Getting a dental crown is an excellent way to restore the function, strength, and appearance of a damaged tooth. Occasionally, patients may notice a clicking, tapping, or shifting sensation after crown placement. While this can be concerning, it is often a minor and correctable issue.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we prioritize making sure your dental crown feels natural, secure, and comfortable. This guide explains why you might experience a clicking sensation after crown placement and how to handle it safely.
Why a Clicking Sensation Happens After Crown Placement
Bite Misalignment: If the crown is slightly too high or not perfectly aligned, it can cause your teeth to meet differently, resulting in clicking when biting or chewing.
Loose Crown: A crown may not be fully sealed or could loosen over time, especially if exposed to biting pressure before the cement fully sets.
Adjacent Teeth Shifting: Occasionally, minor adjustments in your bite cause other teeth to move slightly, leading to new sensations.
Jaw Muscle Readjustment: After dental work, your jaw muscles may adapt to the new crown, causing temporary sensations like clicking or popping.
Crown Contacting Opposing Teeth: The new crown might be slightly higher than your natural teeth, causing it to hit sooner when closing your mouth.
Is It Normal?
A mild clicking or bite adjustment sensation in the first few days may be part of getting used to the crown.
If the clicking persists beyond a few days, feels loose, or causes discomfort when chewing, it is important to contact McLevin Dental for an adjustment.
What You Should Do
?? Check for Bite Discomfort
Pay attention to whether the clicking happens while chewing, speaking, or closing your mouth.
If your bite feels uneven or off, this often indicates the crown needs a minor adjustment.
?? Avoid Hard Foods Temporarily
Stay away from crunchy or chewy foods that put pressure on the crown until it feels stable.
Soft foods like scrambled eggs, yogurt, and mashed vegetables are best.
?? Call McLevin Dental Promptly
A simple bite adjustment appointment usually resolves the issue in minutes.
Waiting too long can cause jaw strain, headaches, or even damage to the crown or surrounding teeth.
What Not to Do
Do not ignore clicking that persists beyond a few days.
Avoid chewing on the side with the crown if it feels loose or clicks heavily.
Do not attempt to adjust the crown yourself. DIY methods can cause damage to the crown or tooth.
Long-Term Risks of Not Addressing Clicking
Jaw discomfort: TMJ strain from an uneven bite.
Tooth damage: Premature wear on opposing teeth.
Crown failure: If the crown loosens further, it could detach or fracture.
Gum irritation: Poorly fitting crowns can cause inflammation or gum recession.
How McLevin Dental Fixes Clicking Crowns
Bite Adjustment: We carefully check how your upper and lower teeth meet and make minor refinements to the crowns surface.
Check for Looseness: If the crown is loose, we may remove it, clean the area, and reseat it with fresh cement.
Evaluate Occlusion: Sometimes, clicking indicates broader bite alignment issues, which we assess and address as needed.
Preventing Clicking in the Future
Always do a bite check before leaving the dental chair.
Mention even minor discomfort so it can be corrected immediately.
Return for regular dental checkups to monitor the crowns condition.
Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth, which can cause crowns to loosen over time.
When to Call McLevin Dental
Contact us if:
Clicking persists beyond 34 days.
The crown feels loose, wobbly, or shifts when chewing.
You feel discomfort, pain, or pressure on the crown.
You hear clicking or popping in the jaw joint (TMJ) that feels new.
Trust McLevin Dental for Crown Comfort and Longevity
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, were committed to ensuring your dental crown feels natural, functional, and secure. If you notice a clicking sensation or anything unusual after crown placement, dont hesitate to contact us. Our team will ensure that your bite is comfortable and your crown serves you beautifully for years to come.