Tooth crowns are commonly used in modern dentistry to restore the function and appearance of a damaged tooth. But when something meant to help hurts, it can be confusing and concerning. Whether you’re dealing with tooth crown pain right after your crown procedure or weeks after your dental crown placement, pain in a crowned tooth shouldn’t be ignored.
This blog will explain everything you need to know about why dental crown tooth pain happens, what it could mean, and, most importantly, how to find lasting relief.
So, Why Is My Crown Hurting?
Experiencing pain in a crowned tooth isn’t unusual, but it’s definitely not something you want to live with. Let’s explore the most common causes of dental crown toothaches.
1. Your Tooth Could Still Be Alive
Most dental crowns are placed over a natural tooth that’s been treated but not fully removed. This means the tooth’s root may still contain sensitive nerves. If the underlying tooth wasn’t fully treated or is still vulnerable to tooth decay, it can cause ongoing discomfort, especially when exposed to hot and cold foods.
2. Your Crown Might Not Fit Quite Right
An ill-fitting crown can wreak havoc. When a crown is too high, too low, or misaligned, it can affect your bite. This often leads to jaw pain, teeth grinding, or sharp pain when chewing. The pressure on the affected tooth may also trigger sensitivity or even worsen the tooth structure beneath the crown.
3. You’re Dealing with a Hidden Infection
If tooth decay or bacteria sneaks underneath the crown, the tooth underneath can become infected. You might not even see it, but you’ll feel it — in the form of persistent pain, swelling, or tooth sensitivity. In some cases, a root canal may be needed to treat the tooth’s root.
4. You’ve Got Gum Issues
Gum swelling, sensitivity, receding gums, or gum disease around the crown can cause mild discomfort to severe pain. These issues often accompany poor dental hygiene, so maintaining good oral hygiene is key to preventing further issues.
5. Temporary Crowns Can Be Troublesome
If you’re still wearing a temporary crown, it’s normal to experience mild pain. These crowns aren’t as secure as permanent crowns, making them more prone to movement or trapping food. The temporary crown placement can also cause slight irritation to the gums or surrounding teeth. Thankfully, this discomfort usually resolves once the permanent crown is placed.
6. Trauma During the Crown Procedure
Sometimes, the crown placement process itself can irritate or inflame the tooth’s root or surrounding nerves. The result? A traumatised nerve that causes lasting pain, especially to hot and cold.
What Does the Pain Feel Like?
Crown pain can take many forms, and identifying the type of pain you feel can help pinpoint the problem.
Mild pain or discomfort when biting down could be due to an uneven bite or a new crown settling in.
Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold: Often linked to an exposed tooth underneath or a traumatised nerve.
Sharp pain while chewing may be due to cracked teeth, a fractured tooth, or an ill-fitting crown.
Throbbing or persistent pain could indicate infection or the need for a root canal procedure.
Pain spreading to the jaw: Suggests more advanced issues like gum disease, an abscess, or tension from teeth grinding.
When Is It Normal and When Should You Worry?
A bit of mild discomfort or sensitivity after getting a new crown is normal and typically goes away within a few days. But here’s when to see your dentist:
You’re still in pain a week after your crown procedure
You experience sharp pain or severe pain when biting
There’s visible swelling, sensitive gums, or signs of infection occurs
Your crown feels loose or wobbly
The pain is spreading beyond the tooth
What Can You Do to Relieve the Pain?
If you’re in pain, don’t worry. There are several effective ways to relieve tooth crown pain, whether it’s temporary or something more persistent.
At-Home Remedies to Provide Temporary Relief
Saltwater rinses: Help with gum sensitivity and promote healing.
Cold compresses: Reduce swelling or jaw pain.
Over-the-counter pain relief: Medications like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and tooth pain.
Avoid hot and cold foods: This is especially helpful if you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity.
Stick to soft foods: Reduce pressure on the affected tooth.
