Dental crowns are affordable, durable, long lasting protection for teeth that may be damaged or cosmetically flawed. That doesn’t mean they are perfect. Some patients may experience pain from their dental crown that they can’t pinpoint a reason for. Dr. Dean Dietrich and his team at Pleasant Dental®
in Dolton, IL have been serving patients in the Chicago area for many years and offer affordable dental crowns meant to be a long-lasting solution to several dental issues. Dr. Dietrich is also available for any issues you may be facing related to a dental crown.
Dental crowns
A dental crown is a cover (or cap) that is placed on a damaged tooth with the purpose of restoring the tooth to its normal function, shape and size. They are created so that your tooth may be strengthened with a restored appearance. A dental crown is used to cover dental implants, cracked teeth or root canals for protection. No matter why you have received a dental crown, it is entirely possible that you may face some discomfort once it’s been placed. This is not out of the norm. However, if you face a situation where you face severe pain, it becomes very important to figure out why. This is when you need to reach out to your dentist to schedule a visit.
Reasons for crown pain
When a dental crown is placed, it should provide a comfortable fit and should not be a cause of pain once your teeth have adjusted to the new fixture. If there is pain, it is most likely a sign that there is trouble. Here are some of the most common reasons a dental crown may be causing discomfort.
- Sore gum tissue – Once a crown is placed, it’s possible that the gum tissue in that area will become sore with some slight pain. This is not out of the norm as it does take some time for a new crown to settle in your mouth. This can result in tender, sensitive gums. An over the counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or Tylenol should be enough to ease this discomfort.
- Teeth grinding – If you grind your teeth, which usually occurs subconsciously or when you are sleeping, it could irritate your crown and a fitted mouth guard may be a solution to prevent teeth grinding.
- Fractured tooth – If you begin to experience moderate to severe pain, it could be due to the tooth underneath the crown fracturing. This variation of pain could also be caused by a cavity or small crack in the tooth.
- Improper fit or alignment – Once a crown is fitted and put in place, your tooth’s biting surface changes. A crown that is even slightly too high or improperly fitted could result in tooth pain when you bite down. If this is an issue, you may just need to have the crown’s biting surface adjusted.
Some other causes of pain may include receding gums, which could expose sensitive areas of your gums, or actual infection of a tooth underneath a crown, which typically can happen if the tooth has not had a root canal and still retains the inner pulp and nerve tissue.
Regardless of the cause, you should always be mindful of any discomfort you experience with a crown and have it looked at just in case there is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Dr. Dean Dietrich and his team at Pleasant Dental®
in Dolton, IL welcome all patients to come in with any concerns regarding dental crown pain. Please call (708) 576-1900 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Sneha Naik
Dr. Sneha Naik is a compassionate dentist with over 12 years of experience, having graduated from
NYU College of Dentistry. in 2012 and completed her residency in Brooklyn, NY. She is well-regarded for her warm demeanor and clear communication, helping patients understand their dental care options. For the past decade, Dr. Naik has been a trusted member of the Chicago community, building lasting relationships with families. Originally from North Carolina, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, creating art, and cooking. Her dedication to patient care and approachable nature highlight her expertise and trustworthiness in dentistry.
Dr. Alejandra Saenz Mejia
Dr. Alejandra Saenz Mejia is a compassionate and experienced dentist dedicated to enhancing her patients' oral health. She received her dental degree from the
University of California, San Francisco, and completed a general dentistry residency in Santa Barbara. Proud of her Guatemalan roots and fluent in Spanish, Dr. Saenz Mejia excels in providing personalized care to patients of all ages and backgrounds. She focuses on educating her patients and involving them in their own care, fostering trust and comfort. Her dedication and expertise make her a respected authority in the field of dentistry.
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