Experiencing discomfort or a strange sensation when biting down on a dental crown is a common concern. It can range from a mild annoyance to significant pain, disrupting your daily life. This comprehensive guide explores potential causes for this issue and outlines solutions to alleviate your discomfort.
Why Does My Crown Feel Weird When I Bite Down?
This sensation can stem from several factors, and pinpointing the exact cause requires a professional dental examination. However, here are some of the most frequent culprits:
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High Crown: Perhaps the most common reason, a high crown is one that sits too high relative to your opposing teeth. This leads to excessive pressure when biting, resulting in discomfort, sensitivity, and even pain. The crown might feel like it's "catching" or "hitting" your other teeth.
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Poor Bite (Occlusion): Your bite, or how your upper and lower teeth fit together, plays a crucial role in dental health. An improper bite can put uneven pressure on your crown, causing it to feel uncomfortable or even loose. This might be due to the crown itself or pre-existing bite issues.
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Crown Cementation Issues: Problems with the cement used to attach the crown to your tooth can cause a variety of issues, including a strange feeling when biting. Poorly bonded cement can lead to gaps, allowing food particles to get underneath, causing irritation and sensitivity. Alternatively, excess cement can create a similar high-crown sensation.
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Underlying Tooth Issues: The underlying tooth might be experiencing decay, inflammation (such as from periodontitis), or nerve irritation, even after crown placement. These problems can radiate discomfort, making the crown feel strangely sensitive when biting.
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Damaged Crown: The crown itself might be damaged or fractured, leading to an altered bite and discomfort. Chips, cracks, or even a slight misalignment can impact your experience.
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Sinus Issues: In some cases, especially with upper molars, sinus problems can contribute to pressure or pain that feels related to the crown. This isn't directly related to the crown's fit but can mimic the same discomfort.
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Improper Crown Placement: In rare cases, the crown might not have been placed correctly during the initial procedure, leading to ongoing issues.
What Should I Do If My Crown Feels Weird When I Bite Down?
Don't delay seeking professional help! Ignoring this sensation could worsen the underlying issue. Here's what you should do:
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Contact Your Dentist: Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They are the best equipped to diagnose the problem and recommend an appropriate solution.
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Describe Your Symptoms: Be as specific as possible when describing the discomfort – where it's located, when it occurs, and the type of sensation (e.g., pressure, pain, looseness).
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Avoid Chewing on the Affected Side: To prevent further damage or discomfort, minimize chewing on the side with the problematic crown.
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Soft Food Diet: A temporary soft food diet can alleviate pressure on the crown and reduce any sensitivity.
How is a High Crown Fixed?
A high crown is usually adjusted by your dentist using a specialized instrument to carefully grind down a small amount of the crown's surface. This process is relatively quick and painless, restoring proper occlusion and comfort.
Can a Loose Crown Be Fixed?
The solution for a loose crown depends on the cause. Sometimes, the dentist can simply re-cement the crown. However, if there's significant underlying tooth damage, further treatment might be required.
Could I Need a New Crown?
In cases of extensive damage or poor initial crown placement, replacing the crown may be necessary. Your dentist will assess the situation and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice. Always consult your dentist for diagnosis and treatment of dental problems. Early intervention is key to resolving issues with your dental crowns and maintaining optimal oral health.
