Tooth Sensitivity After Crown Cementation: A Complete Guide

TL;DR

• Sensitivity after getting a dental crown is common. It peaks in the first 48 hrs and then gets better.
• Common causes of tooth sensitivity:

• Exposed Dentin: Enamel trimming can leave dentin sensitive to hot and cold.
• Vital Tooth: Living nerves may react temporarily after crowning.
• Dental Cement: Leaking cement can cause brief sensitivity.
• High Bite Point: Raised crown areas hurt when biting.
• Root Trauma: The tooth root may fracture under pressure.
• Cavities Beneath Crown: Decay at the gum line can trigger pain.
• Nearby Teeth: Surrounding teeth may cause discomfort.

• You should see a dentist if sensitivity persists beyond 2 weeks.
• Brush and floss daily to maintain long-term crown health.

Understanding Tooth Sensitivity After a Crown

A new dental crown represents a big step toward restoring your smile’s strength and beauty. Whether it’s protecting a weakened tooth or enhancing your appearance, your crown is designed to serve you well for years to come. However, don’t be surprised if your newly crowned tooth feels a bit temperamental in the days following your procedure.

Post-crown sensitivity is your mouth’s natural response to the restoration process. During crown placement, the surrounding tissues experience some disruption, and your tooth may need time to adjust to its new protective cap. Here are some common causes and practical strategies to manage tooth sensitivity after a crown.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity After a Crown?

Let’s dissect the primary reasons why tooth sensitivity after a crown occurs:

• Exposed Dentin

Tooth preparation for receiving a crown involves trimming down the enamel layer of the tooth to make space for the crown. Even though the crown covers the entire surface of the tooth, some microscopic amount of tooth structure remains exposed at the gum line. The exposed dentin surface leads to sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks during the first few days after receiving a crown. Your dentist might give you toothpaste for sensitivity or advice a gel that can be applied to the sensitive spot.

• Vital Tooth Sensitivity

If you have received a dental crown without undergoing a root canal treatment first, it means your tooth is vital and still contains the nerve. Vital teeth are susceptible to temperature changes, and even after getting a crown, you may experience temporary sensitivity. This is especially true if you have a large filling underneath the crown that is placed very close to the pulp/nerve of the tooth.

• Dental Cement

A dental crown is bonded to the tooth with the help of dental cement. After the procedure, some amount of dental cement continues to leech out from underneath the crown. This can also lead to temporary sensitivity immediately after a crown procedure. If a considerable amount of dental cement leakage occurs, it may lead to shifting or loosening of the crown and the development of pain and sensitivity.

• High Point on the Crown

If you experience pain or sensitivity upon biting down on the tooth that received the crown, this may suggest a ‘high point’ (raised section that interferes with your bite) on the crown. This problem can be fixed by your dentist, who will make minor adjustments to the crown in your mouth itself to reduce the high contact point.

• Trauma to the Tooth Root

A dental crown protects the tooth it supports from physical trauma, such as accidentally biting down too hard on it. However, the root of the tooth is not offered any such protection and may suffer a fracture under such trauma. The only way to fix such cases is to extract the tooth.

• Cavities Underneath the Crown

Sometimes, crown sensitivity may occur months or years after the procedure. While the crown protects the majority of the tooth structure from cavities, the exposed surface of the tooth at the gum line can accumulate plaque and lead to the build-up of cavities underneath the crown. This can manifest as sensitivity or pain as the cavity leads to further decay.

• Sensitivity from Surrounding Teeth

Occasionally, sensitivity may arise from the teeth around the crown or the tooth that the crown bites against. It is often difficult to localize the symptoms that occur in the mouth. The best option in such cases is to have your family dentist take a look at all your teeth to ensure that the problem is not arising from any other tooth.

How Long Does Tooth Sensitivity Last After a Crown?

For most patients, this tooth sensitivity after crown placement begins to ease within a few days and usually disappears completely within two weeks. The first 48 to 72 hours are typically the most uncomfortable, after which the discomfort gradually diminishes.

