Have you ever bitten into a slice of warm, cheesy pizza — only to jolt away in pain? Or maybe you sipped an ice-cold lemonade that made your teeth hurt? No matter what reaction you may have had, if you recently got a crown, the pain is probably due to that.
Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect people experience after getting a crown. Thankfully, these effects don’t last forever. However, it’s enough to negatively impact your teeth and keep you from enjoying your favorite foods and drink. But don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll explore why tooth sensitivity occurs and how to alleviate the pain.
Why Do Teeth Feel Sensitive After Crown Placement?
Although there are numerous reasons why tooth sensitivity occurs, the main cause is weak enamel. That is to say, when the surface of your teeth is extremely thin, the pain you normally feel amplifies since it directly travels to the inside of your tooth.
Plus, getting a dental crown means shaving the enamel off, which leaves the inside of your tooth completely vulnerable. This is why a few days after the procedure, people feel extreme tooth sensitivity, no matter what they eat or drink. It’s completely normal for your teeth to react the way they do. Not to mention, the pain only lasts for a few days while the crown settles in place and creates an airtight vacuum to protect your tooth.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity After Crown?
Besides the lack of enamel protection, tooth sensitivity after crown can also be a result of:
- Dental tissue getting inflamed during the procedure.
- An ill-fitted crown that is loose or wiggly.
- Deeply-rooted tooth infection or decay.
- A damaged tooth nerve.
- Fractured or broken tooth beneath the gum line.
- Cement leakage.
- Constantly clenching or grinding teeth.
- Recent crown placement.
How Long Does Tooth Sensitivity Last After Crown?
The timeline for how long one experiences tooth sensitivity depends on the cause. For instance, if you just had the crown placed, it will take around a week or two for your teeth to outgrow the sensitivity period. On the other hand, if it has been more than two weeks but your teeth still ache, consulting a dentist would be better.
Let your dentist know how long you’ve been dealing with sensitivity and which foods trigger it the most. Do not wait around, or it could lead to further dental complications.
Tips To Minimize Tooth Sensitivity
Even though you cannot end tooth sensitivity completely, there are still ways to reduce the overall discomfort. Here are some tips you can follow to keep the sensitivity levels at bay:
- Only eat soft and easy-to-swallow foods.
- Avoid drinking anything too hot or cold.
- Maintain a good oral hygiene routine.
- Take OTC pain relievers if needed.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Brush your teeth gently, do not use force.
- Get the placement of your dental crown checked.
- Visit a dentist for further evaluation.
- Be patient and give the crown enough time to settle in.
Bottom Line
Tooth sensitivity after a crown is quite a common phenomenon. Considering how the dentist files off tooth enamel for the crown to fit, the inside of your tooth is left vulnerable. This is what ultimately causes the pain, as anything you eat or drink has a direct effect on the tooth nerve.
Nevertheless, if the pain persists for more than two weeks, do not hesitate. Contact Almond Dental immediately. For more information, you can visit or call us at any of the following locations:
St. Anthony Location: 3803 Silver Lake Rd NE, St Anthony, MN 55421, United States
Contact Number: (612) 782-7000
Maple Grove Location: 11301 Fountains Dr, Maple Grove, MN 55369, United States
Contact Number: (763 ) 762-7177