Tooth Pain Under Crown Comes and Goes: What Does It Mean?
Toothache beneath crown comes and goes – Have you experienced this strange on-and-off, off-tooth ache? You’re not alone! This is a common problem with crowns, and it can be frustrating to deal with. But what does it actually mean, and is it something you need to worry about? If you’re still here wondering why and how to fix this pain, let’s go step by step through it all together in regards to my own experience/knowledge.
What Is a Tooth Crown?
Lets first clarify prior to going throughout the causes of pain beneath a crown, what actually are dental crowns. A crown is a cover that goes on top of a damaged or weakened tooth. It can recreate the original shape, size and function of the tooth. Crowns can be built by using a porcelain substance, a metal material or even both.
But there is a caveat – although crowns can build up the strength as well as look of a tooth, they are not without pain. With that in mind, if your asking why tooth pain under crown comes and goes, lets dig into this.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt Under the Crown?
Infection Under the Crown
Infection is the main reason for tooth pain underneath a crown. An infection can happen if bacteria get trapped by the crown. This can make for occasional pain, particularly when eating or drinking hot or cold drinks.
This crown is supposed to seal the tooth, though sometimes it does not fit well enough and bacteria can sneak in and create a problem. I have one on a crown that never quite fit, and the pain occasionally returns. It required intervention from my dentist, eventually.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is yet another reason for tooth pain under a crown. If the nerve of the tooth is touched during prep, it may lead to a shooting, pulsing pain. The pain may be intermittent and last as long as the nerve gets irritated. For example, I had a crown on a tooth that had to be at least partially root canaled or the nerve was injured badly; regardless, I still experienced some pain intermittently after my work done.
Gum Inflammation
The crown can also cause inflammation of the gum around it which can be painful. When the gums are irritated, they can react by becoming swollen, and this swelling can cause pain that comes and goes. I had already experienced gum sensitivity around crowns, but that was with awful brushing habits or gingivitis where chewing certain foods made the pain far worse.
Bite Issues
In some cases, your crown might not be able to properly match up with how your teeth bite together themselves. This induces temporal discomfort since the tooth and crown are not ideal, which puts pressure on the tooth. If the crown is overly tall, every time you bite down it will be pinching. It may be short and stabbing as soon or the pressure released, Goriyeh. I encountered this once- the crown was not adjusted appropriately, and when my dentist did that, the pain went away.
When Should I Be Concerned About Tooth Pain Under a Crown?
Pain that lasts longer than a few days
If the pain does not go away or comes back, that could indicate something more severe.
Swelling
If the gums surrounding your crown are swollen, or there is any amount of pus present, this could indicate an infection that should be treated immediately.
Sensitivity
Over sensitivity to either heat or cold can be a sign that the nerve may even be involved, or there is a problem with the crown fit.
Discomfort while chewing
If you are in pain when you’re eating or chewing on that side of your mouth, it is a sign that all is not well under the crown.
Can I Do Anything to Relieve the Pain?
Although I always recommend to go and consult your dentist, there are a few things that you can do at home for minimizing any gentle pain beneath the crown:
- Saltwater rinse: This may decrease inflammation and help ease the pain.
- Oral pain relievers: Nonprescription medications such as ibuprofen can decrease inflammation and relieve pain.
- Don’t chew on the painful side: Let your tooth rest; this will reduce the pain as well as irritation.
They were some makeshift solutions that relieved the pain a little while I struggled to get an appointment at a dentist.
How Is Tooth Pain Under a Crown Treated?
The remedy for tooth ache under a crown is dependent on the reason there of. In case of an infection, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics or a root canal to eliminate the virus. If there is some nerve damage, a root canal may be needed. In case the soreness is because of gum infection, a cleaning or treatment might be needed by dentists.
From what I have seen, if you go to a dentist immediately and solve the problem, then nothing horrible will happen and your crown will be able to do its job.
Can the Crown Be Replaced?
If the problem is severe, then replacing the crown is required. A replacement crown may be the right solution if it is broken, does not fit properly or there is still pain. Once a crown had to be replaced because it did not fit, and when the new crown came in place, the pain was completely gone.
Preventing Tooth Pain Under a Crown
After you’ve worked through the issue, you likely don’t want it to happen again. Ways to stop having tooth pain under a crown are:
- Keep your mouth clean: Good habits of brushing and flossing will keep plaque from building up and causing infection.
- Refrain from biting on hard foods: Avoid chewing ice or difficult candies on the crowned tooth to prevent destruction.
- Routine check-ups at the dentist: Ensure to have checkups every four or six months in order for your doctor be able to detect any issues early.
Conclusion: Is Your Tooth Pain Under the Crown Normal?
Tooth Pain Under a Crown that Comes and Goes: Causes While on the surface, this pain may sound like it is related to something relatively minor. There are many reasons behind issues such as infections or biting, and knowing them will empower you to take the proper steps. If still in doubt, talk to your dentist for the optimal solution. From what I have seen happening to people personally would be for the best if it gets discovered in an early stage, before it leads through more pain and costly rehabilitation process deeper down the line.
So the question now is, are you also suffering with this? So, don’t delay in getting an appointment — your smile will thank you for it.