Understanding Dental Crown Tooth Pain Causes and Solutions

July 26, 2024, Sparkle Family Dentistry Torrance

Dental crowns are an effective and long-lasting solution for repairing and protecting damaged teeth. Crowns improve a tooth's strength, stability, shape, size, and color. However, despite their protective role, the underlying tooth is still vulnerable to issues like infections, decay, and discomfort. Understanding why your crowned tooth might be causing pain and knowing what to do about it can help you maintain your dental health and avoid unnecessary distress.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap shaped like a tooth placed over a damaged natural tooth. Customized to cover the entire visible part of the tooth, it restores the tooth's size, shape, function, and color. Crowns are ideal for teeth that are too damaged to be repaired with a filling, inlay, or onlay.

Common Causes of Toothaches Under a Dental Crown

Experiencing tooth pain after getting a tooth crown is not unusual, but it's essential to understand the reasons behind it and the appropriate actions to take.

• Crown Placement Procedure: It's normal to feel some pain, sensitivity, or soreness right after getting a crown. This discomfort should subside within a few days. Your dentist may recommend medications to manage these symptoms. Cold therapy, such as applying an ice pack to the cheek, can also help. However, if the pain is severe, worsens, or lasts beyond two weeks, contact your dentist immediately.
   
• Infection or Decay Under the Crown: Although the crown itself can't get infected, the tooth beneath it can. If you experience increased pain or sensitivity, especially when biting, or notice swelling or an abscess near the affected tooth, seek dental care promptly. This could indicate an infection or decay under the crown. A endodontic procedure root canal may be necessary to remove the infection, followed by placing a dental filling and a new crown to protect the tooth. In cases of severe decay, tooth extraction might be required.
   
• Ill-Fitting Crown: If your crown wasn't placed correctly, you might feel pain when eating or biting down. A well-fitted crown should feel and function like a natural tooth without causing discomfort. If you suspect your crown is ill-fitting, notify your dentist for an adjustment.
   
• Damaged Crown: A cracked or loose crown can cause sensitivity or pain, particularly when exposed to extreme temperatures or when biting down. If you suspect your crown is damaged, consult your dentist immediately. They will clean the tooth and place a new crown to prevent further damage.
   
• Receding Gums: Gum recession, often caused by severe gum disease, can expose the base of the crowned tooth, leading to sensitivity or pain. This can also result from bruxism (teeth grinding), tobacco use, aggressive brushing, and poor dental hygiene. Receding gums can create pockets that expose the tooth and surrounding bone and connective tissue, leading to tooth looseness or loss. Seeking treatment for receding gums is crucial to prevent further complications.
   
• Bruxism: Grinding and clenching your teeth can put undue pressure on the crown, causing pain and potential damage. If bruxism is the issue, your dentist might recommend a customized night guard to reduce the effects of grinding during sleep.

Home Remedies for Dental Crown Pain

While it's always best to consult your dentist for persistent or severe pain, the following home remedies can provide temporary relief:

1. Take over-the-counter pain medication.
2. Apply a toothache gel to the affected area.
3. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water or hydrogen peroxide.
4. Apply an ice pack to the cheek near the painful tooth.

Seeking Help in Torrance

If you're experiencing pain with a dental crown or have concerns about your dental health in Torrance, don't hesitate to reach out to your local dentist in Torrance. Taking care of your oral health is essential, and understanding the potential issues with dental crowns can help you address them promptly. Remember, maintaining regular dental visits and good oral hygiene practices are key to keeping your crowns and natural teeth in the best possible condition.
 

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