Dental crowns are a common and effective solution for restoring damaged teeth. Understanding typical sensations versus those signaling a problem can provide reassurance. This article clarifies discomfort associated with dental crowns and when professional dental advice is necessary.
Is Pain Normal?
The dental crown procedure is performed under local anesthesia, numbing the tooth and surrounding tissues. This prevents pain during tooth preparation, impression-taking, or temporary crown placement.
After the anesthetic wears off, mild, temporary sensations are common. Patients might notice slight soreness or tenderness in the gum tissue around the treated tooth, often from instruments displacing the gums.
A temporary increase in sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures can also occur. This happens because the tooth’s dentin is exposed during preparation before the permanent crown is seated. These sensations usually subside within a few days to a couple of weeks as tissues heal.
Causes of Persistent Pain
If pain around a crowned tooth persists or develops weeks or months after the procedure, it indicates an underlying issue. New decay forming at the crown’s margin is a common cause. Bacteria can accumulate if oral hygiene is not maintained, leading to caries.
Discomfort can also relate to the tooth’s nerve, which might become inflamed or infected, necessitating a root canal. A crown that does not fit correctly, especially if too high, can cause persistent pain. This creates an uneven bite, leading to excessive pressure on the tooth and potential jaw discomfort or TMJ issues.
Gum inflammation around the crowned tooth is another source of discomfort. This can occur if crown margins are not smooth or extend too far below the gum line, hindering cleaning and allowing plaque to accumulate.
Additionally, the underlying tooth or crown can develop a crack, causing sharp pain when biting or with temperature changes. Such cracks can reach the tooth’s pulp. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can also stress a crowned tooth, causing soreness, sensitivity, or damage.
When to Seek Dental Attention
Contact your dentist if you experience severe, throbbing pain that does not subside within a few days after crown placement. Pain worsening over time, rather than improving, indicates a need for professional evaluation.
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, where discomfort persists for more than a few seconds, suggests a potential nerve issue. Other concerning symptoms include swelling, redness, or tenderness around the crowned tooth, indicating infection or inflammation.
If you experience pain when biting or chewing, especially if it feels like a “high spot” or uneven bite, the crown may need adjustment. A loose or dislodged crown requires immediate dental attention to prevent further damage. Accompanying symptoms like fever or general malaise with dental pain also warrant prompt consultation, as these may signal a widespread infection.