St. Augustine, FL
Dr. Stephanie Kinsey believes in preventing tooth loss with restorative care when possible. Dental crowns are often used to repair a broken or cracked tooth that would otherwise be subject to extraction. Dental crowns are one of the most commonly performed procedures in dentistry. Technology and dental materials have advanced tremendously over the years to improve function and aesthetics. But what happens if your tooth feels sensitive after getting a crown? While some sensitivity can be normal, Dr. Kinsey shares when you should be concerned.
When should pain from a dental crown be worrisome?
Many patients with a broken or cracked tooth may have experienced some tooth sensitivity or pain prior to their procedure that may linger a few days after getting their new crown. In some cases, a patient feels mild discomfort or sensitivity because the tooth was worked on and it’s normal to feel a light ache or gum tenderness the first few days following a dental crown appointment. However, recurring pain or discomfort that does not subside should be discussed with your dentist.
Let your dentist know if you experience these symptoms:
- Pain that occurs every time you chew
- Pain or tenderness when you wake up
- A consistent toothache
- Heightened tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
These signs could signal that your tooth is not responding well to the treatment or that there is a defect in your crown. While these cases are rare, they can happen. Therefore, it is essential to discuss them with your dentist if you experience these issues.
How will the dentist get rid of my pain?
Treatments for post-crown tooth pain may vary, depending on the cause of your discomfort. The first line of defense is to check your bite to ensure your crown is not too high, and then adjust the crown if necessary. The dentist will also check your crown’s integrity, ensuring it is not damaged or cracked, and that the margins of the crown are good. If there are no visual defects in the crown, then it is possible that the tooth’s nerve was too far compromised and may require a root canal. These cases are not always apparent before placing a crown and are later discovered when the patient continues experiencing pain or discomfort.
What if I have an old crown that started hurting years after I got it?
In some cases, patients have an old crown from years ago that is just now causing pain. If this happens to you, it’s vital to see the dentist right away because the crown is likely failing, leaking, or otherwise compromising the underlying tooth. Eventually, the crown could pop off or break off some of the tooth. Crowns are quite durable, but they won’t last a lifetime. Expect to get about 10 years out of a crown if you take good care of your oral health. Therefore, if you have crowns that are more than 10 years old and causing tooth pain or sensitivity, it’s time to get it checked by the dentist.
Dental Crowns in St. Augustine and Palm Coast, Florida
Dental crowns are an excellent choice to prolong the life of a damaged tooth, even if you have to have the crown redone many years later. However, if you experience discomfort after getting a crown, either immediately after or years later, contact Palencia Dental by calling 904-664-5254.
