Expert: Joel S. Teig, DMD, Diplomate ABOMS, retired - 12/22/2009

Question
Hello,
In the past 24 hours had a crown put on. When I left the dentist it felt like it was not alligned correctly, as if it were tilted or somthing. I asked the dentist about it and he said the red paper thing(not his words but I forget what it's called) showed that it was alligned perfectly and I felt that way because it was I was numb. Well, it still feels off when I bite down and it hurts really bad to do so. I can't eat on that side of my mouth. Is this normal? Should I go back to the dentist? Do I need to wait longer until I go back in?

Thank you SO MUCH for your time!

Megan  

Answer
Megan -  You need to get back to the dentist as soon as possible.  Trauma to the tooth from a crown that was inserted wrong, fabricated incorrectly or planned wrong.  Any of those situations can produce a tooth that does not feel correctly when you bite down.  The problem is a tooth that is recently placed and hurts when you bite down can cause potentially serious problems.  Tell the dentist the tooth hurts when you bite down.  He needs to either adjust it, if possible, or remove the crown and place a correct one.  Do not take no for an answer.  This needs to be taken care of as soon as possible.