Dealing with Tooth Loss: My Painful Journey with Dental Crowns

Tooth replacement and dental restoration?

I have a missing first molar on the lower jaw that has been filled with a crown.
The second premolar and the second molar have both been ground down.
I have sensitive teeth and have discussed this with my dentist.
When those two teeth are ground down, the pain is unbearable.
During the period I wore the crown, it caused significant discomfort.
The dentist mentioned that grinding them down might have caused some damage, and that this symptom is quite normal.
He prescribed anti-inflammatory medication for me to take during this period, which helped alleviate the symptoms.
However, when it came time to secure the crown, removing it provided immediate relief, but after securing it again, the pain returned.
I wake up every night with sharp pain.
A week later, I returned to the dentist, who said this might be due to nerve inflammation and suggested performing a root canal.
At this point, I was extremely frustrated.
He mentioned that placing the crown and administering anesthesia would be ineffective, and that he would need to drill a hole to inject the anesthesia directly.
I only needed a filling for my missing tooth, but now my healthy teeth have been ground down, and the crown has been drilled into.
After the drilling, foul-smelling blood and fluid came out, and it has been six months since then.
The nerve has been treated, and the crown has been temporarily filled, but the pain persists, and I continue to take anti-inflammatory medication.
Now, the second molar has started to hurt as well.
Am I going to have to undergo another root canal?
During this time, I consulted another dentist, who suggested removing the crown and creating a new one, which would incur additional costs.
He recommended returning to my original dentist for treatment, but the original dentist refused to remove the crown and opted for drilling instead.
The purpose of filling the missing tooth was to improve aesthetics and prevent issues with other teeth, yet now the crown has been drilled into, and the hole keeps getting larger.
It seems that my originally healthy teeth have been completely worn down due to the drilling!

Mr. Yan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/08

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry

Dear Mr.
Yan,
Hello! As mentioned, it is indeed very uncomfortable.
However, please have the original dentist handle it, because if the first molar is extracted for too long, the adjacent teeth may tilt significantly.
This can lead to more extensive grinding of the teeth when making dentures, which increases the risk of nerve damage.
Please communicate more with your dentist!
Thank you! Wishing you safety!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry

Reply Date: 2016/10/08

More Info

Dealing with dental issues, especially when it involves crowns and tooth sensitivity, can be incredibly frustrating and painful. Your experience highlights several key aspects of dental care that are crucial for understanding the situation and finding a resolution.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that dental crowns are designed to restore the function and aesthetics of damaged teeth. However, if the underlying tooth structure is compromised, or if there are issues with the crown itself, complications can arise. In your case, it seems that the sensitivity and pain you are experiencing may be related to several factors, including the potential for nerve damage, improper fitting of the crown, or issues with the surrounding gum and bone health.

When a tooth is prepared for a crown, it is often reduced in size to accommodate the crown. This process can sometimes lead to sensitivity, especially if the tooth is already compromised or if the preparation is too aggressive. If the crown is not fitting properly, it can create spaces where bacteria can accumulate, leading to decay or gum disease, which can further exacerbate pain and sensitivity.

The fact that you are experiencing pain even after nerve treatment (root canal) suggests that there may be ongoing issues that need to be addressed. It’s not uncommon for patients to experience discomfort after a root canal, but if the pain persists, it could indicate that the procedure was not entirely successful, or that there is another underlying issue, such as an infection or inflammation in the surrounding tissues.

Given your situation, it is advisable to seek a second opinion from a different dental professional, preferably one who specializes in restorative dentistry or endodontics (root canal treatment). They can evaluate the condition of your crowns and the health of the underlying teeth and gums. If the crowns are poorly fitted or if there is significant decay or damage to the underlying tooth structure, it may be necessary to remove the crowns and create new ones that fit properly.

In terms of managing your pain and discomfort, it’s crucial to follow your dentist's recommendations regarding pain management and anti-inflammatory medications. However, relying solely on medication without addressing the root cause of the pain will not provide a long-term solution.
Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, especially when dealing with crowns and sensitive teeth. This includes brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using fluoride toothpaste, and flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles from around the crowns and between your teeth. If you find traditional flossing difficult, consider using interdental brushes or water flossers, which can be gentler on sensitive gums.

Lastly, it’s important to communicate openly with your dental care providers about your concerns and experiences. If you feel that your current dentist is not addressing your issues adequately, it’s perfectly reasonable to seek care elsewhere. Your comfort and health should always be the priority in dental treatment.

In summary, your painful journey with dental crowns is a complex issue that requires careful evaluation and possibly a change in treatment approach. Seeking a second opinion, ensuring proper oral hygiene, and addressing any underlying dental issues are crucial steps in finding relief and restoring your dental health.

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