A dental crown that I got two years ago fell off. My dentist wanted to make a new crown instead of cementing the crown back on. I should have questioned my dentist about why she recommended a new crown, but I agreed to it. The new crown changed my bite, although it didn’t hurt. It feels weird and the sensation is hard to describe to my dentist. Her answer is vague about why the crown has changed my bite, but I have an adjustment appointment next week. Will I need another new crown? Thanks. Lyle from NM
Lyle,
A new crown should feel like a healthy, natural tooth. It should not disrupt your bite or feel uncomfortable.
What to Do About Discomfort with a New Dental Crown
If your new dental crown is uncomfortable and your dentist cannot resolve your concerns, get a second opinion. Untreated decay in the tooth beneath the crown can cause lingering discomfort. If the crowned tooth had a root canal in the past, you may not feel pain or have a toothache because root canal treatment removes infected tooth pulp and its nerves.
What Causes Tooth Decay Beneath Crowns?
Tooth decay beneath a crown can occur if bacteria or plaque get trapped between your teeth and the crown. Root canal failure can also lead to decay or an infection.
Your tooth’s condition will influence whether a second-opinion dentist recommends any of these options:
- Crown adjustment
- New crown
- Tooth removal and a dental implant when a tooth is unsavable or jeopardizes adjacent teeth or your oral health.
After retreatment, your tooth and bite should be comfortable.
Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post. Read about Dr. Thomas’s commitment to giving his patients the best dental care possible.