Why Do My New Dental Crowns Make My Mouth Dry?

Posted by AllSmiles

I received same-day crowns in December to close a large gap. My dentist placed the crowns on six upper front teeth. Since then, my mouth hasn’t closed well, and the crowns interfere with my speech. I think the tension from it all is causing dry mouth and sore lips. I’m so tense that my jaw and neck hurt, too. I don’t understand why this is happening. I’ve complained to my dentist, but her adjustments haven’t helped. Will removing the crowns resolve it?  – Thanks. Grant from MT

Grant,

It’s good that you’re seeking advice. Although you need an exam and X-rays for a definite diagnosis, the crowns are likely causing the issues. However, your symptoms could occur with any crowns—not just same-day crowns.

Well-crafted, properly placed dental crowns should not cause pain, dry mouth, or issues with your speech. Your descriptions sound like your new crowns opened your bite too much.

Why Might Same-Day Crowns Make Your Mouth Dry?

Your crowns may dry your mouth if they are too thick, too long—or both. Your lips should close naturally without effort. When crowns interfere with your mouth and teeth, the problems you’ve described can occur. The consequences can affect your oral health and contribute to other issues.

• Lip incompetence—When your teeth prevent your lips from closing naturally without your effort, it results in lip incompetence, including numbness and dry mouth. If your mouth doesn’t close properly, it interrupts saliva flow, which contains antibodies that fight tooth decay. A dry mouth interrupts saliva, breeding bacteria that leads to tooth decay.
• Misaligned bite – When your bite—how your upper and lower teeth fit together—is off, it can cause speech problems and TMJ-related jaw and neck pain.

We recommend visiting a cosmetic dentist for a second opinion. When a dentist places crowns in multiple teeth in a row, achieving the right fit and bite can be challenging. An advanced cosmetic dentist will examine your crowns and let you know your options for correcting crown placement or replacing them altogether.

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. Read how they strive to give patients some of the best dental care in Chandler.