Why do new crowns make my teeth sensitive and burn my gums?

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The whole process of getting crowns from my dentist has been a nightmare. They are burning my gums now, and my teeth are sensitive. I’m blaming myself a bit because the temporary crowns were a mess, too. They felt like they were leaking, and my teeth hurt beneath them. I told my dentist that I was worried about infection, so he prescribed an antibiotic. He did not check my teeth or anything–just gave me a prescription. When I got my six new crowns, my dentist filed and re-filed my teeth because my bite was off. I felt fluid rushing beneath the crowns whenever I drank anything, so my dentist sent the crowns back, and I wore temporaries. The temporaries felt better than the crowns and the first set of temporaries. Now I’ve been wearing my new crowns for two weeks, and my teeth are sensitive, and my gums are burning. Fortunately, my dentist used temporary cement. But something is not right with the crowns. But as I said, this has been a nightmare from day one. What should I do to prevent this situation from getting worse? I had a little anxiety before this process began. But I have hyperventilated three times at the dental office recently. Can I switch dentists in the middle of treatment, or is it too late? – Marquita from GA

Marquita,

Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, gums, and new crowns for an accurate diagnosis. But we can be helpful. Please do not allow your dentist to bond your crowns to your teeth permanently.

New Dental Crowns and Burning Gums

If your gums are burning and teeth are sensitive after new dental crowns, ask your dentist for the exact composition of the crowns. When a lab makes crowns, they send a dental alloy certificate listing all materials in the crown. And if your crowns are porcelain-fused-to-metal, you might have a metal allergy or sensitivity. It would explain why your gums are burning, and your teeth are sensitive.

Challenges of Placing Dental Crowns on Front Teeth

Face of a woman relaxed during dental treatment for information on sedation dentistry from Dr. Brooksher of Baton Rouge

Sedation will relieve your anxiety while a cosmetic dentist restores your teeth

When a dentist places a crown on your front teeth, they must ensure your bite is adjusted. But your dentist placed six crowns, which increases the challenge of bite adjustment. A dentist with advanced training in occlusion and bite can adjust your bite accurately without extensively filing your teeth down to stumps.

And when you suspected that you might have a tooth infection, your dentist prescribed antibiotics instead of identifying the cause of your discomfort.

Can You Switch Dentists in the Middle of Treatment?

Yes, you can switch dentists in the middle of getting new crowns. First, look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training—preferably accredited—to examine your teeth. The dentist can explain sedation options to prevent anxiety from overwhelming you. Then, the dentist will determine if your crowns have a metal foundation or if something else is causing tooth sensitivity and burning gums. Your new crowns should feel so comfortable that you don’t notice them at all.

Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post. Read why so many of his patients think he is among the best dentists in Baton Rouge.

Why Do My Shots Hurt So Much?

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Hello there,

I had a cavity filled and my dentist tried to numb me with anesthetic. However, the shot hurt horribly. I’m sensitive to shots. The next time I needed numbing, I asked him to be gentle when giving it, but he ignored my request, and the shot hurt just as bad as before.

I have to get another filling but I am hesitant to go back to this dentist. It hurts too much. Can I do something before my appointment to make it hurt less? Or is there a way to get him to be more gentle this time around?

Connor, from Detroit, Michigan

 

Hi Connor,

When you asked your dentist the first time to be more gentle, he should have listened to you instead of ignoring you. Sometimes dentists get stuck in their ways. However, dentists need to maintain a good level of bedside manner in order to gain the patient’s trust, so he was in the wrong here.

One way to decrease the pain associated with the shot is to ask the dentist to use numbing gel. Leaving numbing gel on the gums first can help. Also, the dentist should administer the shot slowly instead of quickly. Doing it slowly allows the body to absorb the medicine better; doing it fast can cause bubbling at the injection site, or stretching of the skin.

If you are sensitive to shots, it may be because of the nerves in your jaw. Everyone’s bodies are different, and your dentist is administering the shoot where it is most likely to be effective. However, while this may cause no pain for most people, if your facial nerves are near the injection site, it will hurt you a lot more than it would otherwise. The dentist cannot control where your facial nerves are, so if this is the case, you may want to look for a gentle dentist or sedation dentist.

A cosmetic dentist who practices gentle or sedation dentistry will listen to your concerns. They will have a much more improved bedside manner than your current dentist. To have your sensitivities addressed, you may want to seek a different dentist.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge sedation dentist, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher.

Novocain Doesn’t Make Me Numb?

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Hello there,

My teeth are in need of a root canal due to nerve damage and nerve damage. My dentist injected me with Novocain, and it did not work. He injected me again and again, and I still could not get numb. Because of that, he sent me home with some painkillers. I cannot get a root canal done unless my teeth can be numbed. Would a numbing paste work? Is there something I can do? Or is there something wrong with me?

Luther, from Huntington, West Virginia

 

Hi Luther,

It is not a problem with you, with some modifications you can get your teeth to get numb. Your problem is likely related to dental anxiety. The higher your anxiety, the less likely you are to get numb, and the more numbing agent that is needed. If you can lower your anxiety, you will be able to get numb with Novocaine or a numbing paste.

One way to help your dental anxiety will be to go to a sedation dentist. A sedation dentist can write you a script for an anti-anxiety medication to take thirty minutes to an hour prior to your appointment. However, you will need a ride to and from the appointment if you take this medication.

