[Texann]

I got two crowns on Wednesday, and am very concerned with the situation on several counts.

My first sense that something was wrong was that neither of them seem to be shaped like the teeth they replace. (I have had two crowns previously, and they seemed to be shaped about like the original teeth).

I have rarely had any problems with food particles being caught between my teeth. Since getting these crowns, everything I eat seems to be getting caught especially around these crowns, but also around other teeth. I can get some of it out with floss, but cannot even get floss between one new crown and tooth behind it, not even Glide. Additionally my mouth is hurting 24/7 and chewing anything is very painful. Over the counter pain medication dulls but does not eliminate the pain

Even though it has only been four days, I seem to have a very big shift in my bite that even affects my ability to sing.

My other cause for concern is my gums. They seem to have been cut way, way back from where they were and they are still sore. Is this a normal procedure? And is there any way to get my gums back up to where they were before?

Since having the procedure done, I have heard from a former patient of his about a different but also undesirable outcome with a crown he did. Getting dental work done is very stressful for me on a good day, and given the problems I am experiencing, I am concerned about having him do additional work.

I need suggestions on a good course of action to pursue once the holiday weekend is over.

[Bryanna]

Hi Texan,

New crowns should look and feel like your natural tooth. It is common to have some temperature sensitivity for the first day or so... but that's it. The bite should feel perfect with no discomfort... you should be able to floss in between without any pain or difficulty.

Since you are not able to floss properly and you are getting food trapped in between these teeth, your gums around these teeth are going to hurt and start to throb from the impaction of food debris.

Schedule an appointment asap to get these crowns adjusted. When you call, tell them you are in pain and need to be seen that day. In the meantime.... Do not keep trying to floss as that will only push the debris further under the gum.....
Avoid eating in that area.....
If you have a water pik, use it on a mild setting to help flush out some of the debris...
Rinse with warm salt water several times a day swishing vigorously in that area....
Do not rinse with anything else but salt water as the ingredients in most mouthwashes are very irritating to the gum tissue.

As far as the contact being too tight in between the crowns and the bite feeling off ... the dentist can usually remedy these issues fairly easy.

With regard to the look and shape of the crowns... that is something you would have to discuss with him and find out why they look "different".

Let us know how you're doing!
Bryanna

Originally Posted by Texann

I got two crowns on Wednesday, and am very concerned with the situation on several counts.

My first sense that something was wrong was that neither of them seem to be shaped like the teeth they replace. (I have had two crowns previously, and they seemed to be shaped about like the original teeth).

I have rarely had any problems with food particles being caught between my teeth. Since getting these crowns, everything I eat seems to be getting caught especially around these crowns, but also around other teeth. I can get some of it out with floss, but cannot even get floss between one new crown and tooth behind it, not even Glide. Additionally my mouth is hurting 24/7 and chewing anything is very painful. Over the counter pain medication dulls but does not eliminate the pain

Even though it has only been four days, I seem to have a very big shift in my bite that even affects my ability to sing.

My other cause for concern is my gums. They seem to have been cut way, way back from where they were and they are still sore. Is this a normal procedure? And is there any way to get my gums back up to where they were before?

Since having the procedure done, I have heard from a former patient of his about a different but also undesirable outcome with a crown he did. Getting dental work done is very stressful for me on a good day, and given the problems I am experiencing, I am concerned about having him do additional work.

I need suggestions on a good course of action to pursue once the holiday weekend is over.

[Texann]

Bryanna,

Thank you for your suggestions. I did go back today, and they made adjustments which helped quite a bit. There had been cement left which "glued" the crown to the tooth behind which they removed and has helped with the situation.

I was informed that when you get a crown, especially more than one at a time, you will definitely have a change in your bite, and that it can cause pain for up to two months (usually not that long however) until you adjust to the changes.

I am hoping/praying to be pain free long before that.

Texann

[Texann]

I was hoping to not need to come back to the forum for this issue.

I have been in twice for adjustments, and can now eat (but not comfortably) and am not in massive pain, but have varying degrees of pain 24/7.

My whole jaw aches and none of my teeth align like they used to. I am continually shifting my jaw to try to get comfortable. I used to smile most of the time, but it is now uncomfortable and a real effort to smile.

Is it possible that too large of a bite block was used or something like that which may have caused my entire bite (or even jaw) to shift, and where do you suggest I go to get help.

The dentist thinks everything is fine, because he has adjusted the two crowns, and when he uses that blue marking paper to check, the crowns look fine.

Any suggestions on how to proceed are much appreciated.

Texann

[Bryanna]

Hi Texann,

Ok, so the adjustments to the crowns have made them more comfortable during chewing... that's good.

The jaw aching, misaligned teeth, and having to shift your jaw to be comfortable can be the result of a couple of things.....

1) The bite is still off and it needs to be adjusted with you sitting in the dental chair rather than lying down. Usually dentists will adjust the bite with the patient lying down... which is ok but it also needs to be adjusted with the patient sitting straight up as well because the jaw shifts more forward when in the sitting position.

2) You've developed some spasms and/or stiffening in your masseter muscles which will eventually subside once the bite is aligned properly.

The fact that it's uncomfortable to smile.... may indicate a muscular issue. I would suggest that you go back to the dentist and have him check your bite while you sit up in the chair. This is not an odd request by the way... it is just one of those things that get over looked until the patient brings it up :/

If it is a muscular issue.. it will take time to calm down. But the bite has to be right for the muscles to calm down. Make sense??

You can also use moist heat applications to your jaw in the areas that hurt. Put a moist washcloth in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or so and then hold it on the areas covered with a dry cloth until the hear dissipates. You can also buy a moist heat bag at a pharmacy.... they come in various sizes depending on the area being treated. Usually they are located in the aisle with the ace bandages etc. Moist heat is best because it encourages blood flow whereas dry heat causes the blood to pool in the area.

I hope this is helpful to you.... please let us know how you're doing.
Bryanna

Originally Posted by Texann

I was hoping to not need to come back to the forum for this issue.

I have been in twice for adjustments, and can now eat (but not comfortably) and am not in massive pain, but have varying degrees of pain 24/7.

My whole jaw aches and none of my teeth align like they used to. I am continually shifting my jaw to try to get comfortable. I used to smile most of the time, but it is now uncomfortable and a real effort to smile.

Is it possible that too large of a bite block was used or something like that which may have caused my entire bite (or even jaw) to shift, and where do you suggest I go to get help.

The dentist thinks everything is fine, because he has adjusted the two crowns, and when he uses that blue marking paper to check, the crowns look fine.

Any suggestions on how to proceed are much appreciated.

Texann