Crown Sensitive to Pressure: Causes and Solutions

Experiencing a crown sensitive to pressure can be both puzzling and uncomfortable. This issue often arises after dental procedures, leaving many to wonder about the underlying causes and potential remedies. In this article, we delve into why your crown might be sensitive to pressure and explore the steps you can take to address this problem effectively. Curious about how to relieve this dental discomfort and safeguard your oral health? Read on to uncover the answers.

Understanding Why a Crown Becomes Sensitive to Pressure

Understanding why a crown becomes sensitive to pressure is essential for managing discomfort and ensuring the longevity of your dental work. Sensitivity can occur due to several underlying issues that must be addressed promptly.

Immediate Steps to Take When You Notice Sensitivity

If you notice your crown is sensitive to pressure, taking immediate steps can help manage the discomfort and prevent further issues. Here are the detailed actions you should take:

Contact Your Dentist: The first and most crucial step is to inform your dentist about the sensitivity as soon as possible. Provide detailed information about when the sensitivity started, the type of pain you’re experiencing, and any triggers that worsen it. Your dentist can give you immediate advice over the phone and schedule an appointment to examine the issue in person. They will check for issues like improper fit, infection, or other underlying problems.

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Until you can see your dentist, it is essential to avoid foods that can aggravate sensitivity. Hard foods like nuts, raw vegetables, and candies can put extra pressure on the crown, while sticky foods like caramel and gum can pull on the crown, potentially loosening it. Instead, opt for softer foods that require minimal chewing and are gentle on your teeth, such as soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt.

Use Desensitizing Toothpaste: Start using a toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth. These toothpaste contain ingredients like potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which help block the transmission of pain signals from the tooth’s surface to the nerve. Use it as directed, usually twice daily, to help build up protection over time. Ensure to brush gently and avoid aggressive brushing that could further irritate the sensitive area.

Practice Gentle Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial, but it’s important to be gentle around the sensitive tooth crown. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid causing additional irritation to the crown and surrounding gums. Brush using gentle, circular motions and avoid applying excessive pressure. When flossing, be careful around the crowned tooth. Gently slide the floss between your teeth without snapping it down onto the gums, which can cause further discomfort.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If the sensitivity is causing significant discomfort, consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications can help reduce inflammation and manage pain. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging and do not exceed the recommended amount. Pain relief can help you manage the discomfort until you receive professional dental care.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Sensitivity can be triggered or worsened by consuming hot or cold foods and beverages. Avoid ice cream, hot coffee, cold drinks, and iced drinks. Instead, opt for foods and drinks at room temperature to minimize triggering the sensitivity. Drinking through a straw can also help direct liquids away from the sensitive area.

Following these detailed steps, you can effectively manage the sensitivity and protect your crowned tooth until you receive professional dental care. These measures will help alleviate discomfort and prevent further damage to the affected tooth.

Common Causes of Crown Sensitivity

Understanding the common causes of crown pain and sensitivity is essential for addressing and preventing this discomfort. Here are the primary factors that can cause crown’s sensitivity from pressure:

Improper Fit or Placement

A dental crown that does not fit properly or is slightly misaligned can cause significant pressure on the tooth and surrounding tissues. This improper fit can lead to discomfort and sensitivity, especially when biting or chewing.

Tooth Decay Under the Crown

If decay develops underneath the crown, it can lead to increased sensitivity. This decay can expose or irritate the tooth’s nerve, resulting in sharp pain when applying pressure.

Exposed Dentin

During the crown placement, some enamel is removed, potentially exposing the dentin layer underneath. Dentin contains tiny tubules that direct to the tooth’s nerve center, making it more sensitive to pressure, temperature changes, and certain foods.

Nerve Inflammation or Infection

Sometimes, the nerve inside the tooth can become inflamed or infected after the crown is placed. This can happen if the tooth was not completely cleaned of bacteria before the temporary crown was cemented or if the crown placement irritated the nerve.

Gum Recession

If the gum tissue adjacent to the crowned tooth recedes, it can expose the root surface or the edge of the crown, leading to sensitivity. Gum recession can result from aggressive brushing, periodontal disease, or the natural aging process.

Bite Misalignment

An incorrect bite can cause uneven pressure on the crowned tooth, leading to sensitivity. This issue can arise if the crown is too high or if there are other alignment problems with your teeth.

Recent Dental Procedures

Sensitivity, such as a root canal or filling, can occur after dental work or a dental procedure that precedes crown placement. The tooth may need time to heal and adjust to the new crown.

Material of the Crown

Different materials used for crowns, such as metal, porcelain, or ceramic, can affect tooth sensitivity differently. For instance, metal crowns can conduct temperature changes more than porcelain or ceramic crowns, potentially leading to increased sensitivity.

Excessive Wear

A crown can wear down over time due to constant use, especially if you grind your teeth or chew on hard objects. This wear can expose the underlying tooth structure, leading to sensitivity.

