Dental Crown Hurting? Let’s Explore Why!

There is a tendency for cosmetic dentistry to be a pleasant and intriguing topic of discussion these days. We get that; most of us are interested in knowing how we can maximize shine, straightness, and other characteristics that bring out the best in our smile aesthetic. Don’t get us wrong; we love making over smiles and seeing the newfound confidence it gives our patients. At the same time, we also want to ensure that every person we meet has the best opportunity to recognize when they need preventive and restorative care. Here, we discuss the issue of dental crown pain so you know if and when you should see your dentist.

Why does my crown hurt?

Have you recently received a dental crown on a tooth that had been severely damaged? If so, you can rest easier about dental crown pain. It is not uncommon for the tooth nerve to be somewhat irritable after the drilling and maneuvering that has transpired. To prepare a tooth for a crown, it is necessary to remove all damaged matter first. We do this as gently as possible, but there is still some friction and vibration from the dental drill. These sensations can cause reactivity that feels like a mild ache or sensitivity to temperature for a few days.

What if pain persists for more than a few days?

This is the winning question. If you have had a dental crown for several weeks or even several years, pain could be telling us something, and we want to know what that is. It could be that:

The tooth nerve has become sensitive.

Persistent nerve sensitivity after a dental crown is more likely to occur when the tooth has been repaired previously. For example, a tooth in which an old silver filling has been replaced with a dental crown has been touched twice. The initial work, even if performed years before, disrupting the nerve to some degree. The secondary work may then result in persistent sensitivity. The solution to this problem is to remove the nerve with a root canal procedure.

A cavity has developed near the root.

Having a dental crown doesn’t mean you can’t get a cavity. Plaque accumulation can occur around the margin of a crown. When plaque is not adequately removed, the bacteria and acidic byproduct in plaque cause gum tissue to degrade. This leads to recession. Recession of any amount exposes the root surface to bacteria and acids, thereby increasing the risk of decay. If a cavity develops at the crown margin, root canal therapy may be the best method of long-term repair.

Experiencing pain from a dental crown could mean many things. Rather than wait it out, schedule a visit in our McLean office for prompt restoration. Call 703-448-1020 today.