6 month old crown hurts to chew on and feels off and causes TMJ tension. What should I do?

Question

I got my 2nd crown about 6 months ago. It would have been 2nd from the back on the top, but the back one was removed years ago, making it the back tooth. My first crown took months of adjusting before we got it right, so I was prepared for a struggle. I've had between 4 and 6 adjuments already including to the tooth it contacts on the bottom. I had a custom nightguard made, which helped a little. Nothing has fixed it. The tooth is always sensitive, but a nerve test didn't show anything wrong.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

There are many factors: the material used, the cement used, the hydration (or "wetness" of the tooth at the moment of cementation), the bite....  After 3 adjustments, I personally would be remaking the crown or doing root canal therapy.  Not all nerve tests are the same (and if a tooth is in the PROCESS of dying, it may give misleading results).  Perhaps see an endodontist to evaluate.

Glory Windmiller, DDS · Answer

I would recommend root canal therapy and would send you to a specialist, an endodontist, to do the procedure prior to making you a new crown.

6 month old crown hurts to chew on and feels off and causes TMJ tension. What should I do?

Answers (2)