A dental crown is a treatment option that may be ideal for a patient with a damaged tooth. Often made of porcelain or similar durable materials, dental crowns are designed to look and function like natural teeth. When inserted over a damaged tooth, a dental crown can:
- Protect a cracked tooth from breaking apart
- Guard against dental decay if a tooth is weak
- Provide support for a dental bridge
- Conceal discoloration or other flaws that might negatively impact a patient’s smile
- Cover a tooth with a filling that is particularly large
Dental crowns are custom-designed for patients. As such, the process of creating them can take several weeks. They also come in several different forms. Your dentist can explain your options when discussing why this treatment may be necessary.
If your dentist recommends this treatment, while the lab is creating your permanent crown, they may provide you with a temporary crown. Although this is not always the case, it’s not uncommon for some patients to experience a certain degree of sensitivity (to pressure, temperature, or both) after a temporary dental crown has been inserted. This is a side effect you should prepare for if you’re receiving a temporary dental crown.
Factors Affecting How Long Sensitivity Lasts After a Dental Crown is Inserted
Sensitivity after receiving a dental crown tends to become less significant over time. Factors that can affect how long sensitivity may last include the following:
- Whether extensive dental work (such as a root canal) was performed when inserting the crown
- Whether a patient already experienced any tooth sensitivity before receiving their temporary crown
- A patient’s oral hygiene habits
- The type of material a crown is made of
- Whether a crown is properly aligned with a patient’s other teeth
Most patients who experience sensitivity after receiving temporary dental crowns notice that it goes away in a few days or weeks. It’s also worth noting that, because a temporary dental crown will eventually be replaced by a permanent one, this side effect of a treatment will, by its very nature, eventually subside.
That doesn’t mean you should just ignore the issue if you experience particularly uncomfortable sensitivity. It’s always wise to contact your dentist if you believe the side effect of a treatment is more severe than it should be. You should also contact your dentist if noticeable pain or sensitivity lasts longer than a week.
Managing Sensitivity After Receiving a Temporary Crown
Ways to manage or even guard against sensitivity after a temporary crown has been inserted include:
- Trying not to consume particularly hot or cold food or beverages, as extreme temperatures can cause greater discomfort after a patient has received a temporary crown
- Using a toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth
- Trying not to chew on the side where a temporary crown has been inserted
- Brushing and flossing regularly
- Using safe, over-the-counter pain relievers when sensitivity causes discomfort
Your dentist may offer additional suggestions if you are struggling with sensitivity after receiving a temporary crown. Just remember, this experience is common, and very likely will go away in the days and weeks following treatment.
Contact your dentist if it doesn’t. Although complications involving this form of treatment are very rare, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and discuss your concerns with a dental professional. They’ll make sure you receive the care you need.
Learn More About Dental Crowns
At Advanced Dental Group, in Brooklyn, NY and Pomona, NY, our experts will gladly answer any additional questions you may have about dental crowns, helping you better understand if this is the right treatment option for your needs. Learn more by contacting us online or calling our Brooklyn office (718-376-1666) or Pomona office (845-364-9400) to schedule an appointment.