According to the American College of Prosthodontists, over 2 million dental crowns are placed each year in Georgia and across the country. As one of the most common restorative dental procedures, crowns are a great way to protect and restore damaged or decayed teeth. However, as with many medical procedures, patients may occasionally feel some mild pain afterward, especially with temporary crowns. Does this sound like you? Don’t fret. Here is what you can do if you have dental crowns in Marietta or West Cobb that are causing you discomfort.
Why Do Dental Crowns Sometimes Cause Discomfort?
Dental crowns are designed to relieve pain associated with damaged teeth. However, sometimes mild pain can follow the crown placement procedure. The most common reasons this occurs are:
- Inflammation around the site of the crowned tooth.
- If a root canal was needed but not completed, the tooth root may become irritated or start to decay and die.
- Incorrect fit that results in harder than usual chewing forces pushing down on the tooth.
In addition, some patients may experience occasional sensitivity to temperature (especially cold) following the dental crown procedure.
How to Handle Dental Crown Pain at Home
Here are a few simple ways you can help deal with dental pain at home while your tooth gets acclimated to a new temporary or permanent crown:
- Avoid extremely hot or cold foods or beverages for a few days
- Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth
- Take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed to treat general pain in the area
- If you grind your teeth at night, wear a mouthguard while you sleep
In addition to the common remedies listed above, there are also more all-natural approaches you can take to relieve dental crown pain, such as:
- Rinsing your mouth several times a day with hot or warm saltwater
- Applying apple cider vinegar or tee tree oil, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties, to the area using a cotton ball or swab
- Consuming more foods that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as cucumbers
When to See a Dentist
If you try some of the tips above and do not experience any pain relief after a few weeks, then it is time to see your dentist. He or she will be able to refit the crown if it is not sitting on your tooth correctly as well as check for other problems, such as root damage.
Remember, with over 2 million placed each year, dental crowns in West Cobb and Marietta are still a popular and effective restorative dental treatment. If you are experiencing any discomfort with a dental crown, do not hesitate to call your dentist for more advice on how to seek relief.