One common side effect after dental crown placement is tooth sensitivity. In the weeks following dental crown placement, patients may feel hypersensitive to hot and cold food and drinks. Individuals may also feel that biting creates undesirable sensations.
Fortunately, the vast majority of individuals will notice that their sensitivity subsides in the days following their initial dental crown placement. Doctors Eddy Sauer, Jr. and Nathaniel Avirett place dental crowns at our Amarillo, TX practice. If you have concerns about sensitivity after dental crown placement, you may find this overview helpful.
What Causes Sensitivity after Dental Crown Placement?
The teeth are made from various layers that protect the sensitive inner portion known as the pulp. When the outer enamel is chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged, heat, cold, and pressure can more quickly transfer to the nerves at the center of the tooth, often resulting in discomfort or even pain.
Because placement of dental crowns requires removal of small amounts of the outer enamel, there is less insulating enamel between the outside environment and the sensitive dentin that envelopes the pulp. While the dental crown prosthetic effectively mimics the insulating and protective qualities of enamel, it can take some time for your tooth to adjust to the crown.
How Long Will Tooth Sensitivity Last?
Patients may experience different side effects for varying durations after dental crown placement. Some patients report zero sensitivity after their new prosthetics are placed. In general, individuals can expect sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks or sensitivity while eating for the first week or two after placement.
There may also be a lingering sensation of tingling after dental crown placement. This sensation should also subside over time. The amount of sensitivity or tenderness experienced after dental crown placement is often proportional to the amount of decay or enamel that was removed prior to your crown being placed. The closer to the nerve your dentist had to drill, the more likely you are to experience post-procedure sensitivity.
Tips for Minimizing Sensitivity after Dental Crown Placement
- Help your dentist understand the cause of your discomfort: Some causes of sensitivity can only heal with time. Other can be treated. If your dental crown hurts when biting, your crown may be too elevated. If that is the case, your dentist can adjust your crown in order to give you better bite balance. In other cases, your discomfort may be coming from a tooth that your crown is pushing against. Knowing the precise cause of your sensitivity will help your dentist diagnose and treat the symptoms.
- Be patient: Sensitivity after dental crown placement is very common. Discomfort should gradually subside over time as your teeth and jawbone adjust to the new prosthetic.
- Avoid aggravating foods and drinks: Cold, hot, and hard foods should be avoided until your sensitivity subsides.
- Over-the-counter medications: Most minor discomfort can be managed using over-the-counter-medications that one of our doctors can recommend.
Contact Us Today
Sensitivity after dental crown placement is very common. Fortunately, the symptoms subside over time as your tooth and jawbone adjust to the new prosthetic. One of our doctors will be there to guide you through your recovery.
If you are ready to learn about the restorative benefits of dental crown placement, contact our office online or call (806) 358-2472.
