Experiencing pain or discomfort in your mouth is not a pleasant feeling, and it is important to be aware that it may be a sign that something isn’t right. It’s especially worrisome if you feel that your pain is being caused by your dental crowns, as they are designed to make you feel better and have a healthy smile.
There are several reasons why dental crowns can cause pain in your mouth, and it’s important to pay attention to all the signs to act quickly, solving the problem and giving yourself more quality of life. Let’s break down some of these reasons below.
What is a Dental Crown?
They are often referred to as crowns or caps, and they are a type of dental restoration that is used to cover a damaged or weakened tooth. It’s supposed to restore the original tooth’s shape, size, and strength while providing protection and giving the appearance of a healthy mouth.
Dental crowns are custom-made to fit over the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. They are made from various materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of them. The choice depends on the location, the extent of the damage, aesthetic preferences, and budget.
Their main purpose is to restore a tooth that has been severely damaged and to strengthen teeth after root canal therapy. They can also protect a tooth that is at risk of fracture, and those with large fillings or structural weakness. With proper care, dental crowns can last for many years, which is why consulting with your dentist and keeping a maintenance routine is necessary.
Why do they hurt?
It might seem unexpected that something that is supposed to help you restore the health of your mouth would cause you pain. There are a few factors that could be the cause of this, and they are fairly common for people with new crowns.
Experiencing any of these may be a sign that you need to check it with your dentist to devise a plan of action.
Poor fit
Probably the most common reason for dental crown pain is a problem in the fitting of the crown to your mouth. If the cap is too loose or too tight, it can exert pressure on the surrounding teeth and gums, leading to discomfort.
Additionally, a poorly fitted crown may allow bacteria to seep underneath harming the damaged tooth, and potentially inflaming or infecting the gums underneath. This, in turn, may lead to problems like halitosis and pain.
Nerve Irritation
The process of preparing the tooth for the crown must be done by a professional, as it is very important for the best outcome. Still, it may happen that, during the process, the underlying dental pulp and nerves become irritated or inflamed. As a result, you can feel sensitivity or pain, especially when biting down or consuming hot or cold foods.
Decay
Although capped with a crown, the underlying tooth structure is still susceptible to decay. If the bacteria in your mouth develop acids which then attack your teeth, decay can be found around or underneath the crown, bringing pain and discomfort.
If you don’t consult a dentist immediately, the problem may worsen and cause the decay to damage the nerve, causing severe pain.
Gum Recession
If you have gum problems, you need to be extra aware while putting on crowns. Recession around the caps may expose the tooth’s root surface, making it prone to pain and sensitivity, particularly when in contact with hot or cold temperatures.
Fractured Crown
Even being made of a strong material, a dental crown may fracture or break due to trauma, teeth grinding (bruxism), or biting down on hard objects. Just like with the recession of your gums, if the tooth structure is exposed to bacteria, it can lead to pain and decay.
Allergy
In rare cases, a person may experience an allergic reaction to the materials used in the dental crown, like metals or ceramics. This allergic reaction can manifest as oral discomfort, swelling, or irritation.
What Can You Do?
If you go through the process of putting on dental crowns, you may be already tired of getting in contact with your dentist all the time. However, it is incredibly important to remember that they are the professionals who helped you, and they can still be of help now.
If you experience persistent pain or discomfort around a dental crown, you must schedule an appointment with your dentist promptly. With a thorough examination, they can identify the cause of the pain and determine the best course of action.
Some cases may be managed with medication, as they may be simply a slight discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the crowns, if the problems are more complex, you might need an intervention. If the crown is poorly-fitted, your dentist may recommend a replacement, to ensure the alignment. That can mean reshaping the crown or crafting a new one altogether.
However, if the problem is not only in the crown, it may be under it, like dental pulp infected or inflamed, and you may need root canal therapy. If it is gum recession that’s causing you a problem, your dentist may recommend treatments such as scaling and root planning or even gum grafting.
Also, if you grind or clench your teeth, meaning you experience bruxism, it may be beneficial to wear a night guard to protect your teeth from extra damage.
Final Thoughts
Dental crown pain may arise from many factors, including problems with the fitting of your caps, difficulties with oral hygiene, problems in your mouth like gum recession, or maybe just some adjustment issues. All of these should be discussed in person with your dentist, as they are the best person that can offer advice on how to treat these ailments.
If you are looking for a place to help you with your dental crowns, getting in contact with Bridge Creek Dental might be just the solution to your problem. We offer an array of services in Billings that include general and cosmetic dentistry.
Here we can give solutions to everyone.