What causes pain in the temporary crown on biting?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had a temporary crown on a tooth on the upper right side almost a week ago due to extreme sensitivity and pain when biting down. My dentist said that I had a microfracture and so he placed the crown. I am still experiencing pain when I bite down but less sensitivity than before. However, now I am also going through a general pain in my lower jaw on that side too.

It is not coming from any one tooth, but it does seem to be radiating from the back. Could the crown cause this? I am currently on Hydrocodone, Verapamil, and Spironolactone. I wake up in the morning with pain on that side, but only since having the temporary crown put on. I did have some nerve damage to that side of my face from a partial parotidectomy two years ago. However, it has never affected my teeth.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read through your complaint and the relevant details.

The general pain is mostly because of the temporary crown only. The reason is that the height of the crown is slightly in excess, which interferes with the normal bite. So what happens is, when you clench your upper and lower teeth there is a hit on the crown, and then the load spreads onto the tooth.

The sensitivity is reduced because the tooth portion is itself covered by the crown. The vague pain will be relieved only by correcting the temporary crown height. I advise you to get back to the dentist for correction of the temporary crown height so that your teeth contact normally when clenched. It should be addressed 100 % because delaying things will lead to joint pain in the future on that side.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.