AboutSteven C. Scherr, D.D.S. Expertise Comprehensive Dentistry, TMJ Dysfunction Therapy, and Cosmetic Dentistry. Nineteen years of experience including hospital residency (Sinai Hospital of Baltimore), and training at the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. Currently in private rehabilitative practice.
Experience I was the Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Maryland Dental School in 1981. I served as a General Practice Resident at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore in 1981-82, and have been in private dental practice since that time. My practice is now located in Owings Mills, MD, a suburb of Baltimore. My studies at The L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education in Florida has enriched my practice and my patients. It was there that I learned the true meaning of excellence.
Question Two days ago, I had a temporary crown put in. Because I was so numb, I wasn't able to tell that the bite was off. Once the numbness wore off, I could not bite down on anything without a quick sharp pain. I went back to the dentist yesterday, and he brought the bite down. This morning I could eat very soft food on that tooth but with anything slightly harder, I am still having pain when I bite down. I went back again today and he checked the bite again and adjusted it a little more....but same thing. I should mention that there is no other pain and it is not sensitive to hot and cold. The only time it bothers me is when I bite directly down on it. He seems to think that the nerve was aggravated and because it is only temporary that it is normal to have some sensitivity and discomfert. I can deal with it for a couple weeks but my concern is that this will continue once the permanent crown comes in. I have never has a crown procedure before so I am not sure what to expect. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Answer Heidi,
Each tooth has an inner nerve that has a limited capacity to heal. Every time one chews, swallows, chases hot coffee with ice water, has tooth decay, breaks a tooth, or has dental work a little of this healing ability is used up. Once the tooth's nerve has exhausted it's healing ability, the nerve will die.
This nerve is traumatized by both the problem that led for the need for a crown, as well as the crown procedure itself. Only time will tell if it is able to recover this time. If the tooth is not able to recover, root canal therapy will be needed to remove the damaged nerve from the tooth in order to save the tooth.
It is common for a tooth to be sensitive for the first week or so following placement of a temporary crown. Most of the time this resolves on its own. Only time will tell.
