Expert: Dr. Denitza Kafelova - 12/1/2006

Question
Hi,
Hope you can help. I had a two crowns put on my lower left molars a few weeks ago.  My dentist said if I had any pain with my bite to call him and he'd adjust it.  Everything seemed fine except I had achiness that would come and go. Nothing bad and it never woke me up.  Sometimes it felt like it was at the top and then at the bottom.  Just a few days ago it got to where I was aware of it more often and decided to call the dentist.  The night before I went the pain got really bad. My jaw hurt all the way up to my forehead and it was shooting pains. I ended up having to take a pain pill as over the counter meds didn't work.  I went into the dentist the next day in severe pain and he shaved down my crowns saying my bite was off. He said with my bite being off it could affect my top teeth too bumping on each other as I chewed. He also said that if I still had pain I may need a root canal. He said to give it 24 to 48 hours.  This morning I woke up feeling fine. Pain was gone, felt pretty good til I drank hot tea.  Then it started again but mostely at the top.  It went away and has been coming and going all day.  When I excercised it got bad but went away on the 10 minute drive home.  I've noticed the only time I get it now is if I eat or drink hot or cold.  Is this normal and does it mean I may need a root canal?  And how long will it take for the pain to go away completely.  Why does hot and cold affect it?  As I sit typing this it was hurting because I ate and ice cream.  Now it's gone. Just comes in waves for about 5 minutes and doesn't come back again until I eat something.  Thanks for any information.

Denna

Answer
Before I can give you an adequate answer, I must know, if the teeth are vital or with root canal treatment? But in both possibilities, there must be no pain. There can be many reasons for the pain - occlusal trauma (the crowns are higher),inflammation of the pulp - pulpitis, periodontal disease (if the margins of the crown are not exact - overcontoured). The best thing to do is to visit your dentist immediately!
Best regards,
Dr Denitza Kafelova
www.svedent.com