A crown on my first premolar came off in August. My dentist insisted I needed a new crown rather than re-cementing the old one. I agreed because I had no basis for challenging her recommendation. I got the crown in early September, although neither the temporary nor the final crown felt right. My bite is still off. Although my dentist says she can adjust it until it’s right, it still feels weird when I chew.

At my last dental cleaning appointment, I was due for X-rays. The X-ray showed decay beneath the new crown. My dentist said I needed a root canal on the tooth. I decided not to let her touch the tooth because I am afraid that I will lose it. Could a root canal save the tooth? How do I know if I really need it? I am unsure that I need a new crown. – Thank you. Vadin from IL

Vadin,

A well-placed crown should feel natural and indistinguishable from your natural teeth. You should not feel discomfort or notice any difference in sensation when biting or chewing.

If a crown feels unusual, call a dentist promptly. A well-fitting crown should seamlessly look and feel like your natural teeth. If a crown is noticeable in how it looks for feels, a dentist must adjust it. Sometimes, further treatment may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

We recommend finding an experienced prosthodontist to examine your X-rays and tooth to determine whether you need a crown adjustment, a new crown, or root canal treatment. If the tooth is unsavable, you can trust an experienced prosthodontist to replace the tooth with a dental implant.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read how they strive to provide patients with some of the best dental care in San Antonio.