Dental crowns are a common solution for damaged teeth. They’re designed to protect the tooth and restore its function.
But what happens when your crown starts causing you pain? It’s a common concern. While crowns are meant to improve your dental health, sometimes pain and discomfort can occur.
This article will explore the various reasons why you might experience a crown tooth aching, the symptoms to watch out for, ways to find relief, and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Common Causes of Tooth Crown Pain
So, why does your crowned tooth hurt? Here are a few potential reasons:
- Tooth decay under the crown. Bacteria can sneak in around the edges of the crown, leading to decay. If left untreated, this decay can cause a fair amount of pain.
- Ill-fitting crowns. A crown that doesn’t fit quite right can irritate the tissues around it, causing pressure and discomfort. That’s why it’s so important for your dentist to fit the crown properly in the first place.
- Gum recession and inflammation. If your gums recede, the edge of the crown and the surface of the root can become exposed, leading to sensitivity and pain. Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis or periodontitis) can also cause pain around the crown.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism). Grinding your teeth puts a lot of extra pressure on the crown, which can cause pain and even damage the crown. If you grind your teeth, especially at night, ask your dentist about getting a night guard.
- Nerve damage or infection. Sometimes, the nerve in the tooth can be damaged during the crown procedure or become infected later. This can cause pain and may mean you need a root canal.
Recognizing the Symptoms and Triggers of Crown Pain
If you have a crown and are experiencing pain, it’s important to understand the symptoms and what might be triggering it.
Symptoms of Tooth Crown Pain
Pain from a crown can feel different depending on what’s going on. Some people describe it as a sharp, intense burst, while others experience a dull ache that just won’t quit. Other symptoms can include sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling around the gumline near the crown, and pain when you bite down.
Common Triggers
Certain foods and temperatures can set off the pain. You might notice that hot, cold, or sweet foods make the sensitivity worse. Biting on hard foods can also exacerbate the pain.
When to Suspect Serious Crown Pain
If you experience any of the following, it’s a good idea to call your dentist right away:
- Worsening pain
- Swelling
- Unusual sensitivity
- Pain that radiates to other parts of your face
- A foul taste or odor coming from the area around the crown
Relieving Tooth Crown Pain: Self-Care Strategies
These self-care strategies may provide temporary relief, but they aren’t a substitute for seeing your dentist.
Prioritize good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash daily.
Take over-the-counter pain medication:
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce the pain.
Change your diet:
- Avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or very hot or cold.
Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth:
- A night guard can protect the crown from the effects of bruxism (teeth grinding).
Professional Treatments for Crown Pain
It’s important to see a dentist if you have persistent pain in or around a crowned tooth. The dentist will be able to diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the best treatment.
Some treatments your dentist might suggest include:
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen the tooth and reduce sensitivity.
- Crown adjustment to make sure the crown fits correctly and doesn’t put too much pressure on the surrounding teeth.
- Root canal therapy if the nerve inside the tooth is infected.
- Crown replacement if the crown is damaged, ill-fitting, or old.
- Treatment for decay if the dentist finds decay around the crown or on the tooth itself.
How to prevent tooth crown pain
The best way to avoid tooth crown pain is to take good care of your teeth and gums. Here’s how:
- Get regular checkups. Your dentist can catch potential problems early.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss every day.
- Avoid damaging habits. Don’t chew on hard objects or use your teeth as tools.
- Address teeth grinding. A night guard can protect your teeth. You can also try stress management techniques.
Closing Thoughts
Taking care of your teeth and gums is essential, and if you have a crown, it’s even more important. Addressing pain early can make a big difference in how easily it’s managed.
The keys to keeping your crowned tooth pain-free are practicing good oral hygiene every day, seeing your dentist for regular checkups, and making an appointment right away if you feel any pain or discomfort.
Crown pain is often treatable, and in most cases, you have several options. Depending on the cause of the pain, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments, a crown adjustment, root canal therapy, or a new crown.