A dental crown serves as a cap placed over a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. This restorative solution aims to protect a weakened tooth from further damage or to cover a dental implant. While a new crown should ultimately feel comfortable and function like a natural tooth, experiencing pain when biting down is a common concern for many individuals.
Common Reasons for Discomfort
A common cause of discomfort when biting on a new crown is an issue with its height, known as a “high bite” or occlusal interference. If the crown is slightly taller than the surrounding teeth, it can create an uneven bite, leading to excessive pressure on that specific tooth during chewing. This uneven pressure can cause sensitivity or a sharp pain as the opposing tooth makes premature contact with the crown, impacting the underlying dental structures.
The tooth’s pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, can become irritated or inflamed during the crown preparation process. Drilling and the application of temporary and permanent cements can irritate the pulp, leading to a condition called pulpitis. This inflammation often manifests as sensitivity or pain, particularly when pressure is applied through biting, and may or may not resolve on its own.
Irritation of the gum tissue surrounding the new crown can also contribute to discomfort. The margin of the crown, where it meets the tooth structure, might slightly impinge on or rub against the gum tissue. This mechanical irritation can cause localized soreness or tenderness, which can intensify when biting or chewing, especially if food particles become lodged in the area.
Sometimes, the pain may stem from an underlying issue with the tooth that was not fully addressed before the crown placement. This could include residual decay that was not completely removed, a microfracture or crack within the tooth structure, or a pre-existing infection that flared up after the procedure. These underlying conditions can be exacerbated by the pressure of biting, leading to significant discomfort.
Initial Actions to Consider
Observing the nature of the pain is an important first step to understand the potential cause of discomfort. Paying close attention to whether the pain is sharp or dull, constant or intermittent, and specifically what triggers it, such as only biting down, provides valuable information. Noting if the pain is localized to the crown or radiates to other areas also helps characterize the issue.
Avoiding chewing on the side of the mouth with the crowned tooth can reduce immediate discomfort. Opting for softer foods and shifting chewing to the opposite side minimizes the pressure exerted on the crowned tooth. This can provide temporary relief and prevent further irritation to the tooth or surrounding tissues while awaiting professional evaluation.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage mild to moderate discomfort. These medications can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain symptoms temporarily.
Maintaining gentle oral hygiene around the crowned tooth is important for oral health. Brushing and flossing carefully around the crowned tooth helps remove food debris and plaque, preventing further irritation or potential infection. Avoiding aggressive brushing or flossing motions is advisable if they exacerbate the discomfort.
When to Seek Dental Care
Any pain that persists beyond a few days after crown placement, or pain that worsens, requires immediate contact with a dental professional. While some initial sensitivity can be normal, ongoing or escalating discomfort suggests an underlying problem that requires attention. Ignoring persistent pain can lead to more complex issues.
Sharp, localized pain specifically when biting down is an indicator that the crown may be too high. This type of discomfort often means the crown is making premature contact with the opposing tooth, creating an imbalanced bite. A dentist can adjust the crown’s height quickly to resolve this issue.
The presence of swelling around the crowned tooth, a fever, or the discharge of pus are signs of a potential infection. These symptoms indicate a need for dental consultation, as an infection can spread if left untreated. Prompt professional intervention is necessary to diagnose and address the source of the infection.
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, especially when combined with biting pain, signals irritation or damage to the tooth’s nerve. If the sensitivity persists for more than a few seconds after the stimulus is removed, it suggests an inflammatory response within the pulp. This symptom, alongside biting pain, necessitates a dental evaluation.
If the pain is severe enough to interfere with daily functions, such as eating or speaking comfortably, seek professional dental care. Pain that impacts quality of life indicates a problem that is unlikely to resolve on its own. The dentist is equipped to diagnose the cause of the discomfort and provide appropriate treatment.