Your dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over your existing tooth to protect it or improve its appearance. Crowns can last for many years, but sometimes they can become painful. If you’re experiencing pain in your crown, there may be a few reasons why. In this article, we’ll explore some of the causes of crown pain and what you can do to alleviate it.
Cause #1: Ill-Fitting Crown
If your crown is ill-fitting, it can cause pain when you bite or chew. An ill-fitting crown can occur if the crown wasn’t properly fitted to your tooth, or if your tooth underneath the crown has shifted. If you have pain in your crown, you should make an appointment with your dentist to have it checked. Your dentist may need to make adjustments to the crown so that it fits better.
Cause #2: Tooth Decay
If there is decay around the base of your crown, it can cause pain. Tooth decay can occur if you don’t practice good oral hygiene, or if your crown isn’t properly sealed. If you have pain in your crown, your dentist will take x-rays to check for decay. If there is decay present, your dentist will need to remove the decay and fill the cavity. If the decay is severe, you may need a root canal.
Cause #3: Cracked Crown
If your crown is cracked, it can cause pain. A cracked crown can occur if you bite down on something hard, or if there is trauma to your mouth. If you have pain in your crown, your dentist will take x-rays to check for a crack. If there is a crack present, your dentist will need to replace the crown.
Cause #4: Gum Disease
If you have gum disease, it can cause pain in your crown. Gum disease can occur if you don’t practice good oral hygiene, or if you have an underlying medical condition. If you have pain in your crown, your dentist will check for signs of gum disease. If you have gum disease, your dentist will need to treat it to alleviate the pain.
Cause #5: Bruxism
If you grind and clench your teeth at night, it can cause pain in your crown. Bruxism can occur if you’re stressed, or if you have an underlying sleep disorder. If you have pain in your crown, your dentist will check for signs of bruxism. If you have bruxism, your dentist may recommend a nightguard to protect your teeth.
Cause #6: Allergic Reaction
If you’re allergic to the materials used in your crown, it can cause pain. Allergic reactions can occur if you have a metal allergy or if you’re allergic to the materials used in the crown. If you have pain in your crown, your dentist will check for signs of an allergic reaction. If you have an allergic reaction, your dentist will need to remove the crown and replace it with a non-allergenic material.
Preventing Crown Pain
The best way to prevent crown pain is to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash. You should also avoid eating hard or sticky foods that can damage your crown. It’s also important to keep up with your regular dental checkups so that your dentist can check on the condition of your crown and address any issues before they become painful.
Treating Crown Pain
If you’re experiencing pain in your crown, there are a few things you can do to alleviate it. One option is to take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or applying a cold compress to your cheek. If the pain persists or is severe, you should make an appointment with your dentist to have it checked out.
Conclusion
Crown pain can be uncomfortable, but it’s usually treatable. If you’re experiencing pain in your crown, there may be a few reasons why. The best way to prevent crown pain is to practice good oral hygiene and keep up with your regular dental checkups. If you’re experiencing pain, make an appointment with your dentist to have it checked out. With the right treatment, you can alleviate your crown pain and get back to your normal routine.
References
- https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/bridges-and-crowns/what-to-do-if-your-dental-crown-falls-off-0315
- https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-crowns#1
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321778
FAQs
- Q: How long do dental crowns last?
- A: Dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on how well you take care of them and the materials used.
- Q: Can a crown be replaced?
- A: Yes, if your crown is damaged or decayed, it can be removed and replaced with another crown.
- Q: Is it normal for a crown to hurt?
- A: No, a crown should not cause pain. If you’re experiencing pain, there may be an issue with the crown that needs to be addressed.
- Q: What should I do if my crown falls off?
- A: If your crown falls off, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can use dental cement or toothpaste to temporarily reattach the crown.
- Q: Can a crown cause an allergic reaction?
- A: Yes, if you’re allergic to the materials used in the crown, it can cause an allergic reaction. Your dentist can check for signs of an allergic reaction if you’re experiencing pain in your crown.