By EKalman June 15, 2023 - 7:34am

Do you have crown pain? A dental crown can effectively cover and protect a broken tooth, but many people are astonished to hear that it will not prevent tooth pain.

In reality, a crowned tooth is just as susceptible to issues as an uncrowned tooth.

You may experience soreness, sensitivity, or pressure where the crown is located. You could also have a chronic toothache.

There are numerous reasons why your dental crown may be painful. This article will teach you more about what may be causing your discomfort and how to treat it.

What could cause pain in a crown-covered tooth?
There are several causes of pain in a crowned tooth, including:

Tooth decay under the crown
Because the tooth beneath the dental crown is still alive, tooth decay or a new cavity might grow at the tooth-crown junction. This can result in chronic pain in the affected area.

A root canal operation may be required if a tooth cavity becomes large enough to harm the nerve.

Infection
If you did not have a root canal before getting your crown, the tooth still possesses nerves. When the crown presses against an injured nerve, an infection develops. Infections can also occur as a result of outdated fillings beneath the crown leaking bacteria that infects the nerve.

Signs of infection include:
- fever
- pain when you bite
- sensitivity to temperature
- gum swelling

Sore gums from a crown procedure
You may experience transient discomfort during a crown placement treatment. This discomfort should not persist for more than two weeks. Consult a dentist if you are uncomfortable after a crown procedure or if the pain does not go away after two weeks.

A fractured tooth or crown
Mild pain can be caused by a fractured crown or a tooth underneath a crown. Because of the crack, you may be sensitive to cold, heat, or air. If your crown is fractured, loose, or cracked, you should have it repaired.

Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Grinding your teeth at night, also known as bruxism, can strain your crown and create pain.

Recessed gums
If the gums around your crowned tooth have receded, exposing some of the tooth's roots, you may experience discomfort and sensitivity. Brushing too hard can cause gum recession. When the gums recede, they become more prone to plaque buildup and gum disease.

The crown doesn’t fit correctly
If your crown does not fit properly, you may experience discomfort. A poor fit may also have an impact on your bite or grin. When you bite down, the pain usually indicates that the crown is too high on the tooth.

A dental crown, like your other teeth, should adapt to your bite. If your bite seems "off," it may cause jaw pain and headaches.

How to treat dental crown pain
The origin and intensity of the pain determine treatment for dental crown pain. Simple procedures that may help alleviate discomfort include:

Pain medications
If you have a toothache, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can provide brief relief.

Saltwater rinse
Rinsing your mouth with salt water may help to relieve inflammation and soreness. Combine 1/2 teaspoon salt with warm water and swirl for 30 seconds. Repeat the rinsing process multiple times per day.

Herbal remedies
Although the usefulness of herbal medicines has not been scientifically verified, some patients experience pain relief after using them. Some of these can be directly administered to the damaged tooth. Herbs used to treat dental discomfort include:
- ginger
- clove
- chamomile
- turmeric
- garlic

Problematic foods
Avoiding sticky, sugary, and hard foods after having a crown may help alleviate your discomfort. Foods that are hot or cold might also be triggers. Consume foods at room temperature.

Treatment for bruxism
If your pain is caused by clenching or grinding, your doctor may offer bruxism treatments. Mouth guards and mouth splints are occasionally used.

When to see a dentist?
You should consult a dentist if your tooth pain is severe or does not go away. You may require a root canal, crown replacement, or tooth extraction.

Takeaway
You may feel some soreness after having a crown placed, but it should go away after a few weeks.

Infections, cavities, cracked teeth, and other problems could be the source of your discomfort. If your toothache persists, consult a dentist to determine the source of the problem.