Getting a dental crown is a fantastic way to protect a weakened tooth, restore its function, and enhance your smile. However, its common to experience pressure discomfort after a crown placement as your mouth adjusts to the new restoration. This is typically a temporary part of the healing process.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we focus on making your dental experiences as smooth and comfortable as possible. This guide shares the causes of post-crown pressure discomfort, tips for managing it, and when to seek help.
Why Does Pressure Discomfort Occur After Crown Placement?
When a crown is placed over a natural tooth, it changes how your bite aligns and how pressure is distributed. Some common reasons for temporary pressure discomfort include:
Bite adjustment: Even a slight change in how teeth meet can create noticeable pressure until your jaw adapts.
Nerve sensitivity: If the tooth required significant drilling or had deep decay, the nerve inside the tooth may be temporarily irritated.
Gum inflammation: Gums around the crown might feel tender from the placement process.
Adjacent teeth reaction: Nearby teeth may feel sore as they adjust to the new spacing and pressure dynamics.
How Long Does Pressure Discomfort Last?
Mild pressure or sensitivity typically improves within a few days to a week.
More noticeable bite-related discomfort may take up to two weeks to resolve as the bite settles.
If discomfort persists beyond two weeks, or feels sharp or severe, its important to contact McLevin Dental.
How to Manage Pressure Discomfort After Crown Placement
1. Eat Soft Foods Initially
Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like:
Mashed potatoes
Yogurt
Pasta
Eggs
Smoothies
Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that put extra pressure on the new crown.
2. Avoid Chewing on the Crown Side (Temporarily)
Give the crowned tooth time to settle by chewing on the opposite side for the first few days.
3. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort and reduce minor inflammation.
Follow the dosage instructions or your dentists recommendations.
4. Rinse With Warm Salt Water
Mix 1 tsp salt with 1 cup of warm water.
Rinse 23 times daily to soothe sore gums and reduce inflammation around the crowned tooth.
5. Apply Cold Compresses (If Needed)
If you experience mild swelling or gum tenderness, apply a cold compress to the cheek near the area for 1520 minutes at a time.
6. Check Your Bite
If your teeth feel like they dont close together comfortably or if one tooth hits earlier than the others, it could mean the crown is too high.
Contact McLevin Dental for a quick adjustmentits a common and easy fix.
When to Contact McLevin Dental
Call us if you experience:
Persistent or worsening pressure beyond 710 days.
Sharp pain when biting down.
Sensitivity that feels electric, throbbing, or doesnt improve.
Gums that remain swollen, painful, or bleed around the crown.
The crown feels loose, wobbly, or uncomfortable.
Our team will evaluate your crown fit and make precise adjustments if needed.
How to Prevent Long-Term Discomfort
Maintain excellent oral hygienebrush twice daily and floss around the crown carefully.
Use a nightguard if you clench or grind your teeth, which can cause pressure discomfort and damage the crown.
Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or opening packages with your teeth.
Keep regular dental checkups to monitor the crowns health and your overall bite alignment.
A Comfortable Fit for a Confident Smile
Pressure discomfort after a dental crown is typically a normal, temporary part of adjusting to the restoration. With soft foods, gentle care, salt water rinses, and professional bite adjustments if needed, youll soon enjoy the full benefits of your crownstrength, function, and a natural appearance.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we are always here to help you through every step of the dental crown process. If you have concerns about pressure, sensitivity, or your bite, our friendly dental team is just a call away.