gum pain after temporary crown

Originally I went in for cleaning and dentist suggested replacing some old fillings. Last tooth on bottom right had a slight exposed nerve during that procedure (July 7). Afterwards, I had miserable, extreme throbbing pain for several days, finally localizing on that one tooth. Dentist ground down to improve bite but said if that didn't help, would need root canal. Did first part of root canal, was fine for more than a week, but then more pain. Took course of antibiotics. Did 2nd part of root canal and crown prep, etc. Now I have the temporary crown (put on Aug 4). I went back the day after to have bite adjusted again. That improved the sharp pain when teeth touched and he also put me on 2nd round of antibiotics just in case. Gradually since then (Aug 4) the gum behind the tooth became extremely sore and sensitive. I can't brush around the tooth. I swish with warm saltwater a couple of times a day. I use Tylenol or Advil around the clock. I have not chewed on that side at all since this all began. What is causing this gum issue? If it was an infection, wouldn't the 4 days of antibiotics so far be causing improvement? If it was an allergy to the acrylic temporary, wouldn't it be all the way around the tooth?
Help! I am so sick of seeing my dentist's slightly condescending look on his face, like I am some high-maintenance fool who is making it all up! I don't need attention that bad, for goodness' sake.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Did you have pain throughout this ordeal?  From the day that they did the second half of the root canal until the crown prep, was there still significant pain?  Is the pain the same or is it different now?

It sounds to me that you had some pain inside the tooth from the root canal area but then its changed since then to an irritation of the gums.  

Sorry, I need more information on how the pain has changed (or if it hasn't since) to get a better idea of your situation.

[Heather31572]

Thank you for responding. Throughout the entire process, there has been different pain at different stages--with different causes. I had major relief and no pain during the period just before this last visit on the 4th where the root canal was finished and the temporary crown put on. The only pain I have now is from the gum behind (and a little on the inside) the temporary crown. Hope that helps.

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Sounds like there's a problem with the temporary crown.  I know your dentist adjusted it but it sounds like it may need some more.  If you can't properly maintain your hygiene on that temporary crown, its important to adjust it so that you can.  I'm assuming you have to wait around 2 weeks for the new permanent crown.  In that time, the pain will probably stay about the same.

Sometime there's some trauma of the gum tissue during the dental work of making a crown but it should have subsided by now.  Its been 4 days.