Could Ill-fitting Crown Be the Source of Severe Jaw/ear Pain?

Question

I cracked my lower left second molar, had to have a crown put on. It was sitting too high. Took a couple months to get back in for adjustment. I am now experiencing excruciating pain in my ear and jaw. Ibuprofen only takes the edge off and only for about half the recommended time. What could be causing this pain, and what are some ways to help manage it? Was not hurting before. Crown seems to fit now but very sensitive. Cannot eat, sleep due to pain.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

First of all, if you were uncomfortable with your recent dental work it was your responsibility to call your dentist to alert him to your problem, not wait months to get back for any post crown cementation sensitivity or jaw pain.  When a patient lets things go too long, it usually makes the treatment longer and more difficult. 

	As the other dentists have stated, your jaw pain is most likely due to your bite not being even, which if detected, your dentist would have done months ago when you should have gone back to see him, but now will most likely due at your appointment.  However, if you had deep decay or any fractures in your tooth even before your crown was placed, you might end up needing a root canal treatment. 

	Regardless, best thing for you to do is get back to see your dentist ASAP!

Peter Rinaldi, DMD · Answer

It is very possible that a new restoration that is high could cause the bite to be off which in turn could result in joint and/or ear pain.  Since you had no symptoms prior to the treatment, it is possible to conclude that it is the new crown. You should see your dentist and have him  or her adjust it.  If the crown is high it will not adjust itself.  A contributing factor to cracking the tooth may be that your bite is off to begin with. Your dentist should look into this also.

Hank D. Michael, DMD · Answer

Consult with your dentist ASAP.  It sounds like you may need a root canal therapy.  The tooth may also be cracked down the root.  That is less likely but it is usually recognized during a root canal therapy.  If a root fracture is found, the tooth is going to need to be extracted and you may need to consider a dental implant restoration.  

	Hank D. Michael, DMD - Dentist in Sarasota, FL

Eric Linden, DMD, MSD · Answer

Did this cracked tooth have a root canal?  Did the dentist mention whether the nerve/pulp of the tooth was close?  Did you traumatize the tooth by falling or hitting something towards your face?  Does your bite feel normal?  Did you have a new x-ray taken?  Has your bite been checked again to make sure the occlusion is acceptable?

	These are some of the possibilities for a diagnosis:

	
		Cracked tooth below the gum into the bone
	
		Need for root canal..nerve involvement
	
		TMJ issues
	
		Infection/decay in tooth
	
		Infection in the bone


	I would suggest seeing a Periodontist for a complete evaluation ASAP.

Murray Bruckel, DDS (retired) · Answer

You waited too long to have the bite adjusted.  You may have acute TMJ syndrome or a dying nerve which would require a root canal, if the bite adjustment has not eliminated the pain.

Could Ill-fitting Crown Be the Source of Severe Jaw/ear Pain?

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Answer: Fracture/ Cracked Tooth... Correct Diagnosis?

Answer: Could Ill-fitting Crown Be the Source of Severe Jaw/ear Pain?

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Could Ill-fitting Crown Be the Source of Severe Jaw/ear Pain?

Answers (6)

Answer: Fracture/ Cracked Tooth... Correct Diagnosis?

Answer: Fracture/ Cracked Tooth... Correct Diagnosis?

Answer: Could Ill-fitting Crown Be the Source of Severe Jaw/ear Pain?

Answer: Could Ill-fitting Crown Be the Source of Severe Jaw/ear Pain?

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Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.