Understanding Why You’re Having Dental Crown Sensitivity

Have you had a dental crown installed recently and felt uncharacteristically hypersensitive afterward? Don’t worry; you’re not having a serious tooth problem. Tooth sensitivity is a typical adverse effect of dental crown implantation. 

Patients may have hypersensitivity to hot and cold meals and drinks in the weeks after the implantation of a dental crown. They may also believe that biting causes unpleasant feelings.

Fortunately, many patients discover that their sensitivity goes away after a few days of receiving their first dental crown. The points below are useful if you are concerned about sensitivity after receiving a dental crown.

Cause of the Sensitivity

Heat, cold, and pressure can more easily travel to the nerves at the middle of the tooth when the outer enamel is chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged, causing discomfort or even pain. 

Dental crowns remove small amounts of outer enamel from teeth, providing less protection from heat and cold. As a result, the inner, more sensitive dentin that surrounds the pulp of the tooth is more exposed to external stimuli. 

While the dental crown prosthetic efficiently simulates the insulating and protecting characteristics of enamel, your teeth may require some time to accept the crown.

Sensations People Feel After the Procedure

Following the placement of a dental crown, patients may experience a variety of side effects for differing lengths of time; some even report not feeling anything at all. For the first week or two following placement, people can expect sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks, as well as sensitivity when eating.

A tingling feeling may persist, but this sensation should fade away with time. The level of sensitivity or pain you feel after getting a dental crown is usually proportionate to how much decay or enamel was removed before your crown was installed.

The closer the dentist has to drill to the nerve, the more likely you are to have post-procedure sensitivity.

How to Reduce Sensitivity after a Dental Crown

Despite its prevalence, dental sensitivity can be easily managed and avoided. Maintaining a regular oral hygiene program is critical for preventing tooth decay and infection. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing on a regular basis, and avoiding sugary foods.

Your dentist will advise you to use toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth. These desensitizing products, which are frequently accessible over the counter, have been demonstrated to be beneficial in lowering pain intensity and discomfort.

It’s best to brush with a soft toothbrush. Brushes with softer bristles are gentler on the gums and can help reduce irritation. Avoid biting hard surfaces, such as hard candies, and avoid grinding teeth, chewing fingernails, and other unhealthy oral hygiene behaviors by eating carefully.

It’s also wise to steer clear of stimuli that can trigger sensitivity. Avoiding extremely hot, freezing, or cold meals or drinks will help prevent sensitivity attacks from developing. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or other over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can also help with the discomfort.

Conclusion

Sensitivity after the implantation of a dental crown is very common. Fortunately, as your tooth and jawbone acclimate to the new prosthetic, the symptoms will fade. You can always consult with your dentist whenever you feel discomfort, and they will give you the proper assurances.

If you want a safe and secure dental crown procedure, visit Cosmetic Dentistry of Murfreesboro. We have been a part of the community and have been offering Cosmetic Dentistry services for over 25 years. Book your dental appointment with our clinic today!