chip occurred, we can reapply composite material quickly.
How to Prevent Future Issues
Test your bite before leaving the dental chair. Let us know if anything feels too high or rough immediately after treatment.
If you grind or clench your teeth, consider a nightguard to prevent pressure cracks in fillings or bonding.
Maintain regular checkups to monitor the integrity of fillings and bonding work.
Is It Normal to Feel a Slight Difference?
Yes, its common to notice the new shape or texture of a filled or bonded tooth for the first 2448 hours. This is usually your tongue adjusting to the change. However, if it feels sharp, scratchy, or irritating, thats a signal to give us a quick call.
Trust McLevin Dental for Lasting Comfort and Care
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we are committed to delivering not just effective treatments but also total comfort afterward. Minor issues like sharp edges post-filling or bonding are easily fixableand we are always here to help.
If you notice discomfort, sharpness, or anything that feels unusual after your dental procedure, contact us. Our team is ready to ensure your smile feels as good as it looks.