Not A dental crown is a protective cap that your dentist places over a damaged tooth to protect its inner structure. These crowns help to fix and restore the original shape, appearance, size, and strength of teeth that have experienced damage. As permanent dental crowns can take several weeks to create in the laboratory, your dentist may place a temporary crown for you to use.
In some instances, temporary dental crowns may cause slight discomfort or pain once fitted. This pain can result from different issues, such as infection, teeth grinding, or an improper fit. Luckily, discomfort from temporary crowns can be resolved with slight adjustments or home remedies. This blog will explain the possible reasons for your pain and the steps you can take to relieve it while you wait for your permanent crown.
What are Temporary Dental Crowns?
A temporary crown is a tooth-shaped cap that a dentist puts on a damaged tooth or an old crown before fitting a permanent one. It protects against bacteria and helps keep the tooth stable until the permanent crown is ready.
Without a temporary crown, the tooth might shift, resulting in a poor fit for the permanent crown. These temporary crowns are made to look like natural teeth in shape and size, covering any visible areas of the affected teeth.
The functions of a temporary crown include:
- Prevents possible sensitivity in teeth and gums
- Preserving the remaining parts of the natural tooth or implant area and the gums
- Maintaining proper spacing between teeth
- Helps with chewing and physical appearance
Common Reasons Why Temporary Dental Crowns Hurt
After having a temporary crown, you might experience pain for various reasons, including:
Cracked Teeth
A cracked or broken tooth can increase discomfort after a temporary crown is fitted. Your dentist will conduct a detailed examination to check for cracks or fractures in the teeth. If they detect a deep crack, a root canal may be necessary before placing a permanent crown.
Inflamed Tooth’s Nerve
Sometimes, the pain you feel with your temporary crown is not due to the crown itself but rather the roots of your tooth. Serious oral infections can cause harm and swelling to the tooth’s pulp (nerve). Symptoms indicating a severe infection that could require a root canal include the following:
- Intense pain when chewing
- A tooth that appears discolored
- Persistent tooth pain triggered by hot or cold.
- Swollen and tender gums around the tooth
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Abscesses or pus around the affected tooth and gums.
If you notice these signs, contact a dentist as early as possible. The issues may not be related to your temporary crown, but they could signal a severe infection that can be treated with a painless root canal procedure.
Grinding Teeth
If your temporary dental crown is causing you pain, it might be a sign of bruxism. This condition involves grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, which can occur at night and during the day. The significant pressure from these actions can harm dental restorations and result in pain in your teeth, jaw, face, and neck, as well as headaches and sleep disturbances.
Many patients do not recognize that they have sleep bruxism and often confuse their symptoms with other conditions. If you are experiencing pain near your temporary crown and any of these signs, you should speak with your dentist promptly. They can offer strategies to protect your crown and reduce clenching, grinding, and other related symptoms. A dentist would recommend that you use a custom night guard or make minor adjustments to the biting surfaces of your teeth.
Infections
Oral infections typically occur in patients who have received temporary crowns after root canal treatments. A root canal procedure usually helps to eliminate deep infections within a tooth. After this cleaning, dentists place a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready.
Sometimes, infections can occur in the cleaned areas of the tooth before the permanent crown is applied. These infections may result in pain and increase sensitivity in the treated tooth.
Dental Cavities
In some cases, spaces between the temporary crown and the gum line could exist, allowing bacteria and food debris to enter, potentially leading to cavities. To avoid this, brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily to eliminate bacteria that can cause cavities.
Poor Fit
Temporary crowns do not fit as perfectly as permanent ones, but they still shield the sensitive parts of a tooth. If the temporary crown does not fit nicely over the treated tooth, it can put excessive pressure on the tooth and its inner areas, leading to pain.
Sore Gums
It is common to experience gum irritation after receiving a temporary dental crown. This discomfort typically continues until the nearby gum tissue adjusts to the new crown. However, if a patient has sensitive or inflamed gums from inadequate oral care, gum infections, or other problems, it may result in pain.
In some cases, the gums may start to recede, exposing sensitive areas of the tooth, such as the root. This action can result in pain in the crowned tooth, affecting both temporary and permanent crowns.
Fractures
Temporary dental crowns can develop small cracks or fractures due to accidents, injuries, or everyday wear. While these fractures may not be immediately noticeable, they can compromise the crown’s integrity, allowing bacteria to accumulate around the area. This buildup can increase the risk of decay or infection in the underlying tooth. If you notice any damage to your temporary crown, see your dentist promptly to prevent further complications.
What You Can Do If You Are Experiencing Pain From a Temporary Crown
If your temporary crown is painful, you should call your dentist. Pain can indicate a problem that requires treatment, particularly if you suspect an infection.
While awaiting your dental visit, keep the area clean by brushing and flossing gently. You can also use the following to help manage the pain:
Use Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help alleviate pain and provide relief.
Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater acts as a natural antibacterial agent, helping to eliminate infections and reduce inflammation. Research shows that rinsing with warm salt water can encourage healing and lessen swelling.
