Temporary crown smaller than original tooth?

[Moonchilde@2714]

I am in the process of getting a permanent crown on root canal tooth #18 which was entirely intact except for the filling before prepping and has now been prepped twice because the first time there wasn't enough clearance. This second temporary crown is noticeably smaller than my original tooth was, and it is slightly angled toward the outer jaw which the original tooth wasn't. It does not seem to be affecting my bite at all, but is this OK? Will the permanent crown also be the same?

If you need before and after photos let me know.

 

[Moonchilde@2714]

Before and after

 

[Moonchilde@2714]

I seem to be having some mild sensitivity now, it is three days after this temporary crown was put on

 

[Dr M]

Sensitivity is normal after a crown prep. Especially if a lot of enamel was removed and dentin is exposed. It should subside after a while. If it doesn't, mention this to the dentist before the permanent crown is cemented.
It is also normal that the temporary crown might have some slight differences to the original tooth. The crown is shaped in such a way and then reduced, to minimize occlusal forces on the tooth, since the temporary crown is not as strong as the permanent crown, and can break easily when biting something hard.

 

[Kiper the lab guy]

It’s understandable to feel concerned about the changes in your temporary crown, especially since it’s smaller and angled differently than your original tooth. The temporary crown is often smaller than the original tooth to ensure there’s enough space for the permanent crown to fit properly, especially if the first prep didn’t provide enough clearance. The angling might be intentional to accommodate the shape and design of the permanent crown.

Temporary crowns are made from acrylic or composite materials, which are less durable and precise than the materials used for permanent crowns (e.g., porcelain, zirconia). They may not perfectly replicate the size, shape, or alignment of your original tooth.

Temporary crowns are primarily designed to protect the prepped tooth and maintain function (e.g., chewing, biting) until the permanent crown is ready. Aesthetics and exact replication of the original tooth are secondary concerns for temporaries.

Functionally: If the temporary crown isn’t affecting your bite or causing discomfort, it’s likely serving its purpose adequately.
Aesthetically: While the smaller size and angling might feel unusual, it’s temporary. The permanent crown should be customized to match your natural tooth more closely.

 

[Moonchilde@2714]

I am having sensitivity in this tooth still at nine days after this second temporary was placed, it seems to be getting worse instead of better. It aches. It aches some of the time when it's not being touched and it aches whenever I press on it or on adjacent teeth. Is this normal?

 

[Moonchilde@2714]

Just to be clear, this was a root canal tooth.

 

[Dr M]

I would suggest re-evaluating the root canal tooth in this case. If the pain is getting worse, the root canal has to be evaluated for missed canals, short filled canals or even cracks.
Do not cement the permanent crown until the pain is under control.
Any recent x-rays you could post?