Mild discomfort around a newly placed crown is normal — the tooth and surrounding gum have undergone significant work. However, there is a meaningful difference between normal healing sensitivity and pain that signals a problem.
Normal Post-Crown Sensitivity
After a crown is placed, you may experience: sensitivity to cold or hot that gradually decreases over one to two weeks, mild tenderness when chewing (especially on hard foods), and a sensation that the tooth feels different from the others. This is all part of the healing process and should steadily improve.
When to Be Concerned
Contact us if: the pain is severe rather than mildly uncomfortable, the pain is getting worse rather than better after the first few days, you can't bite on the crowned tooth at all without pain, the crowned tooth is causing a headache (especially on one side), the gum around the crown is significantly swollen, or you notice a bad taste coming from that tooth (which could indicate an infection at the margin).
Common Causes of Post-Crown Pain
A high bite — where the crown sits slightly too high — puts excessive pressure on the tooth when you chew and causes pain. This is easily fixed by adjusting the crown. A cracked tooth under the crown can cause escalating pain and often requires the crown to be removed to treat the tooth. Nerve inflammation that was present before the crown was placed may become irreversible and require root canal treatment through the crown.
Don't wait to report post-crown pain. The sooner we assess it, the simpler the solution is likely to be.
If any of this sounds familiar, book an assessment with us. The sooner we take a look, the simpler the treatment is likely to be. Call the practice on 01323 723757 or book online at www.meadsdental.com.