Dental crowns protect the sensitive insides of teeth after root canal procedures, breakage, and other types of trauma. Maintaining good oral health is essential when you have a crown to ensure your hardware remains in good condition. If you are asking, “Why does my crown hurt when I put pressure on it?” you should consider making an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
In the meantime, you will find some common reasons below.
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Common Reasons for Tooth Crown Pain
Why does my crown hurt when I put pressure on it? Only a professional dentist can tell you; however, the following explanations are some of the most common regarding pain from putting pressure on a crowned tooth.
An Ill-Fitting Crown
Dental crowns should fit perfectly over the top of the tooth. An improperly placed or misaligned crown can interfere with your bite, causing pain while chewing or biting down. Let your dentist know if your bite feels off after receiving a crown.
Tooth Decay
Cavities form when harmful bacteria, attracted by plaque buildup, start eating through your tooth’s outer layers. If you feel pain in the vicinity of your crowned tooth when you bite down, the tooth underneath your crown may have become infected. Persistent pain and sensitivity to hot and cold foods are two possible indicators of tooth decay.
A Cracked Crown
If you have a crown but did not receive a root canal, cracks and damage to the crown can expose the nerves inside your tooth, causing extreme pain when you bite down. Resin and composite resin crowns are likelier to break or crack than metal and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection that inflames the gum tissue around your teeth. The tenderness and inflammation it causes can make biting down on the infected side of the mouth very painful. Gum recession and gum swelling are two signs of a possible gum infection.
Tooth Grinding
Tooth grinding called bruxism is a condition in which patients grind their teeth against each other, particularly while asleep. People with bruxism frequently experience jaw pain and pain when biting down. If you have a crowned tooth, grinding your teeth can cause serious damage, particularly if your crown is made of a less durable material such as resin or composite resin.
At-Home Treatment Options
Until you get your answer to “Why does my crown hurt when I put pressure on it?” one of the following home remedies might provide temporary relief from the discomfort and prevent damage to your crown:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- A saltwater gargle or rinse
- Avoiding hard foods and cold foods
- Wearing a mouthguard (especially if you know you’re a tooth grinder or suspect you might be)
Your dentist will give you more specific treatment instructions once they have diagnosed the issue.
“Why Does My Crown Hurt When I Put Pressure On It?” Ask Your Dentist
Caring for your dental crowns is as essential as caring for your natural teeth. Most crowns are designed to last a long time, and replacing them prematurely can be costly. Schedule an appointment with your dentist whenever you experience unusual pain from chewing or biting down.