A dental crown is an excellent way to restore a badly damaged or decayed tooth. Custom-made to fit your smile, a tooth crown can strengthen and reinforce a weakened tooth for optimal oral health. But what happens if the crown starts to hurt? From simple to serious, there can be many reasons why a dental crown may begin to ache. Today, Dr. Goldstein and our skilled team at LG Dental Centre will explore 4 reasons why your dental crown may be hurting, and what you can do to address the situation in a timely manner.
#1: Post-treatment tenderness
Immediately following the placement of your custom restoration, the gum tissue surrounding the tooth may become irritated or tender. This is a normal byproduct of treatment, and the discomfort typically diminishes after a few days. If you experience this type of soreness, it can be addressed with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
#2: A problem with the fit
The way that your teeth fit together has a significant impact on your oral health. If your bite is off, even by a little bit, it can lead to a tremendous amount of discomfort. For example, if the chewing surface of your new tooth crown is slightly too high in one area, the excess forces exerted on the tooth can cause pain. If you feel that your new dental crown does not fit in just right with your natural bite, schedule an appointment with Dr. Goldstein right away. The crown can be slightly adjusted for a more optimal fit.
#3: The tooth is infected
Crowns reinforce weakened teeth, but they do not make them invulnerable to decay. If bacteria somehow reach the internal structures of a tooth, the pulp chamber can become infected. When this occurs, root canal treatment may be necessary to address the problem. Sometimes, an infected tooth exhibits symptoms such as pain and a swollen jaw, in which case patients should schedule an appointment at our Yonge and Lawrence dental clinic immediately. In other instances, however, patients may not even realize there is an issue present. For this reasons, routine dental exams and cleanings are vital to healthy teeth and gums. If this type of infection or abscess is detected during an evaluation, steps can be taken to treat the problem before it worsens.
#4: You suffer from bruxism
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, may be a product of stress or anxiety. It could also simply be a condition that occurs due to misalignment. Whether you suffer from chronic or acute bruxism, this disorder can have a substantial negative impact on the health of your dental crowns. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health complications in the future such as tooth mobility and TMJ issues. If you think your sore crown may be the result of bruxism, schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible. Oftentimes, a night guard is all that is needed to address the problem appropriately.
Contact our North York dental office to learn more
If you have an old or new dental crown that is causing your pain or discomfort, it is important to have a dental examination right away. To schedule a visit with Dr. Goldstein, call our dental clinic located at Yonge and Lawrence in Toronto at 416-224-8300, or contact us online. As always, our team is standing by to answer any questions you may have regarding your treatment.