Dental crowns are common restorations used to cap a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. While crowns protect the underlying tooth, experiencing pain or discomfort around them is a frequent concern for many individuals. Understanding the potential reasons behind this discomfort can help in seeking appropriate care.
Common Causes of Crown Pain
Tooth decay can still occur underneath a dental crown, particularly at the margin where the crown meets the natural tooth structure. Bacteria can accumulate in tiny gaps, leading to new cavities that cause sensitivity or pain. This decay can manifest as discomfort when eating certain foods, sensitivity to temperature changes, or even a persistent toothache as the cavity progresses and presses against the nerve.
Gum inflammation, known as gingivitis or periodontitis, can develop around a crowned tooth. This can result from improper crown fitting, which creates areas where food particles and bacteria accumulate. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, or bleeding of the gums around the affected crown, sometimes accompanied by persistent bad breath or a foul taste.
An uneven bite can cause pain if the dental crown is too high or makes premature contact with opposing teeth. This imbalance places excessive pressure on the crowned tooth and surrounding structures. Such bite problems can lead to discomfort when chewing or biting down, and can contribute to jaw pain or headaches.
The nerve inside a crowned tooth, the dental pulp, can become inflamed or infected (pulpitis). This can occur due to initial tooth preparation for the crown, deep decay reaching the pulp, or trauma to the tooth. Symptoms of pulpitis can range from sharp pain, especially to hot or cold stimuli that lingers, to spontaneous pain, and swelling around the tooth and gums.
A crack in the crown material or the underlying natural tooth can expose sensitive inner layers. This exposure often leads to sharp pain, particularly when pressure is applied during chewing. Sensitivity to cold, heat, or even air can also be experienced if a crack is present.
Some sensitivity is common for a few weeks following dental crown placement. This temporary discomfort arises as the tooth and its nerve adjust to the procedure. The sensitivity subsides gradually as the tooth heals and adapts to the crown, resolving within a few days to several weeks.
Pain in the area of a crown can originate from a different location, known as referred pain. For instance, a sinus infection can cause pain in upper teeth. Issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or headaches can also cause discomfort in a crowned tooth.
When to Seek Professional Help
See a dentist if crown pain persists for more than a few days or intensifies. While mild, temporary discomfort can be normal after crown placement, worsening or prolonged pain may signal an underlying issue.
Sharp pain when biting or chewing could indicate a crack in the crown or the underlying tooth, or an issue with the crown’s fit. This type of pain often suggests that pressure is being directly applied to a sensitive area.
Swelling or redness around the crowned tooth suggests gum inflammation or infection. These signs, especially if accompanied by pus or a foul taste, warrant prompt evaluation to prevent further complications.
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures can be a sign of nerve inflammation within the tooth. This may indicate pulpitis requiring professional attention.
Symptoms such as a fever or general feeling of unwellness alongside crown pain could point to a more serious infection, an abscess. Immediate dental consultation is recommended in these cases.
Any visual damage to the crown, like a chip, crack, or looseness, should prompt a dental visit. Such damage can expose the tooth to bacteria or further injury, leading to pain and other complications. A dentist can provide a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment.