Waiting for a crown to "bed-in" - how long?

[sudzs]

Due to my terror of going to the dentist I had let my teeth get really quite bad. But am geting back into the swin of things and recently got my lovely new shiney crown, bottom molar, on Tuesday, it was my second crown on that tooth since the Summer, a replacement for a shoddy cheap (but cost a fortune!) ill-fitting one I had done by a different dentist (very long story) but have to say my frequent visits to both dentists is going someway to desentising myself to my phobia.

But anyway.... after it was fitted I thought it felt a little "high" in that the other teeth on that side were not connecting. But the dentist said to leave it to "bed-in" for a week and if after that time to go back to him. He's a speedy worker which is great in one way but I have to say I felt he was rushing me out of the surgery as it was lunchtime... He did the paper test (?) and said the other teeth were meeting but it really doesn't feel like that. I had the same problem with the original crown it has replaced so I know what it feels like when it is too high and also the relief when it is corrected.

Anyway.... it's now 2 days later and it stil feels too high and I'm finding it hard to get my jaw to sit comfortably, if you know what I mean. So should I ring to get an appointment ASAP or wait for it to bed-in for the full week, as suggested? I honestly cant see how it could sink down a bit for a better fit with the opposing tooth.... or am I being impatient? So any advice appreciated, I'm so fed up and exausted with having problems with this tooth, it just feels like it will never be right.

 

[annie778]

ring for an appointment.

 

[sudzs]

Thanks Pippin and annie778 for the replies!

It has slightly improved and my jaw isn't quite as uncomfortable as it was last night, but I'm not sure if it is right yet. I will ring tomorrow morning and see if he can fit me in before next wednesday as I'm going away for a week. Hope he can!

I don't want to seem neurotic either as he was sure the teeth were meeting...

Will just have to wait and see... but will definately ring in teh morning.

 

[Gordon]

The paper test isn't totally reliable since the paper itself adds a certain amount of thickness to the equation, really the most accurate gauge is the patient for this kind of thing. Your bite is so precise that you can sense a difference of less than half a human hair between your teeth.
Fortunately for us dentists, most people's mouths can accommodate slight changes in the position of the biting surfaces of the teeth, hence the "bedding-in" that your dentist has spoken about.
However, it sounds like you're not accommodating very well here and so the crown will need some adjustment. It's not a big deal and dentists are used to doing it regularly, so don't sweat about it, just make an appointment.

 

[sudzs]

Thanks a mill Gordon! I've had such trouble with this crown, and another, over the last 6 months I am beginning to wonder if I just expect too much! But this one definately need adjusting, am seeing the dentist tomorrow.... thank goodness as I have jaw ache now and today, for the first time in my life, I said, "I can't wait to get to the dentists tomorrow"!