A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its form, strength, and appearance. Dentists often recommend crowns when a tooth has significant decay, is fractured, or is weakened from a large filling. The crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing protection and improving its function.
Expected Post-Procedure Sensations
Following a dental crown procedure, experiencing some temporary sensations is normal. Patients might notice mild sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures as the tooth adjusts to the new restoration. This sensitivity is often due to the tooth’s nerve being close to the crown, or exposed dentin after preparation. Minor soreness around the gum line of the treated tooth is common, typically from irritation during crown placement. These sensations are generally minor and should gradually subside within a few days to two weeks. Simple over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this mild discomfort during the initial recovery period.
Common Causes of Crown Pain
Persistent or significant pain after a dental crown can stem from several underlying issues. An improper bite, where the new crown sits too high, can cause excessive pressure when biting down. This misalignment can lead to discomfort in the crowned tooth, surrounding teeth, or even jaw pain. Nerve irritation or inflammation within the tooth, especially if the original decay was deep or close to the nerve before crown placement, is another cause.
Gum irritation can also contribute to pain, often from the crown placement or impression-taking. If the crown does not fit snugly, it can irritate gum tissues, leading to redness, swelling, or tenderness. Tooth decay can develop under the crown if the seal is compromised, allowing bacteria to cause new cavities. This decay can lead to sensitivity or a persistent toothache, sometimes requiring root canal treatment if the nerve is affected.
A cracked tooth beneath the crown, or a fractured crown itself, can also be a source of pain. Such cracks can expose the tooth’s inner structures, causing sensitivity to temperature or pressure. An ill-fitting crown that does not properly seal the tooth can create gaps, allowing bacteria and food particles to accumulate, increasing the risk of decay and infection. A loose crown can also cause pain, sensitivity, and allow food to get trapped.
When to Seek Professional Help
Recognizing when post-crown discomfort requires dental attention is important. Severe or throbbing pain that does not improve, or pain that worsens over time, warrants a dentist’s evaluation. Persistent pain when biting or chewing, especially if the crown feels too high, indicates a need for adjustment. Increased sensitivity to hot or cold that continues beyond a few weeks, or is severe enough to interfere with daily activities, should be addressed.
Other red flags include swelling, redness, or pus around the crowned tooth, signaling infection. A bad taste or odor, or a fever, can also indicate infection. If the crown feels loose or has fallen off, immediate dental attention is necessary to prevent further damage or decay. A dentist can assess the issue, which might involve adjusting the bite, addressing infection, re-cementing a loose crown, or replacing the crown or performing a root canal.