Experiencing discomfort after a permanent crown placement, particularly when chewing, is a common concern. While some initial sensitivity can be a normal part of the healing process, persistent or severe pain indicates an underlying issue that warrants professional attention.
Common Reasons for Discomfort
One frequent cause of pain when chewing on a newly crowned tooth is an uneven bite. If the crown is slightly higher than the surrounding teeth, it can create excessive pressure on that tooth during chewing, leading to discomfort or pain.
Tooth sensitivity is common after a crown procedure. The preparation of the tooth can irritate the tooth’s nerve, leading to temporary sensitivity to temperature changes or pressure. This sensitivity usually subsides within a few days or weeks.
Gum irritation can also contribute to pain. The margin of the crown can sometimes irritate the gum tissue, leading to inflammation, redness, or bleeding. Improper crown placement or inadequate oral hygiene can cause bacteria to accumulate at this margin, resulting in gum inflammation, especially under chewing pressure.
New or residual decay beneath the crown is a more serious cause of pain. Even with a crown, the underlying tooth structure remains susceptible to decay if bacteria seep underneath the crown. This decay can progress and affect the tooth’s nerve, causing sensitivity or a persistent toothache that worsens with chewing.
A cracked crown or an underlying cracked tooth can also lead to sharp pain when biting down. Microscopic cracks may not be immediately visible but can cause discomfort, particularly when releasing pressure after biting.
More serious nerve issues, such as pulpitis or an abscess, can cause severe pain under a crown. Pulpitis is inflammation of the tooth’s internal nerve, which can be reversible or irreversible. An abscess signifies a bacterial infection that has spread to the tooth’s pulp or surrounding bone, leading to throbbing pain, swelling, and potentially a bad taste in the mouth.
Immediate Steps and When to Seek Professional Help
If you experience discomfort after a permanent crown, some self-care measures can provide temporary relief. Avoid chewing on the affected side and opt for soft foods. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage mild pain and inflammation. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can also help reduce gum inflammation and discomfort. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including gentle brushing and flossing around the crown, remains important.
Monitor your symptoms to determine when professional dental help is necessary. While mild sensitivity can resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks, certain symptoms signal the need for prompt dental attention. Persistent pain lasting longer than two weeks, severe or worsening pain, or pain that interferes with sleep or eating should be evaluated by a dentist.
Other concerning symptoms include swelling around the crowned tooth, a fever, a foul taste in your mouth, or sharp pain when releasing a bite. These can indicate an infection, a fracture, or a significant fit issue. Delaying professional evaluation can lead to more complex problems.
Dental Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
When you visit the dentist for crown pain, they will conduct a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause. This involves a physical assessment of the crowned tooth and surrounding gums. The dentist will also assess your bite to identify any high spots on the crown that might be causing uneven pressure.
X-rays are often taken to visualize the tooth structure beneath the crown, checking for decay, infection at the root tip, or any fractures. Vitality testing may be performed to assess the health of the tooth’s nerve. These diagnostic steps provide a comprehensive view of the tooth’s condition.
Treatment approaches vary depending on the diagnosis. If pain is due to a high spot, a simple bite adjustment can alleviate discomfort. For sensitivity, desensitizing agents or specialized toothpaste might be recommended. If decay is detected, the crown may need removal for decay removal and potentially a new filling or crown.
In cases of pulpitis or an abscess, root canal therapy is often necessary. If the crown is ill-fitting or damaged, a new crown may be placed. In severe situations where the tooth cannot be saved, extraction might be the only option. Addressing the issue promptly and maintaining regular dental check-ups are important steps in preserving oral health.