Should My Dental Crown Hurt?

A dental crown is a pain-free way to restore your smile and your confidence. So, if you experience discomfort from your crown, you should know that something is amiss. There are quite a few reasons why pain can occur, but here are some of the common things you should look into to get to the bottom of your concern.

Root Canal

Root canals and dental crowns often go hand-in-hand, but it's not necessarily the standard. However, if a root canal was recommended, but you opted to forgo the procedure before you had the crown installed, this decision could be the reason you are experiencing discomfort. The objective of a root canal is to clear out the damaged pulp from within the tooth. 

If you don't remove the damaged pulp, it won't suddenly become healthy again. Instead, the pulp might continue to swell and, as it grows larger, put more pressure on your nerve. The pressure from the nerve will lead to significant discomfort and create a gnawing pain that won't go away. Removing the crown and having a root canal performed is typically the solution. 

Misaligned Teeth

A tooth crown only affects the condition of the tooth being addressed; it does not address the condition of your other teeth. If the teeth above or below the crown are uneven or misaligned, the issue can cause some discomfort. Dental crowns are perfectly aligned, creating a disparity among your teeth. 

However, assume you had a crown placed on a lower tooth, but the tooth just above it was slightly shifted to the left. Whenever you chewed or clenched your teeth, the misaligned tooth would press into the crown. The pressing motion would put pressure on the crown and could cause the area to feel sore. A good solution, in this instance, would be to address your misalignment issues.

Silver Fillings

If you have fillings in your mouth, particularly silver fillings, this could be the reason you notice discomfort around the crown site. Silver fillings are low cost, which makes them convenient for many people. However, they are not as aesthetically appealing as composite fillings, and they sometimes leak.

As the silver leaks, the material can travel all the way into the nerve root and cause an infection, which can lead to a great deal of discomfort. Your provider will likely ask you about your filling-history and want to take a closer look to see if this issue could be the culprit. 

Even if you believe you know the source of your crown discomfort, let a dental provider diagnose and address the issue for you. Only a professional can accurately assess your condition and get you the treatment you need. Contact an office like that of Gregory S Rutherford, DDS, for more information.

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