Tooth crowns are used for three primary purposes: to restore a tooth to its original shape, to strengthen the tooth or to enhance its appearance. In many cases, the crown is used to encase a tooth that has been damaged by tooth decay, such as cavities or gum disease. Crowns should be installed by a licensed dentist, and they come with some risk of pain after the procedure.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
With a temporary crown, some sensitivity to heat and cold, especially liquids, is expected because the temporary crown is less precise. The sensitivity in a permanent crown can be found where the crown meets the gum line. Sometimes, a dentist will prescribe a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. If the sensitivity becomes too much, you should see your dentist immediately so he can determine if there is a problem.
An Incorrect Bite
A bite problem is something that can occur in a temporary or a permanent crown. In either case, an incorrect bite is when the new crown meets its opposing tooth before the rest of the teeth around it. This incorrect bite can cause a jarring feeling in your mouth and lead to tooth pain in and around the crown. In most cases, the fix is a simple one. Make an appointment to see your dentist and have the crown adjusted by filing the top down so it meets the opposite tooth appropriately. The situation will not correct itself and can lead to the need for a replacement crown.
Gum Pain
Because the dentist needed to work with the original tooth at or near the gum line, the gums around the new crown will hurt. Normally, the pain is quite tolerable and goes away in a couple of days. To aid the healing process, you can rinse with warm saltwater up to three times per day. If the pain is persistent, or seems to be getting worse, call your dentist.
Tooth Pain
Because the dentist must use a drill to shape your tooth for preparation for the crown, it's likely that your tooth will be in some pain in the days after the procedure. It's not uncommon for the pain to feel dull, especially if there's a temporary crown on the old tooth. For minor pain, you can use an over-the-counter pain reliever to take care of the pain until the new crown settles in. If it persists or gets worse, call your dentist.
Root Canal
The process of getting a crown is not perfect. In some cases, the original tooth is so decayed or diseased that even a crown isn't a good solution. If you experience pain deep inside the gum, it could be an indication that the nerve of the original tooth has become infected or even diseased. In this case, your dentist will likely need to do a root canal on the diseased tooth to stop the pain. That will required the removal of the crown and then reinstalling the crown.
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