Temp crown causing severe pain, swelling, and bleeding; Is it a possible reaction or infection? (photo)

Question

Got a temp crown on two teeth last week, and later in the day my dentist went on vacation until next week. I have been dealing with pain that worsens at night, trouble chewing, and swollen, red, sometimes bleeding gums. The initial decay was below the gumline so I understand a bit of irritation, but my gums weren't this red before. I also had a strip of dead tissue along the top of my gums come off and noticed some cement embedded. Could I be having a reaction to the cement? Or is it infected?

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

The gum tissue is visibly irritated around your temporary crown. Because you have two temp crowns and issues with only one, I would say you can rule out an allergic reaction. The irritation is likely caused by the temp crown being to bulky or rough or is due to excess cement trapped in the area. I would recommend calling your dental office to let them know what is going on. Your dentist may have someone covering for him/her while on vacation. I hope this helps! Follow me for more questions and answers.

Tarsys Loayza, DDS, MSc · Answer

Hello
You must not feel pain about it, yo should go to the dentist inmediatly to check it, it´ll can be a infection; it must be treated as soon as possible
Regards.

Edward L. Loev, DMD · Answer

I would guess that the gum irritation is probably due to rough or overextended temporary crowns. It is also possible that there is excess cement around the crowns which could be causing the irritation. I would recommend  that you set up an appointment with your dentist immediately and have him remove the crowns and check the tissue.

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

Since the inflammation is limited to a specific spot on only one of the two temporary crowns there is something other than the temporary crown material that is causing the localized inflammation. If deep decay was present in this area, it could be that the temporary crown is well below the gumline and is possibly too bulky, rough or causing excess cement to be trapped in the gum tissue all of which would cause this type of inflammation. It is also possible that the biological width was impinged upon which will cause chronic inflammation; even after the permanent crown is cemented. Bottom line, you need to have a dentist evaluate the area because inflammation that severe can cause tissue recession which will expose your crown margin and make the final results less than ideal.Good luck!

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:The symptoms you are describing and form the tissue irritation visibly seen on the photo are a bit unusual for temporary crowns.  There might be a bite issue that is causing the pain as well.  Its best to make sure the tissue is free of any cement and the bite is ok.Make sure you are not eating on the side of the temporary and rinse your mouth with warm sea salt and water.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Temp crown causing severe pain, swelling, and bleeding; Is it a possible reaction or infection? (photo)

Answers (5)