A significant percentage of patients deal with chronic tooth sensitivity. This chronic sensitivity can make it difficult to schedule dental procedures, with the fear that receiving a dental crown can make the situation itself worse. Sensitivity can often be caused by genetics, your diet, or a crooked smile that sparks discomfort from daily use or even orthodontic work.
Tooth sensitivity may occur while receiving a dental crown, but there is no need to worry. Our team will explain how you can still receive an improved smile while working with your tooth sensitivity. For further details or other unanswered questions, feel free to give our office a call!
The Cause of Sensitivity
Sensitive teeth result from exposed dentin due to weakened enamel. Factors like gum recession, brushing too hard, decay, and acidic foods can contribute to the discomfort from tooth sensitivity. Pain can occur when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or sour substances.
How Dental Crowns Apply
For patients in these situations, tooth sensitivity may heighten after receiving a dental crown, but the discomfort is only temporary. This sensitivity is due to tired gums that are altered to accommodate the dental crown.
As the gums grow used to the dental crown, they will eventually learn to work well with it, reducing tooth sensitivity. Dental crowns are built for long-term comfort for pain-ridden, damaged, or broken teeth, so you can feel confident that this process is set for long-term care and satisfaction. Each crown is built to fit your teeth’s dimensions to provide natural comfort.
Helping Your Dental Crowns Heal Well
A great way to reduce the short-term discomfort that may occur with your dental crowns is to pay special attention after the appointment is completed. Here are some tips for quality care:
- Mind Your Diet: Stick to soft foods and avoid anything sticky or hard. This effort prevents extra strain on the dental crown.
- Chew with Care: If the dental crown is on one side of your mouth, try chewing with the other side for a little while. This reduces pressure on the treated tooth and affected gumline.
- Maintain Hygiene: Brush gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush and mild toothpaste. These materials are created to aid in times of tooth sensitivity.
- Follow Up: Be mindful when using tobacco, alcohol, or excessive force on your teeth. Regular checkups also reduce inflammation that can cause tooth sensitivity.
Sensitivity Is Also a Symptom
It’s also important to note that long-term tooth sensitivity can be a symptom of other dental issues, such as tooth infections or severely decayed teeth.
A great first step in managing sensitivity is to see if you are currently dealing with other symptoms, such as swelling or loose teeth. If you are dealing with these things, we may be able to remove your sensitivity by treating them.
If you seem to deal with sudden long-term dental crown sensitivity, we suggest an examination from Drs. Wassmer and Taylor. Our team will take a thorough look at your smile to see if there are underlying causes and what we can do to make your tooth sensitivity more manageable.
General Tips for Tooth Sensitivity
Bridge Creek Dental actively helps our patients through each step of their oral care. Whether you are recovering from a dental crown service or are dealing with chronic pain, here are some tips that can reduce the discomfort that can come with tooth sensitivity:
- Use a Straw: Drinking acidic or cold beverages through a straw minimizes direct contact with teeth. This step makes eating and drinking much more comfortable.
- Manage Stress: Patients dealing with stress or anxiety can often clench their teeth, which can cause tooth sensitivity. Avoid this habit to reduce unnecessary tooth strain.
- Rinse Wisely: Be selective on what mouthwash you use, as some have chemicals that can cause additional tooth sensitivity.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day helps to maintain saliva flow, which reduces sensitivity and protects the gentle enamel.
Receive Pain-Resistant Dental Crowns at Bridge Creek Dental
Bridge Creek Dental is happy to offer exceptional results for patients living in the Billings, MT, area. Ready to live life to the fullest, free from unneeded dental pain and discomfort? Call Bridge Creek Dental to schedule an appointment today.