Pain with temp crown

[Megansmom744]

My top back molar broke. My dentist drilled it for a crown and put a temporary crown on it. About two days later I developed a pain in both my upper and lower jaws..mind you..this tooth does not hurt it just hurts all around it.  Alleve takes the pain away.  Went back two weeks later to get the permanent put on and now he won't put it on until I see an endodontist to make sure I don't need a root canal.  Really..as I sit here right now, I can bang on that temporary crown and it doesn't hurt but my bottom jaw is aching really bad.  He said it is radiating pain.  Oh yeah..I just had periodontic surgery, two fillings, this crown and still need two more crowns.  I'm just afraid that if I go to an endodontist..of course I'm going to need a root canal..really??  No kidding!!  I think this temporary crown doesn't fit right and it's shifting my teeth and affecting my bite.  Isn't that possible?  Help!!

[patriciat]

If you are uncertain, call the office and see if they work you in so the dentist can check your bite. This way there is confirmation and ease for you. Be sure you specify you want the dentist to check your bite... 

As far as the Endodontist goes, they can X-ray and see if a cyst has developed at the root of the tooth and too check for root fractures. They will also test to confirm if the tooth is vital. Always better to be safe than sorry!!

With you not having the tooth looked at right after the fracture, anything could have happened in interim until your recent treatment. 

Sounds like you are in good hands. You want to rule out the need for a root canal before your permanent crown is seated

Hope you feel better soon!
Pat  

[Megansmom744]

Thanks for your comments.  I'm sure you're right about the trauma to the tooth and it makes sense but (I'm ashamed to say) this tooth broke like 1 1/2 yrs ago.  It had a huge filling in it and the very back came off while I was chewing.  It did't hurt when it broke, It never hurt before I went to the dentist.  It didn't hurt when he drilled it and it still doesn't hurt now.  The center of my bottom jaw on the same side and sometimes the center of the top is what hurts.  I don't begin to understand how all this stuff works but this just doesn't make logic sense to me.  My dentist didn't put the temp on..his hygenist did.  I don't remember for sure but I don't think he even came to look at it when she was done.  If I need a root canal, I need it but how on earth am I supposed to know for sure?

[patriciat]

Sometimes when a tooth fractures it can cause the pulp to die. Unfortunately, it can be quick or take some time in doing so.  He is right for you to have a followup with an Endodontist to see if the tooth is still vital.

I feel sure he checked your bite when the temporary crown was seated. But you can always contact your dentist and see if he will check your bite to ease your mind. The tooth pulp could very well be dying as a result of the trauma when it fractured.