Dental Crown Tooth Pain: What You Need To Know

Dental crowns can cover and protect a damaged tooth effectively, but that doesn’t mean you’re clear of tooth pain or infections. A crowned tooth can have just as many issues as a normal tooth. There are plenty of reasons your dental crown might hurt and give you constant discomfort, sensitivity, or pressure where the crown is sitting.

If you are searching for answers to why your crown is bothering you or ways to help relieve your tooth crown pain, we’ve gathered some temporary pain relief options until you can see your dentist.

Common Causes Of Tooth Crown Pain

Infection

If you have not undergone a root canal before your crown is placed, the tooth underneath the crown still has roots. When a crown is improperly applied or is an inappropriate size, it can put pressure on the nerve and roots of the tooth, which may lead to an infection. Infection also can result in a crown being placed over a filling; the bacteria from the old filling might have leaked into the nerve, which causes pain and discomfort.

Dry Socket

A dry socket occurs when an adult tooth is moved and a blood clot forms where the tooth was extracted. This is very common, and the reason you’re feeling pain is because of the exposed bone and nerves. Dry sockets can be very uncomfortable and extremely painful, so you will want to seek dental intervention as soon as possible to ensure the site is clean and bacteria-free.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is often one of the reasons for any tooth-related pains and issues. It may be hard to spot, especially in those back teeth, because it is hard to see, and the decay might be located at the border of the tooth and its crown. When tooth decay goes untreated, it may have a critical impact on your tooth roots, leaving you with no other choice than a root canal.

Fractured Tooth or Crown

If your crown or the tooth underneath has gone through any accidents, injuries, or trauma, it may be at risk of small breaks and hairline fractures. While they may not be visible immediately, bacteria will seep into those tiny fissures and cause an infection over time. Cracked teeth will not heal on their own, so make sure to see a dentist to get a filling for the problem tooth.

Gum Soreness 

While it isn’t uncommon to experience some gum pain and discomfort after going through a crown placement, this pain should not last any longer than two weeks and should be slowly subsiding within that time frame. Talk to your dentist if you have ongoing pain for the past two weeks.

Improper Placement

Naturally, if something is out of place in your mouth, you will be able to feel it. With a poorly fitted crown, bacteria can enter between the tooth and your crown, leading to an infection over time. You may also have difficulty eating or drinking, especially hot or cold foods. An improper fit may also affect your bite or smile, giving you pain anytime you bite. A dental crown should properly adjust to your bite, the same as your other teeth, and if it feels misaligned, you might also experience jaw pain and headaches.

Dental Crown Pain Relief

For almost all teeth-related pain, OTC (over-the-counter) medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help temporarily relieve the pain. Until you’re able to understand the cause of your tooth pain, there are a few options for relief that can help:

• Saltwater rinse: You may lessen inflammation and reduce the pain by rinsing your mouth with saltwater. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with warm water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds. You can repeat this rinse multiple times a day.
• Cold compress: A gentle compress with a cold towel can be used on the affected area to help with swelling and irritation.
• Oil pulling or flossing: Food may be lodged between the affected tooth and be the cause of your pain.
• Avoid certain foods: You should avoid any foods that are sticky, sweet, or hard after getting your crown. Hot and cold foods also may trigger your pain. Eating foods at room temperature can be very helpful.

When To See A Dentist

If you are experiencing ongoing tooth pain, you should see a dentist. Problems with crown placements and root canals do not go away on their own, and by waiting, you can worsen the problem, leading to more pain and discomfort. You might experience some discomfort once you’ve had a crown placed, but after a few weeks, it should no longer bother you or be painful.

At the offices of Dr. Carrie Muzny, DDS, we help patients in Texas from The Woodlands, Benders Landing, Woodforest, Spring, North Houston, and the Conroe/Montgomery area. We lead with a compassionate approach with the best equipment and the latest technology offered in dentistry. If you’ve been dealing with tooth crown pain, contact us today, and let us help you get relief.