Dental crows are effectively used to repair the tooth damaged by decay. However, the placement of dental crowns can sometimes increase tooth sensitivity. This results in difficulty in biting food and even pain when consuming hot or cold food. Although the sensitivity caused by the placement of crown should get resolved in some time, many times it could require additional dental visits for treatment.
Dental crowns are often used as a part of cosmetic dentistry to correct bites, repair chipped teeth, and replace a tooth lost due to decay or injury. For prolonged tooth sensitivity caused by crown placement, you must visit a cosmetic dentist in Columbia, SC at Joel E Johnson’s dental clinic located in South Carolina. His experienced team works to improve the smile of their patients by using various cosmetic dental techniques.
What could make the tooth more sensitive after crown placement?
While most cases of sensitivity subside within a few days to a maximum of 6 weeks following dental crown placement, sometimes the sensitivity could last longer and is often caused by an underlying factor such as:
- Irritation caused by cementing of the crown:
- The cement material that is used for bonding the crown with the remaining part of the tooth can irritate the tooth.
- This irritation can produce discomfort and sensitivity for a few days, but does not require any specific treatment.
- Recurrence of tooth decay:
- Bacteria can easily infect the pulp of a tooth if the crown is improperly fitted.
- This can cause tooth decay and hence, pain and sensitivity return.
- Your dentist in Columbia, SC will remove the crown in such a case, treat the decay and place a new crown again to treat the painful tooth.
- Improper crown fitting:
- Sometimes, when you bite onto food, you can feel pain and increased sensitivity to the tooth on which a crown is placed.
- This is suggestive that the crown is either of the wrong sizes or is poorly fitted.
- Adjustment and reshaping of the crown can relieve pain.
- Occlusal interference caused by the crown:
- This is also called bite interference or malocclusion that has resulted from crown placement.
- It can cause pain and even have potentially serious effects in the long term on jaw alignment.
- Visit your dentist in Columbia, SC to get an occlusal correction.
Always use a soft toothbrush after getting treatment for crown placement to avoid any additional abrasion to the already irritated tooth surface. Use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth, maintain good oral habits, and eat soft food to avoid sensitivity after treatment. You can also take Tylenol or Motrin if the pain becomes unbearable.
