The sensation of a temporary crown feeling “weird” or different when biting down is a common experience for many dental patients. A temporary crown is a provisional measure designed to protect the prepared tooth while a permanent restoration is being fabricated. This temporary phase, which typically lasts a few weeks, often involves a learning curve as the mouth adjusts to the new structure. Understanding the reasons behind this difference can help alleviate concern and guide you on when to seek professional attention.
The Function of the Temporary Crown
A temporary crown serves several mechanical and biological roles after the underlying tooth has been prepared. The primary function is to act as a protective shield for the remaining tooth structure, which is highly sensitive because its outer enamel layer has been reduced. This provisional cap prevents bacteria and food debris from accessing the exposed inner dentin and soft pulp tissue, which helps reduce sensitivity to temperature changes.
Beyond protection, the temporary crown maintains the correct spacing within your mouth until the permanent restoration is ready. It prevents adjacent teeth from shifting or tilting into the newly created space, and it also stops the opposing tooth from moving out of its socket, a process known as super-eruption. Maintaining this precise alignment is essential to ensure that your permanent crown will fit correctly. Since the temporary crown is made from materials like acrylic or composite resin, it is secured with a temporary, weaker cement that allows for easy removal at the next appointment.
Common Reasons for Biting Discomfort
The most frequent source of an unusual biting sensation is occlusal interference, commonly referred to as a “high spot.” Even a microscopic difference in the crown’s height can feel significant because the ligaments surrounding the tooth, known as the periodontal ligament, are highly sensitive to pressure changes. When the temporary crown is slightly taller than your other teeth, it receives disproportionate force when you bite down. This can lead to inflammation and discomfort in the tooth’s supporting structures.
The material itself also contributes to the altered sensation. Temporary crowns are made from comparatively softer materials like acrylic, which feel different against the opposing tooth than natural enamel or the ceramic of a final crown. This material can sometimes wear down unevenly or slightly shift, changing your bite over the period it is worn. Furthermore, a temporary crown is not designed to fit as tightly or seal as completely as a permanent one. This means the underlying prepared tooth is more susceptible to temperature sensitivity or pressure when chewing.
Gum irritation and inflammation are also common contributors to biting discomfort. The process of preparing the tooth often involves manipulating the surrounding gum tissue, which can cause temporary redness and soreness. Sometimes, excess temporary cement can remain around the margins of the crown, acting as a mild irritant to the gums. The pressure from biting down can exacerbate this existing inflammation, leading to a dull ache or sharp sensitivity.
Immediate Steps and When to Seek Professional Help
If the crown feels merely different or if you have only mild sensitivity, managing the situation at home is usually appropriate for the first day or two. You should chew on the opposite side of your mouth and choose softer foods to reduce the mechanical stress on the temporary crown. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage mild discomfort and reduce inflammation around the area. Rinsing with warm salt water can also soothe irritated gum tissue.
If the sensation is one of feeling a distinct “high spot” that prevents your teeth from meeting comfortably, you should contact your dental office promptly. A crown that is too high puts excessive force on the tooth, which can cause inflammation in the supporting ligament and requires a quick, simple adjustment. Immediate professional attention is also necessary in several situations:
- If the temporary crown falls off completely.
- If you experience sharp or throbbing pain that does not subside with medication.
- If there is visible swelling of the gum or face.
Be prepared to describe the exact location and nature of the discomfort—whether it hurts only when biting or if it is a constant, lingering ache—as this information helps the dentist determine the underlying cause.