Using an Oral Numbing Agent
Numbing gels such as Absol or Orajel contain benzocaine, a topical anaesthetic that can help reduce pain when applied directly to the affected area.
Ice Pack
An ice pack wrapped in a towel every 30 minutes can help decrease inflammation and swelling.
Mouthguard
Using a mouthguard can benefit those who grind their teeth during sleep.
If the pain lasts more than a week and home remedies like salt water rinses, pain relievers, and numbing gels are ineffective, contact your dentist or arrange an appointment. Your dentist will investigate the reason for the pain. If there is an underlying issue, they will determine the appropriate treatment before installing your permanent crown.
Preventing Pain After Receiving Your Temporary Dental Crowns
After you have your temporary crown, you should take proper care of it to maintain its stability and function until your permanent dental crown is available. Here are some common care tips that can help you avoid pain:
Chew on the Other Side
When you eat, try using the side of your mouth that does not have the temporary crown. This can help reduce pressure on the crown.
Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods
While you have the temporary dental crown, avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. Stick to softer options to lower the chance of damaging or dislodging the crown.
Maintain Your Routine Oral Hygiene
Stick to your usual oral hygiene habits, but be cautious when flossing and brushing near the temporary dental crown. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and floss gently to ensure the crown remains in place.
Avoid Alcohol-Based Mouthwash
Avoid mouthwash with high alcohol content, as it can weaken your temporary cement. If needed, choose an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Floss Gently
When flossing, gently slide the floss between your teeth without snapping or pulling upwards. It helps prevent the temporary crown from coming loose.
Avoid Hot Drinks
Although hot beverages will not directly harm a temporary crown, they can lead to discomfort and increase tooth sensitivity, which is typical after crown placement. Therefore, you should avoid hot or cold drinks to reduce the risk of pain and sensitivity.
Contact Your Dentist
If your temporary dental crown becomes loose, falls out, or has persistent pain, contact a dentist immediately for an assessment and any necessary re-cementing or adjustments.
Keep Up With Your Follow-up Appointments
Attend all follow-up dental appointments to ensure the temporary crown fits well and is in good condition.
Temporary crowns are less durable than permanent crowns. If a temporary dental crown becomes damaged, you should have a dentist re-cement it. Always follow your dentist’s specific aftercare advice, as they may have additional tips that apply to your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Temporary Dental Crowns
Below are frequently asked questions about temporary dental crowns:
What Factors Influence How Long the Pain Lasts After Receiving a Temporary Dental Crown?
Sensitivity and pain after the placement of a dental crown usually decrease over time. However, some factors can influence how long this sensitivity lasts, including:
- Whether extensive dental procedures, like a root canal, were performed when the crown was placed
- If you had any existing tooth sensitivity before receiving the temporary crown
- Your oral hygiene practices.
- The material used for the temporary crown
- The alignment of the dental crown with the patient’s other teeth
Most patients who experience sensitivity after getting temporary dental crowns find that it resolves within a few days or weeks. Also, since your dentist will eventually replace your temporary crown with a permanent one, this side effect will not last long.
What Should I Do If My Temporary Crown Falls Off And Causes Pain?
You might not notice that your crown is loose until it falls out. There are several reasons this can occur.
One common issue is tooth decay in the part of the tooth beneath the crown. Bacteria can enter under the crown and lead to decay, especially if the cement holding it in place has worn away. As the decay progresses, it can affect how well the crown fits.
When this happens, the crown may loosen and become more likely to fall out. Sometimes, there may not be enough tooth structure to firmly hold the crown.
Other reasons for loose crowns can include:
- A crown that does not fit well
- Insufficient cement was used to attach the crown
- Sticky foods that can loosen the crown.
- Teeth grinding
- A significantly weakened tooth
In some cases, a temporary dental crown may only be partially dislodged. If it is hanging loosely on one side, you can remove it. Temporary crowns are designed to stay in place for about two weeks but can loosen if not cared for properly. If your crown falls off, remain calm and follow these steps:
- Pick up the crown and keep it safe
- Contact your dentist and inform them about the crown and the affected tooth
- If you need to visit the dentist, schedule an appointment.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions once they have reinserted and recemented the crown.
- Avoid sticky or chewy foods, and avoid putting pressure on the crown until you receive your permanent one.
Find a Professional Dental Clinic Near Me
If you are experiencing a toothache after receiving a temporary dental crown, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. The discomfort could be due to a minor issue, such as an improper fit, or a more serious concern, like an oral infection. Delaying treatment can worsen the pain and lead to further complications.
We at Northridge Advanced Dentistry specialize in diagnosing and treating post-procedure discomfort, ensuring that your dental crown fits properly and your oral health remains intact. Our dentists are dedicated to your comfort while providing expert care tailored to your needs. Therefore, if you are experiencing pain after a temporary crown, call us at 818-701-3010 to schedule an appointment and receive the needed treatment.
