Do Tooth Crowns Hurt?

Getting a dental crown is a great way to save a tooth and restore your smile. Still, some people are off guard because of a throbbing tooth pain after crown. Let’s find out more so you’ll know what to expect, why it happens, and how to handle it.

Is Getting a Tooth Crown Painful?

Nope, it’s not painful. Dentists numb your tooth and the area around it. You won’t feel a thing during the procedure. Afterward, some mild discomfort might happen. Think of it as your tooth getting used to its new “hat.” Most people say this goes away within a few days. Tooth pain under a crown comes and goes and may indicate issues like decay, a loose crown, or sensitivity needing attention.

What Causes Dental Crown Tooth Pain?

Pain after dental crown in Arizona doesn’t always mean something’s wrong. But there are some common reasons:

• Decay hiding under the cover can cause pain.
• Too high or low covers can mess up your bite.
• Inflamed gums near the cover can feel sore.
• Clenching or grinding wears on the crown and irritates the tooth.

How to Relieve Tooth Pain After a Crown

After getting a cover, your tooth may feel sore. This is normal as the tooth adjusts. Most pain can be managed with these tips:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
• Avoid biting down on hard foods.
• Rinse with warm salt water to soothe your gums.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around the cover.

Now, let’s tackle specific situations and what you can do to feel better.

Tooth Pain After Temporary Crown

Temporary covers can sometimes cause discomfort, but it’s usually manageable.

Causes

• They may not fit as snugly as permanent ones.
• They may not fully cover sensitive areas.
• They may not align perfectly with your bite.

Solutions

• Avoid sticky or hard foods to keep the cover stable.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort.
• Schedule a dentist visit if pain persists or worsens.

Front Tooth Crown Pain

Pain in a front tooth crown can be frustrating and affect your confidence.

Causes

• It may not align properly with your other teeth.
• Improper sealing can leave nerves sensitive.
• A possible crack or chip.

Solutions

• Visit your dentist to adjust the crown for better alignment.
• Replace damaged crowns to protect the tooth.
• Use desensitizing toothpaste for mild nerve irritation.

Cracked Tooth Crown Pain

A cracked cover can expose the tooth and cause sharp pain.

Causes

• Excess pressure can cause cracks.
• Over time, they can weaken.
• Accidents can cause damage.

Solutions

• Avoid chewing on it if it is cracked.
• Schedule a dental visit to assess the damage.
• Replace the cover to protect the tooth and relieve pain.

Child Tooth Crown Pain

This pain in children can disrupt their comfort and daily routine.

Causes

• It may not sit correctly on the tooth.
• The cavities can cause discomfort.
• Tender gums around the cover may feel sore.

Solutions

• Schedule a dental visit to adjust or replace it.
• Encourage gentle brushing and flossing around the cover.
• Use saltwater rinses or child-safe pain relievers for temporary relief.

Tooth Crown Pain After Root Canal

It’s normal to feel some discomfort after a root canal with a cover. However, ongoing pain may need attention.

Causes

• Tissue around the tooth may still be healing.
• The cover may be too high or misaligned.
• Hidden infections are rare but possible after a root canal.

Solutions

• Take anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain.
• Visit your dentist to adjust it if your bite feels off.
• See your dentist immediately if pain persists or worsens.

Crown Tooth Gum Pain

Gum pain around a cover can be annoying and uncomfortable.

Causes

• The cover edges may rub against gums.
• Poor oral hygiene or bacteria buildup.
• Gum disease near the cover.

Solutions

• Brush and floss gently to clean the area.
• Use saltwater rinses to soothe inflammation.
• Visit your dentist if pain or swelling persists.

Loose Crown Tooth Pain

A loose cover can expose your tooth and cause discomfort.

Causes

• The adhesive may wear out.
• The cavities under can loosen its fit.
• Cracks or chips can become unstable.

Solutions

• Avoid chewing on the affected side.
• Rinse with warm salt water to keep the area clean.
• See your dentist to re-cement or replace the cover.

Tooth Crown Pain at Night

Nighttime pain can disrupt sleep and signal an underlying issue.

Causes

• Grinding or clenching stresses the cover and tooth.
• Gum or nerve irritation can worsen when lying down.
• Create pressure if poorly fitted.

Solutions

• Use a custom night guard to protect your cover and teeth.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers before bed.
• Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation.

Tooth Crown Pain When Chewing

Chewing shouldn’t hurt. Here’s why it happens and what to do:

Causes

• Extra pressure on the tooth.
• Exposed nerves or irritation.
• Cavities or cracks.

Solutions

• See your dentist for adjustments, decay treatment, or replacement.
• Use desensitizing toothpaste for sensitivity.
• Avoid hard foods and take pain relievers until resolved.

Tooth Crown Pain When Flossing

Causes

• It may press against nearby teeth.
• Irritating particles caught around the cover.
• Sensitive or inflamed gums.

Solutions

• Use floss picks or water flossers.
• Rinse with warm salt water.
• Visit your dentist to adjust or check for gum issues.

Tooth Crown Pain After Years

Even well-made covers don’t last forever.

• Wear and tear, gum recession, or new decay.
• Your dentist will evaluate and decide if you need repair or replacement.

How Long Does Tooth Crown Pain Last?

The pain usually resolves within a specific time frame, based on the cause. Here’s what to expect:

• Immediately after placement, the tooth adjusts, and bite changes cause mild discomfort (1–4/10) for 2–3 days.
• During the first week, gum tissues heal, with soreness (2–5/10) lasting 5–7 days, especially when chewing.
• For poor fit or alignment, the pain (5–8/10) persists for days to weeks until corrected.
• Post-procedure inflammation lasts 1–2 weeks, with mild to moderate pain (2–6/10).
• Decay, infection, or a loose cover can cause ongoing pain (6–9/10) until treated.

How to Prevent Dental Crown Pain

Prevention starts with good habits:

• Brush and floss daily to Keep your teeth and gums clean.
• Watch what you eat and avoid hard candies and ice that can crack covers.
• Wear a night guard to protect your teeth from grinding.
• Visit the dentist regularly to catch potential problems early.

Tooth Crown Pain Treatment in Arizona

Dealing with crown pain can be stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Central Valley Dentistry, we specialize in creating comfortable, long-lasting crowns. If you’re experiencing pain, call us at (602) 246-0385 or schedule your appointment online. Let us bring relief to your smile!

Conclusion

Tooth crown pain isn’t something you should ignore. Whether it’s a quick adjustment or a complete replacement, the right care makes all the difference. Let’s keep that crown and your smile feeling great!

FAQs