If you do not want to take an anti-anxiety pill, you can find a dentist who uses nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly after the appointment, and has no ill side effects. It also is more effective at numbing and sedation than novocaine, and is a good alternative for those with dental anxiety who cannot be numbed any other way.

If your current dentist does not offer sedation dentistry, you can seek it elsewhere. If you continue to see your dentist, using techniques to control your anxiety will allow you to finally become numb enough to get your root canal.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge sedation dentist, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher.

Can a Recovering Addict Still Get Oral Surgery?

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Hello there,

I have struggled with addiction for most of my adult life. I finally am being treated at a methadone clinic for my opiate addiction. Years of drug use have wrecked my teeth, so I need a total makeover. However, the last dentist I saw refused to give me any pain medication for my tooth pain. I hate going to the dentist and worry about pain during and after treatment. Is there any dentist that will help me? I called around but of the dentists were willing to work with me, let alone give me any pain meds. My counselor is more than happy to answer questions any dentist may have.

Kenneth, from Billings, Montana

 

Hi Kenneth,

In the midst of the opioid epidemic, medical professionals are being extra cautious. Today, dentists would rather be careful than compassionate, especially if their compassion for patients could get them in trouble with the Drug Enforcement Agency. Some patients have abused this kindness, and unfortunately for you, their actions have made it harder for you to receive treatment.

You will need to find a kind-hearted dentist, but one that does sedation would work best for you. Gentle dentists can use nitrous oxide to put you under. Let them know about your history and treatment, and they can prescribe the best form of post-treatment medication. Keep calling and asking, and hopefully you’ll find a sedation dentist who’s a good match for you.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge sedation dentist, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher.

 

Can I Trust This Dentist?

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Hello,

I went to see a new dentist about some tooth pain I’ve had for a few weeks. This is the first time I’ve felt pain in this tooth, so I didn’t think it was too serious. However, the dentist told me one of my teeth has a cavity and needs an extraction. He would have to put me under to do either a bone graft or dental implant. Should I get a second opinion? I don’t want to get all this work done over some tooth pain. He didn’t even find an infection, but gave me antibiotics for the pain. I’m mostly worried about having a reaction to the anesthetic. I’m terrified of getting dental work done and am dreading this. What should I do?

Claire from Philadelphia, PA

 

Hi Claire,

If your tooth has recently started feeling pain, it has only become infected recently. It likely isn’t so far gone that it needs extractions, let alone a bone graft or implant. A tooth that’s beyond saving would have been hurting for awhile, and would have a visible cavity in it.

A second opinion would be a good idea. You can bring any X-rays to your new dentist. A fresh set of eyes can give you a new perspective on your issue.

Another point to consider is that anesthetic is a safe medicine, and you are not going to have an allergic reaction to it. Dental anxiety is nothing unusual. Find a second opinion from a sedation dentist. They are experienced in administering nitrous oxide or local anesthetic for anxious patients. The more anxiety you feel, the harder it will be to get you numb. Too much anxiety, and you’ll need conscious oral sedation. A gentle dentist will be able to advise you on your sedation needs.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge sedation dentist, Dr. Steven Brooksher.

 

3 Best-Kept Secrets to Know about Sedation before Your Next Dental Procedure

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Many people think sedation dentistry is for dental cowards—people who run from dental visits or get sweaty and nauseous in the chair. If you think sedation is just for the dental phobic, think again. Even the calmest patients can benefit from this treatment.

3 Ways Sedation Dentistry Can Help

1. Saves Time if You’re Busy

When you receive sedation dentistry, you’ll be more relaxed than normal. Increasing discomfort from lengthy dental procedures is virtually negated when you’re sedated. Your dentist will be able to get more work done in less time. It’s possible that a dental procedure that would normally require two or three visits will only require one visit if you receive sedation.

If you have a busy work or home life, you’ll benefit by limiting the number of dental appointments required to complete your treatment. You will save travel time and the need to take additional time off work or away from home. The time you would have spent at the dental office can be saved and spent elsewhere.

2. You’ll Be Less Sensitive to Pain

  • Photo to illustrate the relaxing effects of a sedation dentistry. A young woman is lying on her back in a field of flowers. A blue sky full of clouds is above her.

When you’re ultra-relaxed, you are also less sensitive to pain. Even if you don’t have dental anxiety, isn’t it appealing to know that your visit—particularly with more invasive procedures—will be virtually painless?

A variety of dental treatment can be more comfortable, including:

3. Gets Rid of Gagging

Even people who are not afraid of the dentist can gag when dental tools are placed in their mouth. You will be able to better manage your gag reflex under sedation. Your dental hygienist or dentist won’t have to pause for you to regain your composure so that treatment can continue.

It Doesn’t Always Mean You’ll Be Drowsy

Sedation dentistry doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be drowsy or fall asleep. Your dentist will select a level appropriate for your dental procedure. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is the lowest level of sedation, and it can be quickly reversed. If you only need nitrous oxide, you can drive away from your dental appointment with no problem at all.

Other levels of sedation can make you drowsy, but you’ll know what to expect in advance of your dental appointment so you can arrange for transportation. But remember even if you receive a level of sedation that makes you drowsy—more dental work will be accomplished in a single visit, so it will save you time.

Request a Consultation

If you’re interested in learning more about how sedation dentistry can save you time and increase your comfort during dental appointments, schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.