Does Your Dental Crown Hurt? This Might Be the Reason!

Dental crowns offer a wonderful way to restore and protect damaged teeth, helping you eat, smile, and speak with confidence. They are designed to last for many years, but what happens when your crown starts causing discomfort or even pain? If your dental crown hurts, you’re not alone—this is a common concern. The good news is that pain often signals an issue that can be fixed with timely care.

Reasons Why Your Dental Crown Might Hurt

1. Tooth Decay Under the Crown

While a crown covers your tooth, it doesn’t make the underlying tooth invincible. Tooth decay can still develop if bacteria get beneath the crown.

• Symptoms: You might notice persistent pain, tenderness, or sensitivity when eating sweets or drinking cold beverages.

• How it happens: Decay often results from poor oral hygiene or a loose crown that allows bacteria to seep in. Once decay starts, it can spread and worsen if untreated.

• What to do: Regular brushing and flossing are essential. If you experience these symptoms, visit a dentist near you to examine the crown and determine if replacement or treatment is necessary. Early intervention can prevent further damage.

2. Improper Fit or Alignment

An improperly fitted crown can lead to noticeable discomfort. If the crown feels too high or creates uneven pressure when you bite, it’s likely misaligned.

• What you’ll feel: Pain or discomfort when chewing or the sense that your bite doesn’t feel natural.

• Why it happens: Dental crowns require precise placement to ensure they fit comfortably. Even a slight misalignment can strain adjacent teeth and the jaw.

• Solution: Schedule a visit with your dentist in Plano, TX, to adjust the crown. A small correction can make a big difference in restoring your comfort and preventing further complications.

3. Gum Irritation or Infection

Your gums play a vital part in supporting your crown and the underlying tooth. Irritated or infected gums can make the area around your crown painful.

• Signs to watch for: Redness, swelling, bleeding, or tenderness around the crown. Sometimes, you may also notice a persistent bad taste or odor.

• Causes: Gum irritation can result from poor oral hygiene, food getting trapped near the crown, or a crown that is too close to the gum line.

• What helps: Brush carefully around the crown, floss daily, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash. If symptoms persist, consult your dentist. Infections left untreated can spread and worsen.

4. Nerve Sensitivity

Sharp pain or high sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks is often linked to nerve irritation.

• Why it happens: After crown placement, the underlying tooth may have exposed or irritated nerves. This sensitivity can be temporary but may persist in some cases.

• Symptoms: Quick, sharp pain triggered by temperature changes or even cold air.

• How to address it: Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to reduce discomfort. If the pain doesn’t improve, a tooth crown dentist can check for underlying issues, such as an exposed nerve, and suggest further treatment.

5. Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Grinding or clenching your teeth frequently, especially at night, can take a toll on your crown.

• What happens: Constant pressure from grinding can cause the crown to wear down or become loose over time. It may also lead to jaw pain or headaches.

• How to identify it: Do you wake up with sore jaws or notice chips or cracks on your crown? These could be signs of bruxism.

• How to protect your crown: Ask your dentist about a custom nightguard. This device offers a cushion between your teeth, reducing the strain on your crown and preventing further damage.

6. Root Canal Issues

Crowns are often placed after root canal treatments to protect the tooth. However, complications from the procedure can sometimes cause pain.

• What goes wrong: If any infected tissue remains or the canal isn’t properly cleaned, you might experience discomfort.

• Symptoms: Persistent throbbing pain, swelling near the tooth, or sensitivity that doesn’t go away.

• Next steps: Don’t ignore these signs. Your dentist may need to retreat the root canal to address any lingering infection or issues.

What Should You Do?

If your dental crown hurts, don’t panic! Addressing the problem promptly can prevent further complications. Here’s what you can do:

• Visit your dentist immediately: Pain or discomfort is your body’s way of signaling something isn’t right. Schedule a visit to the dentist near you to have your crown and surrounding teeth checked.

• Temporary relief: In the meantime, avoid hard or sticky foods that could aggravate the issue. Over-the-counter pain medications can help manage discomfort until your appointment.

• Prioritize oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing every day helps protect your crown and prevents decay or gum issues.

• Nighttime protection: If grinding is a problem, consider a nightguard. This small investment can protect you from significant pain and costly dental work.

Remember, only your dentist is your trusted partner in oral health. They can find out the root cause of your discomfort and provide tailored solutions to ensure your crown feels as good as it looks.

Find Relief for Your Dental Crown Near You

Dental crown discomfort can arise from issues like decay, poor fit, gum irritation, or grinding. Identifying the cause early is crucial to finding relief and preventing complications. Don’t ignore the pain—schedule a dental visit to restore your comfort. For personalized care and a pain-free smile, trust the experts at S Dental to help you today!