Pain with CEREC Crown

I had three crowns put on back teeth. I’ve had one other crown in the past without issue. This is the first time I’ve gotten CEREC crowns. Every time I bite down it’s a nightmare. I feel as if a knife is going through my jaw. Is it because it’s CEREC crowns or something else?

Olivia

Dear Olivia,

A tooth receiving a CEREC crown

I don’t think it’s the fact you received CEREC crowns this time which is causing the problem. When there is a pain on biting with dental crowns, whether traditional or CEREC, there is usually one of two causes.

Do You Have a Lingering Infection?

People often get dental crowns because of a tooth infection and root canal treatment. There are many canals in our teeth and some of them do a pretty good job of hiding from the dentist, even when they do everything right in the procedure. If he or she missed a canal it would explain the pain. You can have an x-ray done to see if there is still some ick left.

Your CEREC Crown Could be Seated too High

Because the pain is when you’re biting down, it leads me to believe the crown may be seated too high. Generally, when we bite down the force is absorbed by all of our teeth. But, if your crown is seated higher than your other teeth, it’s taking on the full force of your bite, which would cause quite a “zing” of pain. If that’s the case, a simple adjustment by your dentist should do the trick.

When NOT to get a CEREC Crown

CEREC crowns are wonderful. They generally have a better chance of fitting perfectly because they’re milled by computer. They’re also incredibly convenient because you get it the same day and don’t need to bother with a temporary crown and second appointment. All that being said, there is one time I do not recommend a CEREC crown. Instead, you’d need the traditional all-porcelain crowns.

CEREC crowns are milled out of a single block of porcelain. That limits the variation and subtle color changes you’d normally be able to achieve when getting a traditional all-porcelain crown. On back teeth, that’s no big deal, but when you’re talking about your front teeth that’s a totally different story.

Your front teeth are exposed when you smile and the light hits them which reveals their secrets even more. You’ll want a skilled cosmetic dentist to make sure you get a crown crafted with all the color and translucency changes you’d get with your natural teeth so they blend in beautifully.

This blog is brought to you by AACD accredited dentist Dr. Mike Malone.