Tooth Pain Under Crown: Symptoms and Treatment
It's common for patients to feel tooth pain under the crown placed during their treatment. Crowning teeth is frequently the sole solution for restoring lost teeth, their functionality, and maintaining a bright smile. Nevertheless, after some time following this procedure, some people may feel pain. These uncomfortable sensations can arise at unexpected times, making it essential to understand the reasons behind the discomfort and how to alleviate it.
Causes of Toothache Under a Crown
Many people wonder if it is normal to feel pain. It all depends on the clinical situation. For example, after dentures, tooth pain under crown comes and goes within 3-7 days – and these are normal consequences of the operation. It is worse when the pain appears after several months or years. Even a non-specialist understands: if pain appears, it means there is a problem and it needs to be solved. The only question is how serious the situation is.
The most common reason for pain under a crown tooth is inflammation of the tissues of the supporting tooth, namely:
- Severe tooth decay;
- Pulpitis;
- Periodontitis;
- Root cyst or granuloma.
The occurrence of inflammation and its associated symptoms, particularly discomfort beneath a prosthesis, is not without cause. Such issues are often the result of several contributing factors, including an ill-fitting crown, inadequate canal treatment, poor oral hygiene, missed routine check-ups, and excessive pressure on the tooth. These factors can ultimately result in tooth decay under the crown, pulpitis, inflammation of the surrounding gum tissues, and, in severe cases, the loss of both the tooth and its crown.
What symptoms should not be ignored:
- Swollen and painful area;
- Infection tract under the crown;
- Sinusitis;
- Abscess under the crown.
If you observe any of these symptoms, you must contact your dentist immediately for an examination and possibly some x-rays. Ignoring discomfort in a crowned tooth in the initial phases can lead to the problem escalating, which might harm both the soft tissue and the adjacent bone.
How to Relieve Tooth Pain Under a Crown
If you start noticing any symptoms, it's important to see the NYC dentist promptly. Failing to do so can lead to serious issues. Bacteria can spread through the tooth's root canals, impacting nearby teeth and causing inflammation at the tips of the roots. If treatment is postponed, it may result in damage to the jaw, which could necessitate the removal of the affected section and the placement of a dental implant along with a crown. However, before this procedure can take place, the jawbone tissue usually needs to be treated first.
If your denture causes discomfort, schedule a dentist appointment as your priority. In the meantime, take steps to alleviate the discomfort before your visit.
Begin by carefully brushing your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste, paying special attention to the region around the crown. Afterward, rinse your mouth using water or a gentle mouthwash to eliminate plaque and food debris. Avoid any products that might aggravate the sensitive area.
If the pain under a crown is very strong and rinsing does not help, you can use painkillers. The drug must be selected from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, ibuprofen, nimesulide, etc.). Before taking it, you should carefully read the instructions to determine the required dose and exclude the presence of contraindications, or better yet, ask your doctor.
Pain Under a Crown Treatment
It is not recommended to ignore toothache under crown, since inaction can lead to root loss and the impossibility of further installation of an artificial crown. Treatment of an inflamed tooth under a crown, especially a neglected one, is a complex process for both the dentist and the patient. It may be associated with the removal of the orthopedic structure and retreatment of the root canals. Therefore, the sooner the patient consults a doctor, the easier, faster and cheaper it will be to solve the problem.
How is the treatment done in most cases? The process begins with a dentist's diagnosis, often aided by an X-ray to address many concerns. If required, a more detailed examination, such as a CT scan or consultations with relevant specialists, can be arranged.
Treatment starts with easing hurt to make sure the patient feels good and lets the dentist do their job well. The next steps rely on how bad the issue is and can have taking out nerves, patching, or doing canals again. In worse cases, surgery like cutting roots might be needed, mainly if gum illness or root lumps are there. The last part aims at bringing back teeth use and form which could mean a patch, a fresh crown, or an implant based on how much harm there is.
If pain under the dental crown does not fade or gets worse, call your dentist right away, mainly if there is swelling or ooze from gums. This might be a sign of tooth rot or pulp swelling. Regular check-ups and quick treatment can help prevent problems and keep teeth health proper.
Article Approved by:
Reena Clarkson Orthodontist, DDS