Tooth Sensitivity After Crown

Tooth sensitivity following crown placement is a common problem that many people face. A crown is a type of dental restoration that protects and restores the function of a tooth by covering the entire tooth, including the root. Crowns are frequently recommended for teeth that have been severely damaged due to decay, injury, or normal wear and tear. While crowns are generally effective at restoring teeth, in some cases they can cause sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity after crown placement is common but manageable with proper care and treatment. In this article, we’ll look at what causes tooth sensitivity after crown placement, how to deal with it, and when to seek professional dental assistance.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity After Dental Crown Placement

Tooth sensitivity following crown placement can result from a number of factors, including:

• Irritation of the nerves: When a crown is placed, it can occasionally irritate the nerves inside the tooth. This can result in sensitivity or pain.
• Tooth preparation: Prior to placing a crown, the tooth must be prepared by removing some of the enamel. This can expose the tooth’s dentin layer, which is more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet stimuli.
• Gum irritation: After crown placement, the gum tissue around the tooth may become irritated or inflamed. This may result in sensitivity or discomfort.
• Bite alignment: If the crown is not properly aligned with the opposing tooth, it can put undue strain on the tooth, resulting in sensitivity or pain.
• Allergic reaction: In rare cases, a person may experience an allergic reaction to the materials used to create the crown, causing sensitivity or discomfort.

Managing Tooth Sensitivity from Dental Crowns

If you have tooth sensitivity after the placement of dental crowns, there are several steps you can take to alleviate the pain:

• Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis. This can aid in the prevention of decay and gum disease, both of which can aggravate sensitivity in a crowned tooth.
• Use desensitising toothpaste: Sensitive tooth toothpaste can help reduce sensitivity. These toothpastes work by obstructing the tubules in the tooth’s dentin layer, which transmit sensations to the nerve.
• Hot and cold foods and beverages should be avoided because they can aggravate sensitivity. Eat and drink foods that are at room temperature as much as possible.
• Acidic foods and beverages should be avoided: Acidic foods and beverages can aggravate sensitive teeth. Avoid or limit your intake of acidic foods like citrus fruits and juices.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush can help reduce gum and tooth enamel irritation. Avoid using a toothbrush with hard bristles, which can aggravate the sensitivity.
• Maintain proper bite alignment: If you’re experiencing sensitivity due to improper bite alignment, your dentist may be able to adjust the crown to relieve the pressure.
• Consider wearing a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth. A mouthguard can help protect your teeth and reduce sensitivity.

When to Seek Professional Dental Assistance

While tooth sensitivity after crown placement is usually temporary and manageable with proper care and treatment, there are some situations in which you should seek professional dental assistance.

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should seek dental care right away:

• Severe pain: Seek dental care right away if you’re experiencing severe pain that isn’t relieved by over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Swelling: If you notice swelling around your tooth or in your face, you should seek dental care right away. This could be an indication of an infection.
• Bleeding: If you are experiencing bleeding from the gums or around the teeth, consult your dentist.
• Loose crown: If your crown becomes loose or falls off, you should seek immediate dental care. A loose crown can cause additional damage to the tooth or teeth around it.
• Allergic reaction: If you experience allergic reaction symptoms such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention.

Treatment of sensitive teeth following dental crown placement

In some cases, your dentist may advise you to seek additional treatment to relieve tooth sensitivity following dental crown placement. This could include:

• Fluoride treatments can help reduce sensitivity by strengthening the enamel and decreasing sensation transmission to the nerve.
• If your sensitivity is caused by nerve irritation, your dentist may recommend a root canal to remove any tooth decay from the tooth roots.
• Crown replacement: If the sensitivity is caused by an ill-fitting or damaged crown, your dentist may recommend a new crown.
• If the sensitivity is caused by gum recession, your dentist may recommend a gum graft to restore the gum tissue and reduce sensitivity.

Final thought on tooth pain and sensitivity following the placement of permanent and temporary crowns

Tooth sensitivity following the placement of a new dental crown is a common problem that many people face. While it can be unpleasant, it is usually only temporary and is manageable with proper care and treatment. If you have sensitivity after having a crown placed, make sure to maintain good oral hygiene, use desensitising toothpaste, and avoid hot and cold foods and beverages. If your sensitivity persists or worsens, or if you experience any severe symptoms, consult a dentist. Additional treatment may be recommended by your dentist to alleviate your sensitivity and restore your dental health.

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