I got two new crowns in March. One crown felt unusual, so my dentist offered to re-cement it or give me a new one. I opted for a new crown, which was ready in three weeks. My bite doesn’t feel quite right with the crown. However, the crown doesn’t cause any pain, but something feels weird in a way that’s difficult to describe. As a professional in the service industry, I understand that anyone can make mistakes. So, should I give my dentist another chance or request a refund? Thanks. Tim from KS

 

Tim,

A new crown should be unnoticeable and feel like a healthy tooth. Despite bite adjustments, a crown can still be problematic.

What Should You Do About a New Uncomfortable Dental Crown?

If discomfort in a new dental crown lingers, see an advanced cosmetic dentist for a second opinion. The dentist will examine the crown and X-ray the tooth to determine the cause of your symptoms. A root canal tooth with a crown would not hurt because the tooth pulp and nerves don’t exist. Symptoms in a root canal tooth may be vague.

What Causes Tooth Decay Beneath a Dental Crown?

If you experience tooth decay beneath a crown, possible causes may include:

• Trapped bacterial or plaque in the tooth
• Root canal failure
• Untreated decay or infection in the crowned tooth

Depending on the condition of your tooth and how much tooth structure is left, the second opinion dentist may recommend:

• Crown adjustment
• A new crown
• Replacing the tooth with a dental implant

After retreatment, your tooth and bite should feel comfortable.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.