Understanding Tooth Crown Pain: Causes and Treatment Options

Tooth crown pain can be frustrating and disruptive, especially when your crowned tooth feels far from fixed. Whether you’ve recently undergone a dental crown procedure or you’re experiencing pain in a crowned tooth long after treatment, understanding the causes and potential solutions is key to regaining comfort. Let’s explore everything from mild pain to severe pain and what steps you can take to address it.

What Causes Tooth Crown Pain?

Tooth crown pain can stem from various issues, ranging from minor sensitivity to more serious underlying problems. Understanding these potential causes is essential to pinpoint the source of your discomfort and find an effective solution. Let’s dive into the most common reasons behind tooth crown pain and how they can affect your oral health.

Ill-Fitting Crowns

An ill-fitting crown can create discomfort by putting undue pressure on the affected tooth or nearby teeth. This often leads to persistent pain or sharp pain during chewing or when biting down.

Tooth Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

Tooth sensitivity is common after getting a new crown. The tooth underneath may respond sharply to hot and cold temperatures, particularly if the crown was placed recently or if there’s gum recession exposing the sensitive tooth’s root.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Teeth grinding, or bruxism can cause pain in crowned teeth due to excessive pressure. Over time, grinding may lead to further damage, such as cracked teeth or a loosened crown.

Traumatised Nerve

During a dental crown procedure, the tooth’s root or nerve can become irritated, leading to tooth pain. This is especially common if the natural tooth has already been compromised due to decay or a root canal.

Tooth Decay Underneath the Crown

Poor dental hygiene can allow tooth decay to develop underneath the crown. This hidden decay may cause pain and compromise the crown’s stability.

Gum Swelling and Sensitivity

Crown pain can sometimes be traced back to gum irritation. Gum swelling and sensitivity might result from improper crown placement, gum recession, or gum disease.

Infections

If infection occurs in the tooth’s root or surrounding tissues, it can cause severe pain. This is often accompanied by other symptoms like swelling and jaw pain.

Recognising the Symptoms of Dental Crown Pain

Crown tooth pain can present in different ways, and identifying the type of pain can help determine the underlying cause. Here’s what you might experience:

Sharp Pain: Often linked to biting down on hot and cold foods.
Mild Pain: Usually occurs immediately after the procedure and resolves within a few days.
Persistent Pain: Indicates deeper issues like infection, decay, or an ill-fitting crown.
Gum Swelling Sensitivity: A sign of gum irritation or infection.
Pain in Jaw or Face: This may suggest teeth grinding or issues extending beyond the crowned tooth.

Common Triggers for Crowned Tooth Pain

Certain triggers can exacerbate discomfort, including:

Hard Foods: Biting into hard foods like nuts or ice can strain or damage the crown, leading to irritation.
Hot and Cold Temperatures: Exacerbates sensitivity in both the crown and the natural tooth.
Poor Dental Hygiene: Can lead to decay or infection around the crown.
Temporary Crowns: These are more fragile and can cause temporary discomfort while waiting for the permanent crown.

How to Relieve Tooth Crown Pain

If you’re dealing with dental crown tooth pain, here are some effective ways to find temporary relief while you schedule a visit to the dentist:

Practise Good Dental Care

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to prevent infection or further damage. Brush gently around the crowned tooth, floss carefully, and use a mouthwash to keep bacteria at bay.

Avoid Hot and Cold Foods

Steer clear of extremely hot and cold foods, which can trigger sensitivity and pain. Opt for room-temperature meals until the discomfort subsides.

Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Pain relievers like ibuprofen can give temporary relief from mild pain or inflammation.

Apply Herbal Remedies

Clove oil, known for its numbing properties, can provide temporary relief from sharp pain. Apply a small amount to the affected area for soothing relief.

Modify Your Diet

Avoid hard foods that may worsen pain or damage the crown. Soft foods are easier on your crowned tooth and sensitive gums.

Wear a Night Guard

If teeth grinding is causing crown pain, wearing a night guard can shield your teeth and crown from further damage.

When to See Your Dentist Immediately

Persistent pain, swelling, or sharp pain that doesn’t subside warrants a visit to your dentist. Common situations that require professional attention include:

Crown Replacement: If the crown is loose or ill-fitting, your dentist can adjust or replace it.
Root Canal Procedure: For severe pain caused by nerve trauma or infection, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth underneath.
Gum Disease Treatment: If gum swelling and sensitivity persist, addressing gum disease is crucial to preventing further complications.
Cracked Teeth Repair: Cracks in the tooth underneath or the crown itself may require additional treatment to prevent further damage.

Preventing Tooth Crown Pain

Taking proactive steps can help you avoid dental crown pain in the future:

Maintain Regular Dental Check-Ups: Routine visits enable your dentist to monitor the health of your crown and address potential issues early.
Practise Proper Dental Care: Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and use fluoride toothpaste to protect your crowned tooth.
Avoid Biting Hard Foods: Protect your crown by avoiding excessively hard foods that could cause damage.
Treat Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth, seek solutions like night guards or stress management techniques to protect your dental crowns and natural teeth.

How Long Should Tooth Crown Pain Last?

It’s normal to experience mild pain or sensitivity after a dental crown procedure, especially with new crowns or temporary crowns. This discomfort typically subsides within a few days to a week. However, persistent pain, severe pain, or crown pain lasting longer than two weeks should be evaluated by your dentist.

The Role of Proper Dental Crown Care

Proper care of your dental crown can make all the difference in preventing pain and ensuring its longevity. Here are some tips to follow:

Avoid Poor Dental Hygiene: Neglecting your dental hygiene can lead to decay and infections around the crown.
Protect Against Hot and Cold Foods: Gradually reintroduce hot and cold temperatures to minimise sensitivity.
Treat Your Crown Like Normal Teeth: Brush and floss your crowned tooth just as you would with your natural teeth.

Final Thoughts: Addressing Tooth Crown Pain

Tooth crown pain can range from mild discomfort to persistent pain, but understanding its causes can help you take the right steps to relieve it. Whether it’s a sensitive tooth due to hot and cold temperatures or an ill-fitting crown causing jaw pain, timely dental care is crucial.

If you’re experiencing pain in a crowned tooth, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with MyHM Dentist immediately at (02) 9158 6379 to prevent further damage and ensure your dental crown remains a long-term solution.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Teeth grinding (bruxism). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10955-teeth-grinding-bruxism

Healthline. (n.d.). Receding gums: Treatment, causes, prevention, and more. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-oral-health-receding-gums

Oral Health Foundation. (n.d.). Cracked teeth. Retrieved from https://www.dentalhealth.org/cracked-teeth

Tooth Crown Pain: Causes, Relief Tips, and When to See Your Dentist