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

 

Myles,

Thank you for contacting our office and clearly describing your symptoms. We recommend that you call and endodontist today.

Issues that Can Result from a Cracked Tooth

When a tooth cracks, the tooth pulp (living tissue and nerves) can be damaged. And if the pulp is irritated and infected, it will die.

When a New Crown is Sensitive to Cold and Painful

When a new crown is sensitive to cold and pain, and the symptoms linger, it is usually a sign of an infection. Although it is common to feel some sensitivity for a few days, it should not last if the dentist adjusted your bite correctly. As the crown gets sensitive to heat, you might have irreversible pulpitis, and an endodontist will look for damage to your tooth ligaments.

Your tooth sensitivity began after crown preparation. Possible causes include:

• Incompletely sealing the temporary crown
• Tooth irritation during preparation
• A combination of the above

A dentist can minimize sensitivity by:

• Coating the tooth with a desensitizing product, but may your dentist did that
• Cementing the temporary crown with strong material to help the tooth settle down
• Remove the crown for root canal treatment if symptoms do not improve
• Not cementing the final crown on an already irritated tooth

Finding a New Dentist

After root canal treatment, you will need a quality dental crown. Look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training who offers financing or payment plans—ways to make your care affordable. Most dentists have payment options for patients who do not have dental insurance.

Do not delay getting treatment because an endodontist may be able to save your tooth.

 

Ryan Perry, DDS, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.