What Happens if a Tooth with a Crown Begins to Hurt?
Posted on 12/15/2025 by Masci & Hale Advanced Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry |
 Let's talk about something that might make you a little nervous: what happens when a tooth with a dental crown starts to hurt. You might think that because the tooth is protected with a crown, it should be immune to problems. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. While dental crowns are a fantastic tool in restoration dentistry, they don't make your tooth invincible.
Why Crowns Are Used
Dental crowns are like helmets for damaged teeth. When a tooth is cracked, severely decayed, or has had a large filling, a crown can be placed over it to protect it and restore its shape, size, and strength. Think of it as a protective shield. The crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. They are made from a variety of materials, like porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys, and are designed to be durable and long-lasting.
What Could Cause Pain?
Even with a crown, the underlying tooth is still susceptible to problems. Here are a few reasons why you might experience pain in a crowned tooth:
| • |
Tooth Decay: Decay can still occur around the edges of the crown, especially if you don't practice good oral care. Bacteria can sneak in between the crown and the tooth and cause a new cavity. |
| • |
Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontitis, can affect the gums surrounding the crowned tooth. Inflamed and infected gums can cause pain and sensitivity. |
| • |
Cracked Tooth: While the crown protects the tooth, the tooth itself can still crack, especially if you clench or grind your teeth. |
| • |
Pulpitis: The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected (pulpitis), it can cause severe pain. This can happen if the decay reaches the pulp or if the tooth has experienced trauma. |
| • |
Loose Crown: If the cement holding the crown in place weakens, the crown can become loose. This can allow bacteria and food particles to get underneath, leading to irritation and pain. |
| • |
Bite Problems: Sometimes, a crown can be slightly too high, affecting your bite. This can put extra pressure on the crowned tooth and cause discomfort. |
What Should You Do?
If you experience pain in a crowned tooth, it's essential to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Don't try to diagnose the problem yourself or ignore the pain, hoping it will go away. Early intervention is crucial to prevent more serious issues.
Here's what you can expect:
| 1~ |
Examination: Your dentist will thoroughly examine the crowned tooth and the surrounding area. This may involve taking X-rays to check for decay, cracks, or other problems. |
| 2~ |
Diagnosis: Based on the examination, your dentist will determine the cause of the pain. |
| 3~ |
Treatment: The treatment will depend on the underlying cause. It could involve: |
| • |
Replacing the crown if it's loose or damaged. |
| • |
Treating decay with a filling or root canal if the decay has reached the pulp. |
| • |
Addressing gum disease with scaling and root planing. |
| • |
Adjusting the bite if the crown is too high. |
| • |
Prescribing antibiotics if there is an infection. |
Prevention is Key
The best way to avoid pain in a crowned tooth is to practice excellent oral care:
| • |
Brush your teeth at least twice a day: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. |
| • |
Floss daily: This helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gum line. |
| • |
See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings: Your dentist can detect and treat problems early before they become painful. |
| • |
Avoid chewing on hard objects: This can crack your teeth, even with a crown. |
| • |
Wear a mouthguard if you clench or grind your teeth: This can protect your teeth from excessive pressure. |
Dental crowns are valuable in restorative dentistry. By taking good care of your teeth and seeing your dentist regularly, you can help ensure that your crowned tooth remains healthy and pain-free for years to come.
|
|
