After placing a dental crown, the other crowns were ground down to the point where the metal is exposed, and the crown that was ground down causes pain when pressure is applied!
Originally, there was a cavity between the upper left first molar and the second premolar.
After the dentist treated the first molar, they indicated that a root canal treatment was necessary and subsequently fabricated a metal-ceramic crown.
Later, when it was time to place the crown, the dentist mentioned that the upper left second premolar also had a cavity that needed to be addressed.
After treating it, they placed the crown, but it was very tight and painful.
When I inquired, the dentist said this was normal and that I would get used to it after some adjustment.
During the occlusal adjustment, the dentist noted that my lower left second premolar was too high (this tooth has had a metal-ceramic crown for fifteen years) and ground down a portion of it.
A few days later, I noticed pain in the lower left second premolar when biting down (when pressure was applied from the outside).
When I returned to consult the dentist, they stated it was due to pressure and ground down the lower left second premolar further until the metal was exposed.
After a month, the lower left second premolar still hurt, so I consulted the dentist again, who said it would not get better and that I would only be able to eat soft foods, mentioning that many elderly patients have similar issues.
Dr.
Lin, is it normal for the dentist to grind down the lower crown (which is part of a bridge) until the metal is exposed, especially when the issue was with the upper teeth? Is there a possibility for compensation? The pain in the lower left second premolar began after the treatment of the upper left first molar.
Was there a mistake made by the dentist during the initial treatment, knowing that the upper left first molar had a cavity and that the second premolar could also have one, yet not addressing it until the crown was placed, causing significant pain? Is this considered improper treatment?
Lance, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/13
Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: I suggest clarifying the issues you want to address.
1.
Have the cavities in the upper left first molar and second premolar been properly treated, restoring both aesthetics and function? 2.
When making occlusal adjustments to the lower left premolar prosthesis, was there prior consultation with you and your consent before extensive grinding was performed? 3.
Are you still experiencing pain or significant discomfort in the upper left and lower left areas? Have these three issues been resolved? If so, how? I recommend communicating effectively with your original dentist and expressing your feelings throughout the treatment process.
If a satisfactory conclusion cannot be reached, you may want to consult with the local dental association.
Thank you!
Reply Date: 2022/10/13
More Info
Complications after dental crown placement can be quite distressing, especially when they lead to pain and issues with neighboring teeth. In your case, it appears that the sequence of treatments and adjustments may have contributed to your current discomfort and the exposure of metal from your dental bridge.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that dental crowns are designed to restore the function and aesthetics of damaged teeth. However, complications can arise during the placement and adjustment phases. When a crown is placed, it should fit snugly without causing undue pressure on adjacent teeth. If the crown feels excessively tight or causes pain, it may indicate that the crown is not properly contoured or that the bite (occlusion) is not correctly adjusted.
In your situation, the dentist's assertion that the tightness and pain were normal is concerning. While some discomfort can occur immediately after placement due to the adjustment period, persistent pain, especially that which leads to further adjustments like grinding down adjacent teeth, is not typical. The fact that your lower second molar was ground down to the point of metal exposure raises questions about the appropriateness of the adjustments made. Ideally, any adjustments should be made with caution and should not compromise the integrity of existing dental work.
The pain you experienced in the lower second molar after the upper crown was placed could be attributed to several factors. It is possible that the adjustment made to the upper crown inadvertently affected the occlusion of the lower molar, leading to discomfort. Additionally, if the lower molar was already compromised or had underlying issues, the stress from the adjustment could have exacerbated those problems.
Regarding the potential negligence on the part of the dentist, it is crucial to evaluate whether proper protocols were followed during your treatment. If the dentist was aware of the decay in the second molar but chose to address it only after placing the crown on the first molar, this could be seen as a lapse in judgment. Ideally, all affected teeth should be treated comprehensively to prevent complications.
As for seeking compensation, this can be a complex issue. If you believe that the dentist's actions directly led to your current condition, you may have grounds for a complaint. It would be advisable to document all your experiences, including the timeline of treatments, the nature of your pain, and any communications with your dentist. Consulting with another dental professional for a second opinion can also provide clarity on whether the treatment you received was appropriate and if the complications you are experiencing are a common risk or a result of mismanagement.
In summary, while dental crowns can effectively restore function, complications such as pain and metal exposure can occur if the placement and adjustments are not handled correctly. It is essential to communicate openly with your dentist about any discomfort and to seek further evaluation if issues persist. If you feel that your concerns have not been adequately addressed, exploring options for a second opinion or discussing your situation with a dental board or legal advisor may be beneficial.
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