I totally get what you mean about things feeling off after dental work. I had braces for a couple years, and every time they adjusted the wires, my whole mouth felt like it was in a new universe. Even after getting them off, my bite felt weird for weeks—like my teeth didn’t quite remember how to line up anymore.
Honestly, it’s kind of wild how sensitive your mouth is. I swear I can tell if something is off by a millimeter. The tiniest ridge or bump and my tongue is all over it, like it’s a crime scene. But yeah, there’s a difference between “getting used to it” and actual pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away. I tried to convince myself it was just in my head at first, but ended up needing a quick adjustment because my bite was off and it made chewing feel awkward.
If you’re still noticing something strange after a week or two, especially if you’re getting headaches or jaw pain, it’s worth having them check it out. Better safe than sorry—plus, you don’t want to start unconsciously chewing weirdly and mess up your jaw even more.
You’re not alone in that at all—mouth stuff just throws everything off, and it’s so easy to overthink every little thing. I had a filling done earlier this year (went with the cheapest option, resin, because insurance only covered so much), and for days after, it felt like my bite was totally out of whack. I kept telling myself, “It’s fine, you’re just being dramatic,” but every time I chewed on that side, it was like my teeth weren’t meeting the way they used to.
Here’s how I handled it (since I really didn’t want to pay for an extra visit unless it was necessary):
1. Gave it a few days. Sometimes your mouth just needs to settle down after dental work, especially if they’ve prodded at your teeth or gums.
2. Tried eating different foods—soft stuff first, then crunchier things—to see if it was just a sensitivity thing or a real alignment issue.
3. Paid attention to headaches or jaw tension. I read somewhere that if you’re clenching or your bite is off, those can be signs it’s not just in your head.
4. Called the office when it didn’t get better after a week. Turns out, the filling was just a smidge too high, and they shaved it down in two minutes—no extra charge.
I get wanting to avoid extra costs, but honestly, if something still feels off after a week or so, it’s worth making the call. Sometimes it’s a super quick fix, and you save yourself from bigger problems (and bills) down the line. Weirdly, I think our tongues are like little detectives—mine always finds the tiniest change, even if my brain is trying to ignore it.
Long story short: trust your gut, but don’t stress if things feel weird for a few days. If it’s still bugging you after a week, especially if you start chewing funny or getting headaches, better to get it checked than risk messing up your jaw or needing more expensive work later.
My mouth is like the princess and the pea—if there’s even a microscopic change, my tongue will find it and obsess over it for days. I once had a crown put in and I swear, I could feel it every time I bit down, even though my dentist insisted it was “perfectly aligned.” Drove me nuts. It took about a week to settle, but if it hadn’t, I would’ve marched back in there. Dental bills are rough, but jaw pain is worse.
Definitely relate to that feeling. After decades of dental work—fillings, crowns, even a bridge or two—I can always tell when something’s even a hair off in my mouth. Years ago, I had a filling that felt just a bit too high. My dentist kept saying it looked fine, but every time I closed my teeth, it was like my jaw was slamming into a speed bump. Ended up giving me headaches for days until I finally convinced him to shave it down just a touch. That tiny adjustment made all the difference.
I do think some people are more sensitive to changes than others. My partner barely notices new dental work, but I’ll obsess over the smallest ridge or edge until it either settles or gets fixed. It’s not just about comfort—it can throw off your whole bite if it’s left alone too long. Dental bills are no joke, but like you said, living with jaw pain is worse. Sometimes you just have to trust your instincts and push for what feels right.
Totally get where you’re coming from—my bite is like my own personal radar. Even the tiniest bump or uneven spot after a new filling drives me nuts until it’s fixed. I remember once thinking I was just overreacting, but after a week of jaw tension, my dentist finally adjusted it and wow... instant relief. You’re right, it’s not just about comfort. That little “off” feeling really can mess with your whole bite if it’s ignored. Trusting your own sense of what’s normal is key, even if you have to push a bit with your dentist.