Herbal Remedies
Some people find comfort in herbal remedies such as clove oil (natural numbing effect) or turmeric paste (anti-inflammatory). These may provide temporary relief, but they’re not a substitute for proper dental care.
Professional Solutions Your Dentist Might Recommend
If home remedies aren’t cutting it, your dentist will likely explore one of the following:
Crown Adjustment or Replacement
If your crown pain is due to a misalignment, your dentist can reshape or polish the crown. In cases of loose crown or ill fitting crown, a full crown replacement may be necessary.
Root Canal Treatment
When the tooth’s root is inflamed or infected, a root canal procedure can remove the damaged tissue, saving the natural tooth and ending the pain.
Treating Underlying Decay or Infection
If tooth decay has developed underneath the crown, your dentist may remove the crown, clean the area, and restore it with a new crown.
Dental Implant as a Last Resort
If the tooth structure is too weak or the crowned tooth cannot be saved, replacing it with a dental implant might be the best option. This provides a strong, stable, and long-lasting solution without affecting surrounding teeth.
How to Prevent Crown Pain from Coming Back
Prevention starts with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Here’s how to care for your dental crown and your oral health long-term:
Schedule routine check-ups to monitor your crown placement and surrounding teeth
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it normal to feel pain after a dental crown procedure?
Yes, it’s normal to feel temporary discomfort or mild sensitivity for a few days after the dental crown placement. However, persistent pain may indicate an underlying issue and should be checked by your dentist.
Why does my crowned tooth hurt when I bite down?
This could be due to an ill-fitting crown, a misaligned bite, or a fractured tooth beneath the crown. It’s best to visit your dentist for an adjustment or further evaluation.
Can a dental crown cause tooth sensitivity to hot and cold?
Yes. If the tooth underneath is still alive or if there’s gum recession, you may experience tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods. Sensitivity that lasts more than a few days should be assessed.
How long should pain from a new crown last?
Mild pain or tooth sensitivity may last a few days to a week. If you’re still experiencing pain after that, especially if it gets worse, consult your dentist.
What should I do if my crown feels loose or painful?
If your crown feels unstable or is causing discomfort, it may be letting in bacteria, which can lead to irritation or infection. It’s important to see your dentist promptly to have it assessed and determine if a replacement is needed.
Can you get an infection under a crown?
Yes. If bacteria enter through a gap or crack, the tooth underneath can become infected. Signs include throbbing pain, swelling, and a bad taste in your mouth.
Will I need a root canal if my crown hurts?
If the pain is caused by a traumatised nerve or infection in the tooth’s root, a root canal procedure may be essential to eliminate the pain and preserve the tooth.
What can I do at home to relieve crown pain?
You can try saltwater rinses, cold compresses, and over-the-counter pain relievers for temporary relief. Avoid hot and cold foods and stick to soft foods until the pain eases.
Are some types of crowns more prone to causing pain?
Metal crowns and poorly fitted crowns may sometimes cause more sensitivity or irritation. The material and fit both play a role in how your mouth adjusts.
How do I prevent future dental crown pain?
Practise good oral hygiene, avoid hard foods, manage teeth grinding if applicable, and visit your dentist regularly to monitor your dental crown and oral health.
Final Thoughts
A tooth crown should make your life easier, not more painful. While tooth crown pain can stem from a variety of issues, from gum swelling to cracked teeth, understanding the root cause is the first step toward relief.
If you’re experiencing pain that’s interfering with your daily life, don’t wait. Book a consultation with Balmoral Dental Centre at (07) 3113 9789, especially if you’ve had a dental crown procedure recently. Most causes are treatable, and in many cases, early action can prevent further damage or more complex procedures down the line.
Your smile deserves comfort, strength, and confidence. And with the right care and attention, you can enjoy all the benefits of a crown without the discomfort.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Colgate. (n.d.). Mouth guards: Everything you need to know. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/selecting-dental-products/mouth-guards-everything-you-need-to-know
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