Any dental professionals out there?

[mrsv98]

Here's the story...last Fri, I had a tooth worked on to prep it for a crown. Unpleasant but not horrible. I had several shots of novacaine and had to keep my mouth open for a long time. Now it is a full week later and my jaw still hurts so much that I can't open it all the way or stick my tongue out very far. I can't feel any abcess or particular sore spot, rather it is like my jaw is frozen. Don't laugh, but could I have sprained my jaw? Is this something to be concerned about? I haven't yet called the dentist because there isn't anything outward that I can feel. Should I just wait it out like a pulled muscle? TIA for any info.

 

[Harley Chick]

Not a professional other than I've had 3 root canals and my jaw always hurts for weeks afterwards. I never thought about it being a pulled muscle, just assumed it was an effect of the novacaine.

 

[MerryPoppins]

I've also had a similar reaction.

Here's another question for you guys. I'm having a crown replaced. I've had it for a couple of years, but my dentist isn't happy with the fit. Food catches at the bottom of the crown where it doesn't fit as tight as it should. She is replacing it for free to get a tighter fit.

Here is the question. They'll have to get the old crown off. Do they cut it off or what? Will I have to have shots? Can you tell I am a chicken? I'm dreading going to get this done later this month.

 

[mrsv98]

Thanks for the responses Harley and Merry. I had a feeling it was just strained but it is nice to get reassurance.

Merry, I am not sure what they do, I am worried about getting the temp crown off based on the way my jaw feels now. There is no way I will be able to open my mouth at this point. I am glad this is the last scheduled procedure for a while!

 

[Kermit]

My mouth got stuck shut after I had my wisdom teeth taken out. I have problems with my TM joint anyway, and that was just too much.

My oral surgeon had me take big doses of Advil to reduce the inflamation. He also had me do stretching exercises several times a day to loosen it. I remember that one of them involved putting my thumb under my top teeth and my pointer finger above my lower teeth and then pushing them apart. There was at least one other, but I don't remember what it was. Your dentist should be able to give you suggestions, since I don't think it's an unusual problem.

Good luck!

 

[Blondie]

All I know is the one root canal I had done (back in 1993) I ended up having pulled a year later.

After talking to some people, seems that's the norm. Root canals don't last a lifetime.

After taking that into consideration, and getting the price of the actual "build up" and crown--$900.00 (that doesn't include the price of the root canal--which I've been quoted in a range from $835 to a low of $450) I'm seriously thinking of getting a dental implant!

Oops, got on a rant there, sorry!

Yes, my jaw is always sore after any kind of dental work...I thought it was just me!

I guess it's because we don't usually have our jaws propped open for any more than a few seconds!

And my gums have been sore at the injection site for up to a week!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Trying to see if we can rustle up the in-house DIS Doc.

 

[RobDoc]

It sounds as though you've had some cramping of the jaw muscles which has lasted longer than normal.

Try not to open very wide at all, to reduce any opportunity of aggravating the cramp. You can ice the affected side (3-4 minutes- using a towel wrapped around an ice pack- then repeat a couple of times) and try taking some ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin or generic). Gently stretch the laws between icing sessions. You can get ibuprofen over the counter in any drug store (or Walmart, etc)- the doasge will be 200mg. You can take 3 tablets every 6 hours. This will help to reduce inflammation in the irritated muscles and joint.

MerryPoppins- you will probably have an injection to anesthetize the tooth. It sometimes can be tapped off and the preparation will be modified and a new imprssion taken. The new crown will be cemented at another appointment.

Good Luck!

 

[mrsv98]

Thanks for all the input, I knew DISers would have the answer!

Doc, I have been using ibuprofen and I will add the ice.


Thanks again!

 

[MerryPoppins]

Thanks Doc. I'm mainly squeamish about getting the old one off. I've done impressions and had this one put on, so that doesn't bother me much. Maybe it won't be too bad? Thanks again.

Good luck with the jaw, mrsv98. I hope it feels better soon!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Thanks, Doc, as always.