A. Does Getting Dental Crowns Hurt?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped cuffs worn over the natural tooth to protect, strengthen, and improve the appearance of the affected tooth. Also known as tooth caps, they are usually made of materials that closely resemble the appearance of the tooth, such as porcelain, composite resin, ceramic, or zirconia. You can also find crowns made of gold, metal alloys and stainless steel. The procedure for obtaining crowns is quite simple and, as a rule, proceeds without complications. However, each patient has their own unique experience of the procedure depending on factors such as fear and anxiety, number of teeth to be treated, etc.
1. When are dental crowns used?
- To replace very large fillings that the tooth can no longer support. It is usually advisable to replace fillings with crowns when 50% of the tooth is already damaged.
- To protect a tooth after a root canal treatment.
- To replace missing teeth in combination with dental implants.
- To improve aesthetics by restoring tooth wear. Crowns can also be used when teeth are badly discolored or misshapen, or when there is an unnatural gap between teeth.
- To repair broken bumps.
2. Pain during the procedure
Getting crowns starts with you being sedated and therefore you will not feel any pain while the dentist is working on your tooth. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area. If any type of build-up is required on the tooth, this will be completed first to ensure the tooth has enough space to support the crown. This is an important step in ensuring the crown is properly secured, especially when used on chipped or fractured teeth. When the tooth is ready it will be shaved to make room for the crown and then your impression will be taken to help prepare the crown. At Copper Vista Dental, we offer same-day crowns, but if the procedure is performed in multiple appointments, you will wear a temporary crown while the permanent crown is prepared. Once the final crown is ready, it is placed, adjusted, and then cemented into the tooth.
3. Is there pain after the operation?
Most patients report mild pain and discomfort in the treated area after a dental crown treatment. This is usually associated with bruising, which persists during treatment and is expected to go away within a week. While painkillers may not be necessary, people with low pain thresholds can still use painkillers like ibuprofen. It is also common to feel sensitivity in the gums around the tooth being treated and this is only a reaction to dental cement. Local anesthetic sealants can be used to alleviate this, along with toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Usually patients have a high level of awareness of the crown for the first few days, but within a week or two you should be able to get on with your life without any problems. You should be able to speak, chew, and bite with no problems or feel any discomfort.
4. When does a tooth crown cause pain?
If the pain in your crowns is more than just a mild discomfort, it’s important to contact your dentist and find out what the problem is. Some of the reasons your crowns hurt are:
- They don’t fit together properly and therefore interfere with your bite. If crowns are not the right size or shape, you will likely experience pain when chewing or biting. To do this, the bite surface of the crown must be adjusted.
- It could be that you have inflamed nerves and therefore need additional treatment before attaching the crown. In most cases, when a tooth needs a crown, there is a high probability that it is already damaged in some way. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that you are not suffering from an abscess or other unresolved issues before fitting your crowns.
When you suffer from bruxism, you grind your teeth constantly. This action irritates your new crown and can also lead to premature damage. Ask your dentist to put on a mouthguard to minimize the effects of teeth grinding.
B. What Causes Dental Crown Tooth Pain And How To Relieve It
Do you have crown pain? While a dental crown can effectively cover and protect a damaged tooth, many people are surprised to learn that it doesn’t protect them from a toothache. In fact, a crowned tooth is just as prone to problems as a normal tooth. You may experience discomfort, tenderness, or pressure where the crown sits. Or you have constant toothache. There are many reasons why your dental crown can hurt. In this article, you will learn more about what could be causing your pain and how you can relieve it.
1. What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a damaged tooth. It is cemented in place and covers the visible part of the tooth. The job of the crown is to restore the size and shape of a tooth while providing protection. Dental crowns are sometimes placed on either side of a missing tooth to secure a bridge (a prosthesis that fills a space in the mouth). Crowns are made from a variety of materials including porcelain, ceramic, and metal.
You may need a dental crown after a root canal treatment to protect your tooth. Or your dentist may recommend a crown if you:
- Cavity too large to be repaired with a filler
- Tooth that is cracked or weakened
- Missing tooth that needs a bridge or implant
- Discolored or deformed tooth
2. What can cause pain in a crowned tooth?
There are many reasons you might experience pain in a crowned tooth, including:
a. Caries under the crown
Since the tooth under the crown is still alive, tooth decay or a new cavity can form at the edge of the tooth and in the crown. This can lead to persistent pain in that area. If a tooth socket becomes large enough and affects the nerve, root canal treatment may be necessary.
b. Infection
If you didn’t have a root canal before placing the crown, the tooth still has nerves. Sometimes the crown presses on a traumatized nerve and infection occurs. Or infection can result from old fillings under the crown leaking bacteria that infect the nerve.
Signs of infection are:
- Pain when biting
- Gum swelling
- Temperature sensitivity
- Fever
c. Sore gums from a crown procedure
After a procedure to place your crown, you may experience temporary discomfort. This pain should not last more than 2 weeks or more. Talk to a dentist if you experience severe pain after crown surgery or if you have pain that doesn’t go away after 2 weeks.
d. A broken tooth or a crown
A broken crown or a tooth under a crown can cause mild pain. You may experience sensitivity to cold, heat, or air due to the crack. If you notice that your crown is broken, loose, or cracked, you need to have it repaired.
e. Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Grinding your teeth at night, a condition called bruxism, can put pressure on the crown and cause pain.
f. Lowered gums
You may notice pain and tenderness as the gums around the crowned tooth recede, exposing part of the root of the tooth. Gum recession can be caused by hard brushing. When gums recede, they are more susceptible to plaque build-up and gum disease.
g. Crown not seated properly
If your crown doesn’t fit properly, it can cause discomfort. A wrong fit can also affect your bite or smile. Pain when biting usually means the crown is sitting too high on the tooth. A dental crown should mold to your bite just like your other teeth. If your bite feels “off,” it can also cause jaw pain and headaches.
3. How do you treat tooth crown pain?
Treatment for tooth crown pain depends on the cause and severity. Some simple measures that can help relieve discomfort include:
a. Painkiller
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can provide temporary relief for a toothache.
b. Rinse with salt water
Rinsing your mouth with salt water can reduce inflammation and reduce pain. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with warm water and shake for about 30 seconds. Repeat the rinse several times a day.
c. Herbal remedies
Although the effectiveness has not been scientifically proven, some people report pain relief after using herbal remedies. Some of them can be applied directly to the affected tooth. Popular herbs for toothache include:
- Clove of garlic
- Garlic
- Turmeric
- Redhead
- Chamomile
d. Problematic foods
Avoid sticky, sweet, and hard foods after getting a crown to ease your pain. Hot and cold foods can also be triggers. Try to eat food at room temperature.
e. Treatment of bruxism
If pinching or grinding is the cause of your pain, your doctor may recommend specific treatments for your bruxism. Mouth guards and mouth splints are sometimes options.
4. When to go to the dentist
If the toothache is severe or does not go away, you should see a dentist. You may need a root canal, a crown replacement, or a tooth extraction.
5. How to prevent tooth crown pain
Good dental hygiene can protect you from tooth crown pain. Be sure to:
- Brush twice a day
- Floss daily
- Visit a dentist for regular check-ups
Also, avoid chewing hard foods like ice cream, which can damage the crown.
6. Conclusions
You may feel a little uncomfortable after having a crown put on, but after a few weeks it shouldn’t hurt anymore. Infections, tooth decay, broken teeth or other problems can be the cause of your pain. If the toothache doesn’t go away, see a dentist to find out what’s going on.
