A Guide to Treating Crowned Tooth Pain

What are Dental Crowns?

Crowned tooth pain can cause lots of discomfort. Understanding what a crown is can provide insight into the reason for this sensitivity.

The American Dental Association describes crowns as a type of cap for the tooth. Your dentist may use a crown as a technique to:

• Strengthen a tooth after a root canal
• Cover cracked or chipped enamel
• Restore the shape of a crooked tooth
• Hide discoloration
• Restore normal function after a dental implant
• Prevent breakage
• Improve the patient's smile
• Protect a tooth from tooth decay
• 
  

Your dentist will shape the crown from material that looks identical to standard teeth. They match the color

as closely as possible to the surrounding teeth. They then clean the natural tooth and seal off any cavities.

They will only apply dental crowns after they make sure that there is no bacteria present. If all is well, the dentist may shave off the top layer of enamel to fit the crown. They then cement it into place. Our General Dentistry page provides more detail about the process.

How to Take Care of a Dental Crown

A dental crown is similar to a natural tooth but is not quite as resistant to wear. The average type lasts up to 15 years with proper care. The patient must practice careful oral hygiene.

Patients must be careful when biting down on hard foods or risk cracking their dental crown. The crown is less prone to developing a cavity than regular teeth. Cracks or chips can, however, allow bacteria access to the underlying tooth and nerves.

A good daily dental hygiene routine will lessen the risk to the crown and reduce sensitivity.

What Causes Crowned Tooth Pain?

There are several reasons that patients might experience pain when they have a dental crown. All are serious and require prompt treatment by a dentist. The patient may require a replacement dental crown or a repair procedure.

An Infection or Traumatized Nerve Under a Crown

In this situation, toothache ranges from mild pain and sensitivity to a deep throbbing ache. The area may be sensitive to cold or heat. The patient's overall health might suffer, leaving them feeling feverish.

A nerve infection may occur if bacteria infect the pulp of the tooth under the crown. It may also result from the dental crown placing pressure on a nerve ending.

In either case, the treatment is the same. The dentist must perform a root canal procedure and remove the dental pulp. They will then clean the interior of the tooth to rinse away any residue. They will replace the dental crown without placing pressure on a traumatized nerve.

Patients should see their dentists as soon as a toothache starts. Infection not only causes discomfort but may spread to the gum and bones.

Home remedies will not resolve the cause of the toothache. At best, they'll mask the symptoms, allowing the infection to spread through the mouth. Eventually, every bite will hurt, no matter what foods the patient eats.

Should the infection progress beyond this point, it may spread to the gums. Patients can learn about the serious health risk that this poses on our Blog.

Left unchecked, the infection will spread to the jawbone. Reversing this stage of the disease might involve painful bone grafts.

Teeth Grinding and Your Crown

Bruxism is an involuntary action that may wreak havoc with a patient's dental crown and remaining teeth. It is a grinding action patients perform unconsciously, usually in their sleep.

The symptoms of bruxism include:

• Ongoing, severe pain or discomfort
• Swelling
• Greater tooth wear than normal
• Muscle pain in the jaw
• Headaches
• Painful gums
• Regular cavity development

Every time a patient takes a bite, the tooth or dental crown wears a little. With constant grinding, the wear becomes more pronounced. Over time, the pressure may crack the crown or tooth and cause pain.

The condition is usually a stress reaction. Patients should consider ways to incorporate relaxation techniques daily. They may find some relief from toothache by using a warm compress.

Should that not work, patients may require anti-anxiety medication. Alternatively, patients may use a gum guard to protect the surface of each tooth and dental crown.

Patients should also be careful of clenching their jaw. When feeling anxious or angry, they may do so unintentionally. They may have to unlearn this if it is a habit.

Problems with a Dental Crown

Dental crowns aren't indestructible. They may crack if you bite down on something hard. Over time, they'll wear away, exposing the underlying teeth and gums to infection.

The setting of the dental crown is also important. If the crown is too high after a root canal, it is bound to become problematic. It may rub against the sensitive root area, causing dental pain.

What Relieves Tooth Crown Pain?

If a patient cannot see their dentist straight away, they may use over-the-counter pain relief. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may prove useful. Patients should also avoid overly hot or cold food and drinks. Toothpaste that guards against sensitivity may also help.

The only permanent cure for toothaches, however, is to fix the problem.

Is it Necessary to See a Dentist About a Cracked Crown?

Pain in the soft tissues of the mouth may relate to ulcers. These will usually heal over time.

That is not the case for pain in the teeth. Cavities and infections are both common causes of pain and won't go away on their own.

Toothaches that won't respond to painkillers require a trip to the emergency dentist. Patients should seek treatment as soon as possible, even if the pain isn't terrible. Problems with a dental crown can affect the patient's gums and general oral health.

Do you need help in dealing with crowned tooth pain or grinding your teeth? Use our website to schedule a consultation or to learn more about What We Do.

At Smile Spa, we take pride in our service and expertise. Our dentists will evaluate the situation and recommend the best procedure for your needs, whether it's a painful crown or something else.

Contact Us today, and we'll put a smile on your face.