Dental crowns are a highly effective way to restore the function, strength, and appearance of a damaged tooth. Whether youve received a crown due to decay, fractures, or cosmetic reasons, some mild discomfort or tooth sensitivity after crown fitting is common. This is a normal part of your mouth adjusting to the new restoration.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, our goal is to ensure your crown fits comfortably and functions perfectly. This comprehensive guide explains how to relieve pain after prosthetic crown fitting and when to contact your dentist for follow-up care.
Is Pain After Crown Placement Normal?
Yes, its typical to experience:
Mild discomfort or pressure around the crowned tooth
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
Slight gum soreness around the crown margins
Bite discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the new crown
These sensations are common and generally subside within a few days to a week.
Common Causes of Pain After Crown Fitting
Gum Irritation: Gums may be slightly inflamed from the crown placement process.
Bite Misalignment: If the crown sits too high, it can cause discomfort when chewing.
Tooth Sensitivity: Removing decay and reshaping the tooth can expose inner layers, leading to temporary sensitivity.
Cement Drying: As the adhesive fully sets, mild soreness or tightness can occur.
Nerve Sensitivity: If the tooth was heavily decayed or previously filled, the nerve may be temporarily irritated.
How Long Does Pain Last After Crown Placement?
Mild discomfort: Typically lasts 2 to 5 days.
Sensitivity: Can continue for up to 2 weeks, depending on the extent of tooth preparation.
If discomfort worsens or persists beyond 2 weeks, contact McLevin Dental Clinic for evaluation.
Effective Pain Relief Tips After Prosthetic Crown Fitting
1. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed to relieve soreness and reduce inflammation.
Always follow recommended dosages or consult your dentist.
2. Rinse with Warm Salt Water
Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
Rinse gently 23 times daily to soothe gums and reduce irritation.
3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures Temporarily
Skip very hot drinks (coffee, tea) and very cold items (ice water, ice cream) for the first few days.
Lukewarm food and drinks reduce the chance of triggering sensitivity.
4. Eat Soft, Non-Irritating Foods
Choose foods like scrambled eggs, pasta, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies (without straws), and soups.
Avoid chewy, hard, or crunchy foods until discomfort resolves.
5. Check Your Bite Alignment
If you notice that the crown feels high or it touches before your other teeth, this can lead to persistent soreness, headaches, or jaw pain.
Contact McLevin Dental Clinic for a simple adjustmentits a quick and painless fix.
6. Use Desensitizing Toothpaste
Switch to toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth (like Sensodyne).
This helps block pain signals from exposed dentin or sensitive nerves.
7. Avoid Sticky Foods
Gum, caramel, or sticky candies can pull at the crown, irritating the surrounding tissues or affecting the adhesive bond.
8. Rest Your Mouth from Excessive Chewing
Chew on the opposite side of the mouth for the first 24 to 48 hours if possible.
This gives the tooth and surrounding gum tissue time to adjust.
When to Contact McLevin Dental Clinic
Call us if you experience:
Pain that worsens instead of improving after 57 days
Persistent sensitivity lasting more than 2 weeks
Sharp pain when chewing or biting
The crown feels loose, wobbly, or falls off
Swelling, pus, or foul odor indicating possible infection
Prompt evaluation can address issues before they develop into more significant problems.
How to Prevent Pain After Future Crown Placements
Practice gentle but thorough oral hygiene using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Floss carefully around the crown, using techniques that avoid snapping the floss into the gums.
Use fluoride toothpaste and consider fluoride rinses for added protection.
Schedule regular dental checkups at McLevin Dental Clinic to monitor the crown and surrounding teeth.
How Long Will My Dental Crown Last?
With proper care:
Porcelain, zirconia, or ceramic crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
Gold and metal-based crowns often last even longer due to their strength.
Avoiding harmful habits like chewing ice, grinding teeth, or using teeth to open packages preserves both your crown and your natural teeth.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority
Pain after prosthetic crown fitting is a normal part of the adjustment process for many patients. However, this discomfort is temporary and manageable with the right home care and support from our team.
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we are dedicated to ensuring your crown fits comfortably and functions perfectly, delivering a durable solution for your dental health.
Schedule Your Crown Follow-Up Appointment Today
Experiencing discomfort after your crown placement or need a quick adjustment? Contact McLevin Dental Clinic today to schedule your check-up. Our experienced dental team is here to ensure your crown fits, feels, and functions exactly as it should.