When Should You See Your Dentist After a Crown?

A Little Discomfort Is Usually Fine

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue have just been through a rough time, so some tenderness for a few days is perfectly normal. You may also find that the tooth is particularly sensitive to biting, for instance, if the crown was placed following a root canal treatment or significant drilling.

However, pain that increases over time or that you still experience days later should not be ignored. And if things are sensitive enough that you need to take painkillers to get through the day, it’s time to contact our dentists. Same with any persistent discomfort that you notice when you bite down. A new crown is an unusual experience for your tooth, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with unexplained misery.

Don’t Ignore These Changes

• A crown that feels loose should be reported right away, even if it hasn’t come out entirely yet. The sooner it can be addressed, the better, since chewing on it can cause additional issues.

• Persistent swelling of the gums or around the jaw should be brought to the attention of a dentist

as soon as possible.

• Bite pain that is sharp and persists for days or longer after the initial procedure is not something to be ignored.

• A bitter taste or unpleasant odor coming from the site of the crown can be a sign of an underlying issue that requires professional attention and should not be dealt with at home by masking the symptoms.

What About Sensitivity?

Sensitivity to hot or cold beverages and foods shortly after having a crown fitted is not uncommon, and such discomfort usually fades as the tooth becomes accustomed to the new addition. Gradual improvement in this respect is a good sign, and if you’re experiencing sensitivity on a decreasing daily basis, you shouldn’t be concerned.

On the other hand, if a bite or sip of something cold causes sharp pain that lingers for a while after you’ve stopped tasting the beverage, you should give us a call. Likewise, any sudden tooth pain that appears without warning deserves your dentist’s attention.

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