Baton Rouge Dentist

Do I Have an Oral Yeast Infection from a New Crown?

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My new crown has been sensitive since I got it. Within three weeks, my saliva production increased; I had chapped lips, sores in the corner of my mouth, bad breath, and bitter taste. My mouth’s condition is making me miserable. I’ve been stress eating, and I noticed that sugar and gluten make everything worse. Do I have an oral yeast infection? – Thanks. Bethany

Bethany,

Some of your signs and symptoms may be related to your dental crown procedure. Below are possible causes of the signs and symptoms you are experiencing:

  • Sores in the corners of your mouth – Corner-of-the-mouth sores are usually stress-related.
  • Bad breath and bitter taste—A sore mouth can cause discomfort when flossing and brushing teeth. If oral hygiene has been delicate, bad breath and bitter taste can follow.
  • Increased saliva production—Certain medications, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease, infection, dental work, and other factors can increase saliva production. Sometimes, stressful dental appointments can cause dry mouth but not increased saliva.

Do You Have an Oral Yeast Infection?

You may have an oral yeast infection if you are experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Cracked, red corners of the mouth
  • Dry, cotton-like mouth
  • Loss of taste
  • Red, burning, or sore mouth
  • White lesions on your gums, tongue, or inner cheeks

If you think you have an oral yeast infection, schedule an exam with your dentist. You can also consider getting a second opinion.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Read how he strives to provide patients with some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

My New Crown Still Hurts When I Chew

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One of my three new molar crowns hurts so bad that it feels like a nerve is exposed. I avoid chewing on the left side of my mouth because I feel intense pain if anything crunchy or chewy hits the tooth. My dentist said that I chew too forcefully, so the crown hurts. However, I had no problem before getting new CEREC crowns in March. Is my dentist being dishonest? Could she have done something wrong that’s causing the pain? Thanks. Konstance

Konstance

The bottom of a hollow dental crown with a dental stick holding it
Dental crown

Your dental crowns should not hurt for months, even if you have a forceful bite.

What Causes a Crowned Tooth to Hurt?

If a new crown hurts when chewing, a dentist can explore these possible causes:

  • Bite Issues: The crown placement can sometimes lead to a bite (the way your teeth meet) that is slightly too high. This means your lower teeth make stronger contact with the crowned teeth than others. The constant pressure can make your teeth sensitive and strain your jaw muscles and joints. You might even experience headaches, neck pain, or earaches. If adjustments haven’t resolved this completely, it’s worth getting a second opinion.
  • Underlying Infection: While less common, a tooth beneath a crown might be infected. Root canal specialists (endodontists) are trained to identify subtle issues. The intensity of your pain suggests a possible need for root canal treatment.

Root Canal Treatment and Your Crowns

The good news is that even with root canal treatment, your new crowns might be salvageable. An endodontist can skillfully access the tooth for treatment without damaging the crown itself. You’ll only need new crowns if the existing ones are faulty or contribute to discomfort.

Next Steps

If the initial bite adjustments haven’t addressed the chewing pain, talk to your dentist about the possibility of an underlying infection. He or she can recommend the best course of action, whether further bite adjustments or a consultation with an endodontist.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.

 

Will Crown Lengthening Stop My Dental Crown from Falling Off?

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My dentist wants to remove some of my gum tissue to give my crown more tooth area for bonding. Last Tuesday was the fourth time the crown fell off. My dentist returned the crown but said I may need the gum procedure if it falls off again. Is this extreme? Shouldn’t she try to figure out why the crown is falling off? If my gums are in the way of the crown, why didn’t she know that before bonding the crown last October? Also, the tooth’s base is dark, but it wasn’t like that before the new crown. I’m concerned that I will need a new dentist and crown and won’t be able to afford it. – Thanks. Andrej from Brooklyn, NY

Andrej,

Yes, your dentist should have ensured she knew how to bond your crown securely and prevent it from falling off.

What Is Crown Lengthening?

The bottom of a hollow dental crown with a dental stick holding it
Crown lengthening can help a dental crown stay in place

Crown lengthening is a procedure to trim gum tissue and perhaps some of the bone supporting your tooth to expose more tooth structure and retain a dental crown. A dentist may perform crown lengthening for a secure bond and prevent a dental crown from falling off.

However, a dentist may secure a crown on a short tooth without doing crown lengthening by preparing the tooth with a very slight taper and cutting grooves in the sides of the tooth. Still, a dentist must perform crown lengthening if most of a tooth’s structure is missing from wear, trauma, or decay.

Get a Dental Crown Second Opinion

Although your dentist plans to alter your gum tissue and do a new crown, we recommend consulting a cosmetic dentist for a second opinion. Your dentist should willingly refund you and your dental insurance company if applicable. Your crown is not functional, so your dentist should not charge a fee. Still, you can talk to your new dentist’s billing office about getting affordable dental care with payment plans.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.

My Dentist’s Grinding Ruined My Crown

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Frustrated woman with her hands covering her faceIn October, my dentist placed crowns on my left first and second molar teeth. One of the crowns fell off, so my dentist cemented and ground it down to correct the bite. Within two weeks, the back side of the crown (closest to my tongue) broke. I think she was too aggressive with that grinding tool. Now I feel weird when I chew on that side of my mouth. My dentist had emphasized how affordably she could provide the two crowns, but now I might need new ones. Thank you. Milan from NJ

Milan

Thanks for your inquiry.

Should a Dentist Grind on Your Crowns?

Dentists commonly adjust a new crown to your bite by grinding or filing it down. But the dentist must check your bite in intervals to ensure that not too much—or too little—of the crown is adjusted. But these are minor adjustments. Your dentist will shape and smooth the crown to prevent it from feeling rough.

But we are concerned about several aspects of your experience.

  • Loose crowns – A permanent crown should not loosen or fall off. Your dentist might have aggressively prepared your tooth or bonded the crown incorrectly.
  • Adjusting your bite – A dentist should adjust your bite and crown when placing it. It is not expected to modify the crown after re-cementing it. Something went wrong in the process. Still, your dentist must explain why she adjusted it.
  • Broken crown – A crown should not break from conservative bonding. Dr. Perry would need to examine your crown, but it seems it is now dangerously thin.
  • Affecting your bite – The adjustments affect your bite, which can cause multiple issues leading to TMJ symptoms.

Your dentist should compensate you. We recommend scheduling a second opinion with a cosmetic dentist trained in occlusion and bite. You don’t have to sacrifice quality to get affordable dental care.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.