bitter taste after crown

[kb_mw]

I had a permanent crown placed (on my last lower molar on the right...#31?) almost a week ago and now have a bitter taste on that side of my mouth.  The taste is almost constant and seems to be getting worse.  I have no pain, though I do think that I need the bite adjusted a little.  I had some cold and heat sensitivity for the first few days but that is getting better (my temporary crown was very sensitive and painful, I was taking ibuprofen but have not needed any after the first two days with my new permanent crown).  When I floss I notice that there is a little gap at the back of the crown, between the crown and gum line.  Any thoughts about what is going on?  

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

If there's a significant gap on the back of the crown, it may be catching food and resulting in a bad taste or smell from the area.  I would recommend keeping the area as clean as possible to see if that's the case by flossing and brushing more frequently.  You should go back to your dentist to have it checked out.  A new crown may need to be made.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

I normally drill the crown off but each doctor has their own preference and technique in which they are most comfortable and capable at.  If your doctor feels that chewing on it may loosen it, it may be worth a try but be careful not to swallow or chew on it which may injure yourself.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Hm.  Drilling it off is what I do usually.  I prefer to drill only because I'm alway afraid of fracturing or damaging the tooth underneath when I'm trying to pry it off or "tap" it off with a crown tapper device.  Each doctor, of course, has their own preference and what they're more comfortable and skilled with.  There aren't too many ways to remove a crown, it may pop off on its own.  

[kb_mw]

Thanks for your reply.  I did go back to my dentist and he determined after xrays and an exam that I have an open margin and need a new crown.  Today he tried to pry the crown off but was not successful (it was very uncomfortable!).  He said that he got it a little loose, he wants me to chew on it for another week hoping that will help to loosen it, and then he will try to remove it again.  He wants to take off the crown, then take a new impression and use my current crown as a temporary.  I have asked him several times about needing a root canal and he says that I do not.  Is there another way to get the current crown off?  He said that drilling it off will be harder on me.