
Is Throbbing Pain Normal After Dental Crown Placement?
Calgary, AB
After getting a dental crown, many people expect the discomfort to go away in a few days. But what if you’re still feeling throbbing pain after crown placement? If you’re in this situation, you’re not alone. This type of pain is common, and understanding why it’s happening can help you find relief. In this blog, we’ll explore the possible causes and solutions for throbbing pain after crown placement.
Common Causes of Throbbing Pain After Crown Placement
There are several reasons why you might experience pain after having a crown placed. While some discomfort is normal, throbbing pain can be a sign of an underlying issue. Here are the most common causes:
1. Inflamed Nerves
- What happens: The process of getting a crown often involves filing down your tooth, which can irritate the nerves.
- Symptoms: Throbbing or pulsating pain that doesn’t go away within a week.
- Solution: In many cases, the nerve will calm down over time. Pain relievers can help. However, if the pain persists, you may need to consult your dentist about additional treatment options.
2. Improper Crown Fit
- What happens: A crown that doesn’t fit correctly can press against the surrounding teeth or gums, causing discomfort.
- Symptoms: You may notice the crown feels too high or there’s an uneven bite.
- Solution: Your dentist can easily adjust the crown by filing it down to ensure it fits better. This should reduce any pressure or pain you’re feeling.
3. Tooth Infection
- What happens: If bacteria enter the tooth during the crown placement, an infection could develop.
- Symptoms: Severe throbbing pain, swelling, and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- Solution: You might need antibiotics to treat the infection. In some cases, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected tissue.
4. Bite Misalignment
- What happens: When the bite isn’t properly aligned after crown placement, the pressure can lead to pain in your jaw or teeth.
- Symptoms: Discomfort when chewing or biting down and throbbing pain that radiates to the jaw.
- Solution: A bite adjustment by your dentist can help solve this problem. Aligning the bite will distribute pressure more evenly across your teeth.
5. Gum Irritation
- What happens: During the crown placement, your gums may become irritated due to the procedure or the crown itself.
- Symptoms: Redness, swelling, and sensitivity in the gums around the crown.
- Solution: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse with warm salt water to soothe your gums. If the irritation persists, ask your dentist to check for issues with the crown or surrounding teeth.
Solutions for Throbbing Pain After Crown Placement
If you’re experiencing throbbing pain after crown placement, there are several steps you can take to manage the discomfort and, in many cases, solve the problem altogether.
1. Pain Relievers and Anti-Inflammatories
- How they help: Over-the-counter painkillers, like ibuprofen, can reduce both pain and inflammation.
- When to take them: If the pain is mild to moderate and doesn’t interfere too much with your daily life, these medications can be helpful in the short term.
2. Cold Compress
- How it helps: Applying a cold compress to your cheek can help numb the area and reduce inflammation.
- When to use it: If the pain is localized to one side of your mouth and there’s some visible swelling, a cold compress may provide quick relief.
3. Adjusting the Crown
- How it helps: If the crown feels too high or affects your bite, a simple adjustment by your dentist can resolve the issue.
- When to ask for this: If your pain is most noticeable when chewing or clenching your teeth, you should schedule a follow-up visit for a crown adjustment.
4. Root Canal Therapy
- How it helps: If the nerves inside your tooth are severely damaged or infected, a root canal might be needed to stop the pain.
- When to consider it: Persistent throbbing pain that lasts longer than a few days, especially if accompanied by swelling or sensitivity to temperature, might indicate a need for a root canal.
5. Better Oral Hygiene
- How it helps: Keeping the area clean can prevent gum irritation and infections around the crown.
- What to do: Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss around the crown to keep food particles and bacteria from building up.
Preventing Throbbing Pain After Crown Placement
Taking steps to prevent throbbing pain after crown placement can save you from future discomfort. Here’s what you can do to protect your teeth and gums before, during, and after the procedure:
1. Choose a Qualified Dentist
- Proper oral care and dental crown placement are essential for minimizing complications.
- Always follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.
2. Follow Aftercare Instructions
- Take care of your new crown by avoiding hard foods and using the recommended oral care products.
- If your dentist suggests a follow-up visit, don’t skip it.
3. Monitor Your Symptoms
- If you experience throbbing pain after crown placement, don’t ignore it. Addressing the issue early can help avoid further complications.
When to Contact Your Dentist Upon Experiencing Throbbing Pain After Crown Placement?
If your pain doesn’t improve within a week or worsens, it’s important to contact your dentist. Other signs that you need to seek professional care include:
- Swelling or redness around the crown
- A fever, which could indicate an infection
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts for more than a few seconds
Your dentist can determine the cause of the pain and recommend a suitable treatment to provide relief.
Experiencing throbbing pain after crown placement can be frustrating, but in most cases, it’s treatable. Whether it’s due to an improper fit, gum irritation, or nerve issues, your dentist Huntington Hills will work with you to find a solution. Always pay attention to any pain or discomfort, and don’t hesitate to seek care if necessary. Proper care and timely attention can ensure your crown serves you well for years to come.
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