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
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.
Although I had not seen a dentist in more than five years, I knew I needed help when my bottom left second molar cracked. I asked co-workers about a dentist they like because none of us have dental insurance from the job. And we all need affordable care, so I looked at Google reviews for recommendations and chose a dentist. I probably should have asked my co-worker if he ever had major work done with this dentist and not just a dental cleaning. Anyway, the dentist prepared my tooth for a crown. While I wore the temporary crown, it hurt when I chewed, and it was sensitive to cold. Maybe it was too tight or something because it made my gums sore. I got the permanent crown in earlier this month, and the symptoms got worse. The dentist took another x-ray and did a cold and pressure test, and tapped on my tooth. The cold sensitivity went away quickly, but I felt no pain with the pressure test. And he tested my bite, which of course hurt because it hurts when chew. The dentist said the pressure sensitivity is expected for up to three months. So he wants me to wait. Now my tooth is sensitive to hot food. Is my tooth nerve dying.? I hate to see another dentist, but I am not a fan of pain either. What is going wrong? Thank you. Myles from GA