A dental crown can successfully cover and preserve a broken tooth, but many people are shocked to hear that it will not prevent tooth discomfort. Did you know that a crowned tooth is just as susceptible to issues as an uncrowned tooth?
The area where the crown is located might be sensitive, painful, or uncomfortable. A persistent toothache is another possibility.
Your dental crown may ache for many different causes. Learn more about the potential causes of your pain in this article, along with some effective pain relief techniques.
Dental crowns – What are they?
A cap that is affixed to a broken tooth is called a dental crown. The portion of the tooth that is visible is covered and is cemented in place.
The purpose of the crown is to safeguard the tooth while restoring its size and contour. A bridge may occasionally be held in place by placing dental crowns on each side of a missing tooth (A dental prosthetic that closes a gap in your mouth). Metal, porcelain, and ceramic are a few materials used to make crowns.
After a root canal treatment, you might require a dental crown to safeguard the tooth. Or if you have a tooth with a cracked or weakening enamel layer, a lost tooth that needs a bridge/implant, or a massive cavity that is too wide to be filled.
What causes pain in a tooth with a crown?
Listed below are a few causes of discomfort in a crowned tooth:
Infection
The tooth still has nerves if you didn’t get a root canal before a crown. An injured nerve is sometimes compressed from the height, resulting in an infection. Alternatively, germs from old fillings under the crown that leak and infect the nerve can cause infections.
Decay in the tooth’s crown
A new cavity or tooth decay might develop at the tooth and crown’s border since the tooth beneath the dental crown is still functional. Chronic pain may result from this.
A broken crown or teeth
Mild pain may be caused by a fractured crown or a tooth below a crown. The gap might make you more sensitive to air, heat, or cold. You must get your crown fixed if you discover it cracked, loose, or damaged.
Receding gums
If the gums around your crowned tooth have receded and exposed a portion of the tooth’s root, you can experience discomfort and sensitivity. Harsh brushing might result in gum recession. Gum recession makes them more susceptible to plaque accumulation and gum disease.
Tooth grinding
Grinding your teeth at night can put pressure on your crown and cause pain.
Dental Crowns – How to manage tooth crown discomfort
Depending on the cause and severity of dental crowns, here are a few easy steps that might help ease the discomfort:
Rinse with salt water
By rinsing your mouth with saltwater, you might be able to relieve discomfort and inflammation. Warm water should be added to 1/2 teaspoon of salt, stirring the mixture for 30 seconds. Several times a day, repeat the rinse.
Herbal treatments
Some patients claim to have pain relief after utilising herbal medicines. Some of these can be used right on the hurt tooth. Clove, garlic, turmeric, and ginger are popular dental pain relief plants.
Painkillers
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like ibuprofen can offer momentary relief if you have a toothache.
You should visit a dentist if your tooth pain is severe or persistent. You could require a root canal, a new crown, or a tooth extraction.
