Throbbing Pain With Temporary Crowns

[jillluvsnate]

I had two temporary crowns put on 10 days ago on my back two upper left teeth. The pain that I am experiencing from them is hard to describe. My lower jaw, ear, lower left cheek, and teeth all hurt. My dentist filed down the temps so that my bite was better, but the pain is not getting any better. I have to take 800 mg of Ibuprofen every 4-6 hours. If I wait until I feel pain again to take the ibuprofen it takes almost 2 hours for the pain to go away. The pain wakes me up at night and I am geting worried. Are these signs of a need for a root canal or signs of an infection? Or something else? What should I do?

[scottma]

Dear jilluvsnate:
      Your throbbing pain and aching of the bone probably result from occlusion. It's very easy to identify the pain source. Remove the temporary crowns. Usually your pain will diasappear shortly after removal of temporary crown. If these teeth are vital, you may experience sensitivity to cold stimulus. However, it's generally tolorable. Then, go back to your dentist to adjust the bite until you feel perfectly comfortable with the temporary crowns. If temporary crown is not successful, the final crown is not likely to work well.
Good luck
Regards

[jillluvsnate]

Thanks. Unfortunately the pain just won't go away, however decongestants have helped ease it a bit. My left ear had pain and was feeling plugged, but now it is getting a little better. Is it possible that the pain could be from sinus problems? My mom thinks that is the case, but I didn't think that was possible.

I have also been grinding my teeth at night again according to my husband. I'm sure that is contributing to the pain. What do you think?

[scottma]

Dear jilluvsnate:
       Certainly a sinus problem can cause upper molar symptoms. Seeing an ENT doctor to rule out structural pathology is advised. If your symptoms started after placement of  temporary crowns, it's more likely a dental origin. Place a cotton roll or something similar between your front teeth for some time, see if your symptoms relieved.Keep back teeth out of contact.
Regards