A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its size, shape, strength, and appearance. While a crown procedure is a common and effective way to protect a compromised tooth, it is natural to wonder about the recovery process. Some degree of discomfort is a common experience after receiving a dental crown, as the tooth and surrounding tissues adjust to the new restoration. However, significant or lasting pain is not typically expected and could signal an underlying issue that requires professional attention.
Expected Discomfort After a Crown
Immediately following crown placement, patients often experience normal sensations as the mouth adapts. Mild sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is common, as enamel removal during preparation can irritate the underlying nerve. This sensitivity usually subsides within a few days to a couple of weeks as the tooth heals. The gum tissue around the crowned tooth may also feel slightly sore or tender. A feeling of unfamiliarity with the bite can occur as the mouth becomes accustomed to the crown’s shape and position.
Common Reasons for Post-Crown Pain
While some initial discomfort is anticipated, persistent or intensifying pain after a dental crown can indicate specific issues requiring professional evaluation.
Bite Misalignment
One common reason for pain is bite misalignment, where the crown sits too high or is improperly shaped. An uneven bite can cause excessive pressure on the crowned tooth, leading to discomfort, sensitivity, and jaw pain.
Nerve Irritation
If the tooth’s nerve was irritated during crown preparation, inflammation of the pulp (pulpitis) can occur. This irritation can manifest as lingering sensitivity or pain, which may resolve over time but sometimes requires further treatment if severe.
Decay or Infection
Decay or infection underneath the crown is another potential cause of pain. Bacteria can accumulate at the crown’s margins, leading to new decay or worsening existing decay. Symptoms of decay under a crown can include sensitivity, pain when biting, or a foul taste.
Cracked Tooth
A cracked tooth can also lead to pain, especially sharp pain when biting or sensitivity to temperature changes. Cracks can allow bacteria to enter the tooth, potentially causing infection.
Gum Irritation
Irritation of the gum tissue from an ill-fitting crown can cause localized pain, redness, and swelling around the tooth.
Managing Discomfort and Pain at Home
For mild to moderate discomfort after a dental crown, several home care strategies can help manage symptoms.
Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can effectively reduce pain and inflammation. Follow dosage instructions carefully.
Sensitivity and Diet
Using a desensitizing toothpaste can help alleviate sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Eating soft foods and avoiding chewing on the crowned tooth can minimize pressure and allow the area to heal.
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important, with gentle care advised around the new crown. Regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and daily flossing around the crown can help prevent plaque buildup and gum irritation. Rinsing the mouth with a warm saltwater solution several times a day can soothe sore gums and reduce inflammation. These measures are generally effective for expected post-procedure sensations but are not substitutes for professional dental care if severe pain develops.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some post-procedure discomfort is normal, certain signs indicate that you should contact your dentist promptly.
Severe or Worsening Pain
Severe or worsening pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers is a significant warning sign. Sharp pain when biting down, particularly a sensation of hitting a high spot, suggests a bite misalignment that needs immediate adjustment.
Signs of Infection
Swelling, redness, or the presence of pus around the crowned tooth can indicate an infection or abscess requiring urgent treatment. A fever accompanying dental pain also points to a potential infection that needs professional intervention.
Crown Issues and Persistent Sensitivity
If the crown feels loose, shifts, or falls off entirely, it requires immediate attention to prevent further damage to the underlying tooth. Persistent sensitivity to hot or cold that does not improve over time, or even worsens, could signal nerve irritation or other complications within the tooth. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious dental issues.