By understanding these common causes, you can work with your dentist to identify the specific reason for your crown sensitivity and take appropriate measures to address it. This knowledge is key to finding effective solutions and maintaining optimal dental health.

Professional Treatments and Solutions

When dealing with a crown sensitive to pressure, professional treatments and solutions are essential to alleviate discomfort and ensure the longevity of the dental work. Here are some common approaches used by dental professionals:

Adjustment or Replacement of the Crown: If the crown is improperly fitted or misaligned, your dentist may need to adjust or replace it. This can involve reshaping the crown, removing it, and taking new impressions to create a better-fitting replacement.

Treatment of Underlying Decay: If tooth decay is present under the crown, the dentist will need to remove the crown, clean out the decay, and possibly perform additional procedures such as a filling or root canal treatment before placing a new permanent crown on.

Root Canal Therapy: A root canal treatment may be necessary if the sensitivity is due to nerve inflammation or infection. In this dental procedure the dentist removes the infected nerve tissue from within the tooth, cleaning the root canal infection, sealing the root canals, and restoring the tooth with a new crown.

Gum Treatment: If gum recession contributes to sensitivity, gum grafts can help cover exposed roots and reduce sensitivity. Scaling and root planing may also be necessary if periodontal disease is present.

Occlusal Adjustment: An incorrect bite can cause pressure and sensitivity on the crowned tooth. Your dentist can adjust the bite by reshaping the crown or other teeth to ensure even pressure distribution during chewing.

Desensitizing Treatments: Dentists can apply desensitizing agents directly to the tooth or crown to help reduce sensitivity. These treatments work by blocking the radiation of pain signals from the tooth to the nerve.

Use of Custom Night Guards: If teeth grinding (bruxism) is causing wear on the crown and leading to sensitivity, your dentist may recommend a custom-fitted night guard. This appliance protects the teeth from grinding forces, reducing wear and sensitivity.

Application of Dental Sealants: Dental sealants can be applied to the crown’s surface to cover exposed dentin and reduce sensitivity. This protective coating can help prevent stimuli from reaching the sensitive areas of the tooth.

Antibiotic Therapy: If an infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed to stop the infection and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating sensitivity.

Regular Monitoring and Maintenance: Ongoing dental check-ups and maintenance are important to monitor the health of the crowned tooth and surrounding tissues. Regular cleanings and examinations help catch potential issues early and prevent them from escalating.

Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Sensitivity

Implementing preventive measures is essential to experience tooth sensitivity and avoid future sensitivity in crowned teeth. Here are some strategies to help maintain the health and comfort of your dental crowns:

Use Desensitizing Toothpaste: Regularly using toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth can help protect the exposed dentin and reduce sensitivity over time. These toothpastes contain ingredients that block pain signals from reaching the nerve.

Choose a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on your gums and can stop gum recession, which can expose sensitive areas around the crown. Avoid aggressively brushing too hot and cold to prevent damage to the gums and teeth.

Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Limit your intake of hard foods like nuts and candies and sticky foods like caramel and gum, which can put high pressure on the crown and potentially damage it. Opt for soft pureed foods that are easier on your dental work.

Wear a Night Guard: If you experience bruxism, wearing a night guard can protect your crowned teeth from excessive wear and pressure, reducing the risk of sensitivity and damage.

Regular Dental Check-Ups: Attend routine dental visits for cleanings and examinations. Frequent check-ups enable your dentist to assess the condition of your crown and identify any potential issues early, preventing them from developing into serious problems.

Protect Your Teeth During Sports: If you engage in contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can protect your crowns and natural teeth from impact and injury. Custom-fitted mouthguards offer you protection and comfort.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Avoid consuming foods and beverages that are extremely hot or cold, as these can trigger sensitivity in crowned teeth. Eating and drinking sugary foods at moderate temperatures can help prevent discomfort.

Address Gum Health: Avoid tobacco products and practice good oral hygiene. Healthy gums provide a strong foundation for your crowned teeth and help prevent recession, which can lead to sensitivity.

Monitor for Signs of Wear and Tear: Pay attention to any changes in your crown’s feelings. If you notice any discomfort or changes in bite, contact your dentist promptly to address any issues before they lead to sensitivity or damage.

If you have a crown sensitive to pressure, understanding the causes and steps to take can significantly alleviate your discomfort. Consult your dentist to explore professional treatments and adopt preventive measures to avoid future sensitivity. Addressing the issue promptly ensures your dental health remains intact and pain-free.

References

Tooth Sensitivity After Crowns

https://www.verywellhealth.com/tooth-sensitivity-after-crown-5210263

Dental Crown Tooth Pain: Causes and Treatment

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-causes-dental-crown-tooth-pain-and-how-to-relieve-it

Dental crown procedure | healthdirect

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-crown-procedure

Dental crowns: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007631.htm

Crowns & Bridges | College of Dentistry | University of Illinois Chicago

https://dentistry.uic.edu/patients/dental-services/general-family-dentistry/crowns-bridges/