Tooth/jaw pain after new crowns

[Changcorner]

I had 3 crowns done and one filling replaced last December (two upper molars and last lower molar got crowns); other than the last upper molar being chipped and old fillings, I had nothing wrong with my teeth or gums. Everything went well with the work and the temporary crowns except for the fitting of the last crown on the upper right molar. This one had to be redone several times for fit and the "post" was drilled out more after the first crown didn't fit.  Even though the tooth was sensitive I had no problems when the temporary was on.  The tooth was extremely sensitive to the air blast when the crown was finally put on in late December and I had sensitivity to hot and cold foods right away.  Since I had so much work done and my gums were sore, my dentist advised that I wait to see if this is causing the sensitivity.  Since then I have both pain and sensitivity and the pain is getting worse.  I take aspirin about three times a day and usually the pain starts a few hours after eating and now in the middle of the night.  It's a dull ache that seems to be more in my jaw than tooth, but the sensitivity to hot/cold is definitely in the tooth.  My bite seems to be too high and I've been told that this can cause the problem.  I went back to my dentist and had an xray and they said it "may need a root canal" but they were not sure.  I'm looking for possible causes now myself since my insurance has run out and any new procedures will be expensive and not covered.   Thanks!

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

It is possible that the bite is causing the sensitivity and the bite should be corrected but I am more inclined to think that you have an inflammation of the pulp(pulpitis) and that can be reversible or irreversible the later meaning that you would need  root canal threapy.The bottom line is if the tooth remains sensitive and you are taking medication every day  some type of definitive treatment is necessary.

[mike1105]

firstly, if the tooth has a post, then it already had a root canal. secondly, YOU are the best measure of whether or not a crown is "high". If it feels "off", then it is. The pain in your gum tissue may be becasue the crown was buried too far under the tissue--this is common with second molars becasue these teeth are short and tooth structure below the gumlne is used for extra retention. perhaps the area needed a periodontal procdure called "crown lengthening" before the work was done. This porcedure exposes more tooth structure so the gum tissue does not have to be impinged upon when crowns are made. This is a procedure generally done far too infrequently in my opinion. Regardless of what I think, you need another opinion. I'd start with a periodontist (gum specialist) if I were you. Find one on your own or thru your local dental society. Ask him or her if you should have had any periodontal work done BEFORE these crowns were put on. If all is ok in that regard, then I'd go see another general dentist for an opinion on the work that was done, and for an unprejudiced answer as to why you are in discomfort. You should not be, as dentistry is not that mystreious and usually not very complicated for that matter, especailly when only a few teeth are involved.

[hope2beslimquick]

Hi everyone. I have sensitivity to my teeth, all of them. it has gotten a little better, now that I use sensodyn toothpaste. My teeth are soo sensitive, even air casues painful discomfort. It happened shortley after I went to the dentis, he did some things to my teeth. He used a purple light as well as some kind of teeth glue, dont ask me, I am going by what I felt, lol. Bottom line, I think he scrapped to much enamel off, that is what someone suggested, just checkign to see, if anyone else has this problem, and how do you go about fixing it. It is like I am contantly biting into ice cream!! Please help!