Throughout this recovery time, your mouth adjusts to the new restoration, the surrounding tissues heal, and any remaining cement settles. Patience and gentle care during this time can help you return to your normal eating and chewing habits comfortably.

Managing Tooth Sensitivity After a Crown at Home

Although tooth sensitivity following the addition of a crown is to be expected, there are a few methods you can employ at home to reduce pain during the healing process:

• Stick to lukewarm foods and beverages for the first few days to avoid triggering sensitivity. 
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Avoid scrubbing the crowned tooth too hard.
• Select softer foods. Steer clear of hard candies, crunchy snacks, or tough bread until the tooth fully adjusts.
• Use pain relief if necessary. Over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen can help reduce soreness and inflammation.

When to Contact Your Dentist?

Although a sensitive tooth after a crown is generally temporary, some situations require professional intervention. Call Anoka Dental if you have:

• Severe pain that does not respond to over-the-counter drugs
• Sensitivity for longer than two weeks
• Persistent throbbing or discomfort
• Difficulty chewing or changes in your bite
• Loosening or instability of the crown

Your dentist may recommend a desensitizing treatment applied directly to the tooth, or in cases of severe nerve irritation, a root canal might be necessary.

Sensitivity at times comes from neighboring teeth and not the crowned tooth. A thorough investigation can help identify the source of sensitivity and provide a proper treatment.

Long-term Care for Crowned Teeth

Take care of your crowned teeth properly, and they will last you for many years without the irritation of sensitivity.

• Brush and Floss Daily: Twice a day, no excuses. Clean carefully around the gum line. The plaque here is sticky and can creep under the crown, causing hidden decay.
• See Your Dentist Regularly: Checkups and cleanings aren’t optional. They catch problems early and keep bacteria from settling around your crown.
• Guard Against Grinding: If you grind at night, get a night guard. It shields your crown (and natural teeth) from cracks and pressure damage.

Final Thoughts

Tooth sensitivity after a crown doesn’t have to catch you off guard. The trick is knowing what sets it off and planning ahead. Having an honest talk with your dentist before treatment, following their prep steps, and keeping up with daily brushing and flossing can save you a lot of stress later.

If you’re looking for dental care in anoka mn, visit our dental office. Our dentists, Dr. Lee DeKrey and Dr. Rich Capp, are available for you and your family to provide the best dental care. The right hands not only give you a porcelain crown that lasts but also a recovery that feels easier and more comfortable.

To book a consultation, call us at (763) 421-4002 or visit us at 12 Bridge Sq #106, Anoka, MN 55303, United States.

FAQs

1. Is it normal to have tooth sensitivity after getting a crown?

Yes, it’s totally normal. As your gums and teeth have undergone a procedure, they need some time to settle down. For most individuals, that numbing or stinging sensitivity is part of the healing process and normally subsides soon.

2. How long does the sensitivity last?

It takes a few days to two weeks for the sensitivity to go away. The first couple of days are when you’ll feel it the most. This is especially true with hot or cold foods. After that, it usually fades. If it lingers past two weeks, it’s a good idea to call your dentist.

3. What actually causes the sensitivity?

A few things: the nerve in the tooth responding after having been manipulated, small exposed dentin areas around the gum line, the cement on the teeth still settling, or even the bite being slightly uneven. The tissues around it, in some instances, are just irritated from all the manipulation.

4. How do you take care of it at home?

Here’s how you can take care of your crowned teeth: 

• Avoid extremely hot or cold beverages for a time.
• Change to a toothpaste designed for sensitivity.
• Keep flossing and brushing, but easily.
• Eat softer foods if it hurts to chew.
• An over-the-counter pain medication may assist on difficult days.

5. Can a crown lead to permanent sensitivity?

In general, the sensitivity disappears. But if the nerve within the tooth was seriously damaged or if decay creeps in around the crown later on, the issue becomes long-term.