I get what you’re saying, but honestly, if a bite’s still off after a couple weeks, I wouldn’t just chalk it up to settling. Sometimes it’s not about the jaw “remembering”—it’s that the high spot really is still there. I’ve seen people tough it out for months thinking it’ll go away, and then end up with sore muscles or even headaches. Quick check and minor adjustment can save a lot of hassle down the line.
Is it always worth going back for a bite adjustment right away, though? I get that headaches and sore muscles are a pain, but sometimes I wonder if it’s just part of the healing process after a big procedure like a root canal. Plus, every extra appointment means more time off work and possibly another co-pay. Has anyone actually had a high spot just resolve on its own, or is it always better to get it checked out? Just trying to balance the hassle and the cost here.
I get where you’re coming from—after my last root canal, I was honestly tempted to just ride it out and see if my jaw would chill out on its own. I figured, hey, maybe the sore muscles and headaches are just my body’s way of saying “thanks for all the drilling, now let me regroup.” But after a few days, that nagging bite feeling wasn’t going anywhere. Chewing felt weird, like my teeth weren’t lining up the way they used to. I ended up calling the office, mostly because my daughter kept telling me I was grinding my teeth in my sleep (not a fun sound, apparently).
When I finally went back for the adjustment, it was such a quick fix—barely took 10 minutes. The relief was almost instant. I do get the hassle, though. Between work and all the insurance nonsense, another appointment isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. But in my case, the high spot never would’ve sorted itself out. My dentist said sometimes your jaw will try to compensate, but more often than not you’ll just keep aggravating things. Plus, I’ve heard if you ignore it too long, you can end up with bigger problems like cracked fillings or even jaw pain that sticks around.
I totally get wanting to avoid the extra co-pay. I’m on a fixed income these days, so I weigh every trip to the dentist pretty carefully. But I guess I’d rather deal with one quick visit than weeks of headaches or more dental work down the line. For what it’s worth, I’ve never had a high spot “just go away.” Maybe someone else has, but my luck’s never been that good.
If you’re not sure, maybe give it a few days and see if it settles, but don’t be shy about calling if it keeps bugging you. Sometimes peace of mind (and a pain-free jaw) is worth the hassle.
But in my case, the high spot never would’ve sorted itself out.
I hear you, but I actually had a high spot mellow out on its own once. Took about a week and I was nervous it’d get worse, but it just faded. I guess it depends on how bad it is? Still, I wouldn’t risk it if the pain’s sharp or messing with your bite.
I guess it depends on how bad it is? Still, I wouldn’t risk it if the pain’s sharp or messing with your bite.
That’s what got me worried with my kid—she kept saying her tooth “felt tall,” and I thought maybe it’d settle, but nope, she started chewing weird and complaining even more. Did yours hurt to bite down or was it just annoying? I wish these things would just fix themselves, but kids don’t have much patience for waiting it out...